PA. Andie Cook

PA-C, MPAS

Andrea (Andie) Cook, is one of New Zealands’ few Physician Associates (also known as Physician Assistants in some countries). A physician associate is board-certified by the NCCPA (National Commission of Certified Physician Assistants of the United States) as a dependant medical practitioner. Like GPs she is trained in a similar manner to assess and treat patients of all ages. She graduated from the University of Utah Physician Assistant program in 2010. Prior to her PA training, she was a medic with the United States Air Force and Utah Air National Guard advancing to the rank of Technical Sargent. She then was granted a commission to Lieutenant in the Utah Air National Guard as a PA. She spent her first three years as a PA practicing in Family Medicine and Urgent Care, followed by another three years in Emergency Medicine at the University of Utah Hospital Level 1 Trauma Centre and Emergency Department. She also had the privilege of being a guest lecturer for the University of Utah’s PA Program on multiple topics in emergency medicine. During this time she continued serving in the Utah Air National Guard advancing to the rank of Captain before separating to move and practice here in New Zealand. Since being in New Zealand worked for two years in Te Awamutu Medical Centre’s urgent care before moving permanently to Hawkes Bay to practice at the Hastings Health Centre Urgent Care. She is proud to be serving as the secretary for The New Zealand Physician Associated Society in promoting and obtaining regulation for New Zealand PAs.