Get to Know Our New Physician Assistant Sarah Brock
We are thrilled to welcome Physician Assistant Sarah Brock to the Clinic Sofia team! Prior to joining Clinic Sofia, Sarah practiced in family medicine as a Physician Assistant for Olmsted Medical Center in Pine Island, Minn., and worked in fundraising and development for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ECLA) in Chicago.
“What I find fascinating is how much our bodies and our health impact our opportunities, our jobs, our relationships and our future plans. My love of science and my love of connecting with others makes medicine a perfect fit,” she said. “For me, the Physician Assistant role, in particular, is ideal because I get to spend time with patients, focusing on education. As healthcare providers, we are privileged to get to know people’s life stories, help them navigate difficult times, celebrate the good and be advocates through it all.”
What brought you to Clinic Sofia?
My partner and I have always wanted to call the Twin Cities home since it is close to many of our family and friends. After spending the last few years living in Rochester, I began looking for opportunities to practice in the Twin Cities. Clinic Sofia’s mission, patient population and workplace culture all seemed like the perfect opportunity to make that move.
What aspects of medicine are you passionate about?
I have spent the past two years in Family Medicine in a rural setting where I was the only female healthcare provider in town. As a result, much of my practice included women’s health care. Obstetrics and gynecology has been a special interest of mine since I was student and I am excited to be dedicating my time to that now.
What do we not know about the work of a Physician Assistant?
As a PA, I am able to provide a wide range of care in the clinic, including seeing patients independently, prescribing medications, creating and managing treatment plans, and performing minor procedures. I am also able to assist in surgeries and see patients in the hospital. I often find that people are surprised by how much PAs are able to do as part of the healthcare team.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy running, traveling (or just watching travel shows during the pandemic), cooking, hiking, sailing and yoga.
Favorite travel destination?
One of my favorite travel experiences was hiking up a glacier in Odda, Norway that overlooked the farmland where my great-great-grandfather emigrated from. The views from the hike up to the glacier were breathtaking!
Family?
My fiancé, Andrew, and I just bought our first home in the area and are in the process of planning a wedding for next year! I am the oldest of three girls and my mom often says that she “is in the business of raising strong women.” The influence of my mom and sisters is one of the reasons I am so passionate about empowering women through health care.
What else would patients enjoy learning about you?
I love learning new languages! Growing up, I went to Norwegian camp in the summers. After college, I had the opportunity to live in Rwanda for a year where I learned some basic Kinyarwanda. I have also studied some Spanish and German in high school and college.
