Heather Lunning, PA-C

I was lucky to begin my life’s journey in a rural southern Minnesota town. As a veterinarian’s daughter, I knew at a young age that I was intrigued and fascinated by medicine. Spending many hours side by side with my dad at the surgery table, barn, or pasture, I truly developed my love for surgery, mesmerized watching his deft hands work. As I grew older, my mom empowered me to develop into an independent, strong willed young woman. Through college, I dreamed of a career in medicine and decided on a degree in Physician Assistant studies, which I felt would allow me a positive work/life balance.

Fortunately, I have had an extremely diverse background in medicine, which has been both gratifying and advantageous. Given more than two decades of my career was spent in rural Minnesota, my knowledge base in family medicine and seeing patients of all ages strengthened my diagnostic, clinical, and surgical skill sets. My passion for women’s health, combined with my lifelong love for surgery motivated me to take a position in gynecology oncology surgery several years ago. This position further developed my surgical skill set with the addition of minimally invasive robotic technology.

I am thrilled to walk down a new path in my medical career joining the collaborating team of providers at Oakdale ObGyn. The physical and emotional changes a woman experiences throughout her life demands a caring, knowledgeable partner in her medical journey. I hope that I can develop long-term relationships with my patients, understanding that they are in a safe and reliable health care environment. My role is to educate and guide patients, but appreciate the opinions and goals of my patients working together to strive for a healthy and positive outcome.