APP Spolight: Amanda Breuer, Physician Assistant, Cardiovascular Medicine; Arbor Gate Clinic

Tell us about yourself.

I am a physician assistant (PA) with the electrophysiology team and have been with UW Health since August 2016. I am a graduate of the Physician Assistant program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. My agrarian roots led me to pursue a career in medicine. At a young age, I developed an understanding for the circle of life and immersed myself in anything pertaining to medicine, when I had the opportunity. My rural upbringing instilled in me life lessons that continue to resonate with me each day. I learned selflessness, compassion, humility, responsibility, patience and the importance of a strong work ethic. 

Where did you grow up?

I was raised on a family dairy farm in Slinger, Wisconsin.

Tell us about your family.

My father is a farmer and my mother is retired from the United States Postal Service. I am the second oldest of four children. I have one older brother, Ryan, and two younger sisters, Brenda and Brooke. I also hold the title of “Auntie” to a 3-year-old niece and an 11-month-old nephew.

How did you come to UW Health?

Following graduation from the PA program, and prior to my UW Health employment, I remained in Madison and was a PA with the cardiology team at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital.

What inspires you about your profession?

The PA profession was created to improve and expand access to healthcare. There has been a rapid increase in new training programs due to the projected demand for PAs. It’s a profession that is constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of patients of all ages. I am inspired by the power of humans and the importance of human interaction. I chose to become a PA because I value developing individualized treatment plans for patients and am passionate about a career that embraces the principles of patient education and communication, developing rapport and emphasizing health outcome improvements.

What have your patients taught you about yourself?

My patients have taught me that making a difference and the will to succeed is not about gender, education, socioeconomic status, ethnic background or how big or small something may be, rather it’s about measuring a person by the size of their heart. They’ve also taught me there is power in hope. One person can make a difference simply by giving another person hope.  

In a few words, how would you describe your coworkers and team at UW Health?

My colleagues and team are like family. They have integrity and are a loyal, empathetic, dependable and engaging group of individuals. Despite obstacles and adversity, they’ve been resilient, and persevered by remaining focused and ambitious. The Electrophysiology Advanced Practice Provider team is a dynamic and accomplished group. We lead quality improvement initiatives and seek ways to improve delivery of arrhythmia care, such as the implementation of a dedicated APP-driven Atrial Fibrillation Clinic and collaboratively developing a Hybrid AF Ablation Program. We are comprised of innovators, researchers, mentors, educators and patient advocates. We are wholeheartedly committed to our patients.

Outside of work, what did you accomplish this year that makes you proud?

I’ve been brave enough to choose the harder routes for better or worse. I’ve learned to appreciate any small life accomplishments and have come to appreciate that there is value in incremental success.