Alumnus named Minnesota’s Physician Assistant-of-the-Year

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Eric Wirta, a 2005 graduate of SFU, was recently named the 2019 Physician Assistant-of-the-Year by the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants.

The award recognizes a physician assistant who demonstrates “outstanding work to the profession and the serving community.”

Wirta serves as a physician assistant with the Mayo Clinic Health System in Ellsworth and Red Wing, Minnesota.

“The PA department was excited to learn that Eric Wirta was named PA of the year for the state of Minnesota,” said Carrie Beebout, the director for SFU’s Master of Physician Assistant Sciences program.

“What an incredible honor for a hard-working and compassionate provider.”

Wirta has worked in primary care, occupational medicine, urgent care and emergency medicine for more than 14 years.

He was nominated for the award by his colleague, Charles Moehnke.

“I’m grateful to have known Eric for a long time,” said Moehnke, who is also a physician assistant.  “He is an outstanding provider who is always willing to learn more and do more to enhance the PA profession.”

Wirta was formally presented the award at a conference last month.

“The PA Department is proud of Eric’s accomplishments,” said Beebout.