Kirsten M. Boland was drawn to Gastroenterology by her fascination with the interconnectedness between the body’s organs, the gastrointestinal system, and the effects that external factors such as life stress can have on the healthy functioning of the GI system. As a Physician Assistant with Summit Health’s Gastroenterology team, she has a particular interest in liver disorders and uses a combination of listening, education, and treatment to teach patients about their health while empowering them to take ownership of their health along the way. “When I walk into a room to see a patient, I want them to tell me their story. Two things are important to me in every patient visit: making sure my patients have had all their questions addressed, and making sure they understand what the path forward is regarding their care,” says Boland. Prior to earning her Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Boland earned her Master of Health Sciences from Duke University and her Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University. Boland is a Nationally Certified Physician Assistant and Pathologists’ Assistant, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants. She relocated to Central Oregon from Grand Junction, Colo., where she most recently served as a Gastroenterology PA-C at Grand Junction Gastroenterology. When she’s not working, Boland can often be found cooking in the kitchen, joining her dog for walks or hikes, reading, or trying a new restaurant.
