- Preventative Cardiology
- Stress Testing
- Tilt Table Testing
- German Speaking
A native of Germany, Martina first came to the United States 20 years ago thanks to her husband of more than 25 years and the US Army. Military life meant moving eight times in twelve years, which made her adept at packing up furniture, family and pets with just a few weeks notice.
Medicine was always her first love. After becoming a translator and later on a physical therapist assistant, she eventually had the chance to turn her dream into reality. She enrolled in the Physician Assistant program at Midwestern University and graduated first in her class. Martina began working as a PA at Desert Cardiology in November 2001.
Outside of teaching patients on how to better their health and prevent heart disease, she lectures on EKG interpretation and precepts the next generation of Physician Assistant students.
Martina loves volunteering and throughout her husband’s army career has volunteered with many different organizations on both sides of the Atlantic. More recently, her work with the Tucson Girls Chorus and the Tucson High Magnet School volleyball program has been most fulfilling and rewarding. If her voice is hoarse, you can bet that she just attended her daughter’s volleyball match the night before! When her daughter goes off to college, she plans on finding other activities to keep her busy and grounded.
Having become an American citizen, she is proud of her chosen country. As the cliché goes, it truly has been a land of golden opportunities for her. You might think that living in the desert, she misses green grass, trees and snow. However, while there are some things she does miss about Germany, in particular her family, she cannot imagine living any place else but here.
Education
BMSBachelor of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Summa Cum Laude, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, 2001
AASAssociates of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant, Phi Theta Kappa Honors, Pima Community College, Tucson, AZ, 1988
BAStaatsexamen Fuer Uebersetzer (Bachelor’s Equivalent for Translator), Wuerzburg Interpreter’s Institute, Wuerzburg, Germany, 1983
Board Certifications
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Hospital Affiliations
- Northwest Medical Center
- Oro Valley Hospital
- Tucson Heart Hospital
Professional Memberships
- Cardiac Care Associate, American College of Cardiology
- Fellow, Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiology
- Fellow, American Academy of Physician Assistants
- Fellow, Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants
- Member, Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants
Leadership Roles
- Preceptor for Physician Assistant students, Midwestern University, 2004-Ongoing
- President, Society of Arizona Midwestern University Physician Assistant Students, 1999-2000.
- Reviewer, Aquatic Journal Editorial Board, Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute, 1998-2001
- Question Writer and Exam Reviewer, Aquatic Therapy Certification Exam, Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute, 1998
- Exam Construction and Item Reviewer, National Physical Therapist Assistant Exam, Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, 1996-1998
- President, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Fraternity, Cochise College, 1986-1987
Community Activities
- Tucson High Magnet School (THMS) Girls Volleyball Booster Club, 2007-2009 (President 2008)
- Club Cactus Juniors Volleyball, 2002-ongoing (Team Parent; Tournament Chaperone)
- Tucson Girls Chorus, 1998-ongoing (Secretary, Parent Association; Board Fundraising Committee; Concert and Camp Committees; Tour Chaperone)
- US Army, 1982-1994 (Translator/Interpreter/General Volunteer for Recreation Center, Entertainment Branch, Travel Office, Community functions, German-American Clubs, Community Theater)
Honors and Awards
- Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants, 2008
- Valedictorian, Midwestern University PA Class of 2001
- Outstanding Service Award, Midwestern University PA Program, May 2001
- Carondelet Rehabilitationist of the Year Award, 1998
- Arizona Physical Therapy Association Outstanding PTA Nomination, 1997
- “Best Lighting Design as a Volunteer” for Oklahoma, European Tournament of Plays 1990
- Phi Theta Kappa Honors, Pima Community College, 1988
- National Dean’s List 1986 – 1988
- Special Citation, European Recreation Society, 1981