THE ALASKA HOSPITALIST GROUP - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
I grew up in Sweden, but met my future husband while volunteering for the U.S. Forest Service in SE Alaska. After completing medical school at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, I moved to the U.S. and did my residency in Marquette, MI. My husband and I had always been looking for the right opportunity to return to Alaska, and so after a dozen years working as a hospitalist in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, we are happy to be back.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Dr. Walz, originally from Colorado, fell in love with Alaska during a high school visit with his grandparents. He completed his undergraduate degree in chemistry at Baylor University followed by combined osteopathic medical school and public health degrees at the University of North Texas Health Science Center as well as a pre-doctoral fellowship in Osteopathic Manual Medicine. He proceeded to complete a combined internal medicine and pediatric residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis after which he moved to Fairbanks to practice full spectrum inpatient and outpatient internal medicine and pediatrics in a tribal health setting for a little more than a half-decade. Over the last 3 years he was the Director of Osteopathic Education at the Montana Family Medicine Residency, completed advanced training in wilderness medicine, tropical medicine and HIV/AIDS care. He is delighted to return to his favorite state to practice as a full-time hospitalist.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, swimming, music, reading, hiking, cross-country skiing and playing board games with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Dr. Marzan is originally from Michigan, where she attended University of Michigan, earning a degree in linguistic anthropology. She returned to school, where she met her husband, earning an additional degree in biology, before pursuing her medical education at Nova Southeastern School of Osteopathic Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Marzan moved to Alaska with her family to enjoy the great outdoors and complete a Family Medicine Residency. While her husband continued military service, and she did residency, they realized they wanted to continue to live in Alaska, and put down permanent roots. She is thrilled to be able to continue to live in Alaska, practice medicine, and to serve the community where she trained.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
I was born and raised in Blooming Prairie, MN and after finishing high school, I traveled to Southern California where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Westmont College. I enjoyed a short career of teaching junior high and high school before attending medical school at St. Georges University in Grenada. I was then accepted to and completed an Internal Medicine residency at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, Ca.
I enjoy outdoor activities such as running, hiking and skiing. My wife and I have two beautiful babies, with whom I love spending my time.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
I was born in Moundridge, Kansas, a rural farming community. I attended the University of Kansas throughout my undergraduate, graduate, medical studies. I even stayed for residency. I majored in psychology and was accepted into a clinical psychology graduate program. After a year, however, I elected to shift into medical school then into the internal medicine program.
During my studies, I found the opportunity to travel in much of the Western United States and Alaska. Coming from a landlocked and flat place, I was enthralled with the natural splendor of Alaska. When I learned of a hospitalist position available in Anchorage, I immediately applied and knew exactly where I wanted to relocate.
I found working as a hospitalist with The Alaska Hospitalist Group to be rewarding and intellectually stimulating. Subsequently, I elected to become a partner in the group. In this position, I have enough flexibility that I have been able to explore cutting edge modern medicine while at the the same time exploring much of Alaska's backcountry; truly rare and exquisite pleasures.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Dr. Imperato is a third generation Alaskan and grew up in Willow. She left Alaska to go to college at Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado. She then went on to medical school at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, graduating in 2004. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency in Grand Rapids, MI. Her goal had been to return to Alaska to raise my family and she started her hospitalist career at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in 2007. She is excited for the opportunity to join The Alaska Hospitalist Group and to continue to provide excellent care to the community she grew up in.
In my free time she enjoys camping, cycling, berry picking and cross country skiing with her husband and four boys.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
I grew up in Milwaukee, WI, immersed in music and arts. I received a BFA from the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities. After several years of traveling as an active musician and working as a photographer in New York City, I realized I had developed a serious, and undeniable, interest in medicine. This interest led to my return to school; I obtained a certificate in pre-medical studies through the post-baccalaureate program at Columbia University. From there, I was accepted into medical school at Brown University in Providence, RI. After completing my medical degree in Rhode Island, I was drawn to Anchorage by the inspiring training offered by the Alaska Family Medicine Residency and the extraordinary setting of Alaska. After residency in 2017, eager to stay in Alaska, I was fortunate to be offered a position with The Alaska Hospitalist Group. I have long admired the compassionate and thorough care of hospitalized Alaskans the group provides and feel grateful to be part of this community of physicians. I have worked with The Alaska Hospitalist Group at both Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and currently at Providence Alaska Medical Center. I continue to find great satisfaction as a member of the wonderfully diverse Anchorage community, while also enjoying the outdoor adventures to which we are fortunate to have ready access here in Alaska.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Dr. Alex Davis joined TAHG in 2023. She had the joy and privilege of attending the AK WWAMI medical school and specifically as a Targeted Rural Underserved Track Scholar, followed by the full scope family medicine residency in Anchorage, AKFMR, which allowed her to dive into specific Alaskan healthcare challenges and solutions. Born and raised in Alaska, she is thrilled to join the team in Soldotna and continue her lifelong exploration of this beautiful state!
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist President
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Dr. Dorothy Shearn has been with The Alaska Hospitalist Group since its beginning in 2002. She is a board certified internist who attended the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine prior to completing her residency at the Colorado University Health Sciences Center. She and her husband enjoy raising their three daughters here in Anchorage where opportunities for outdoor adventure are always nearby.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Dr. Jeffrey Melendez received his medical degree at the University of Florida College of Medicine and began working at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in 2009. He enjoys spending time with is wife and his three Alaska born children.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Dr. Kyler Dykes attended University of North Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences. He then went on to medical school at the University of South Florida College of Medicine. After finishing medical school, Dr. Dykes spent a few years at the Soin Medical Center in Beavercreek, Ohio in the Family Medicine Residency program. He and his wife moved up to Alaska in the summer of 2023 and joined The Alaska Hospitalist Group.
*The Alaska Hospitalist Group, LLC complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
An Alaska resident since 1993, I attended Grace Christian School for middle and high school. I then went on to Liberty University where I competed as a Decathlete and obtained a BS in Criminal Justice while commercial fishing in Bristol Bay in the summers.
After completing college, I worked as a youth pastor, tractor battery delivery driver, residential house-flipper, bike EMT and as a member of Anchorage Safety Patrol. The latter medical experience sparked an interest in the field and I then applied and was accepted to a post-baccalaureate program at St. George's University in Grenada, West Indies. After completion of basic sciences, my training transitioned to Chicago and then to East Carolina University in North Carolina for a residency in Family Medicine.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
My life began at Providence Hospital Anchorage some thirty years ago, and today I am happy to still call Alaska my home. Unlike the majority of Alaskans I am from "The Bush." I was raised in Port Alsworth Alaska a small town of about 100 people, 200 miles southwest of Anchorage. Most of my early life was spent in my family's business - a sportfishing lodge - where I gained a passion for life in the outdoors. I attended public school and graduated from one of our larger classes at the time, a whopping two people.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Dr. Emily Church joined The Alaska Hospitalist Group in 2006.
She was born and raised in Corvallis, Oregon.
After attending Oregon State University and Oregon Health Sciences University she completed residency with the USAF in California.
In 2003 she moved to Alaska and was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base.
In her free time she enjoys skiing, cooking, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
I was born in Alaska in the town formally known as Barrow however spent most of my life in Anchorage. After graduating high school, I decided to stay home and attend UAA here in Anchorage. I went to medical school at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences and completed my family medicine residency here in Anchorage at the Alaska Family Medicine Residency. Joining TAHG was my goal since intern year and I'm excited I get to work with a talented group of doctors.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
I was born and raised in the small town of Winfield, Kansas. I completed my BA and MD at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. While there, I was fortunate enough to meet my wife Kassidy, who also being from Kansas, was open to an adventurous change.
Early during my undergraduate training, I had the opportunity to visit Alaska in the form of a biology internship with Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association and spent a summer fishing near Denali National Park and have been trying to get back ever since.
I completed my residency and became board certified in internal medicine in 2023 and was given the opportunity to join The Alaska Hospitalist Group that same year. When not working, I usually am enjoying all that Alaska has to offer with my wife and dogs.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Dr. McDonald grew up in Southern California. He attended UC Davis medical school, then did his post graduate training at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Utah. He has practiced medicine in Alaska since 2002 and currently lives in Kenai, AK. In addition to hunting and fishing, he participates in Ironman and other extreme distance triathlons. He and his wife Dana have two daughters with whom they enjoy the Alaskan outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Regional Vice President
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Dr. Herbert is originally from Southern Oregon. She received her medical degree from the University of Washington and completed residency and geriatric medicine fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. She additionally completed palliative care fellowship at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, knitting, and gardening.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Kala Maus completed her undergraduate degree at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana and medical school at Rocky Vista University in Parker, Colorado. Kala moved to Alaska for Residency at Alaska Family Medicine Residency where she graduated in 2021 then completed a chief year in 2022. Kala was thrilled to stay in Alaska and joined The Alaska Hospitalist Group in 2022. In her free time, you can find her exploring the beautiful trails and mountains that Alaska has to offer.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
I was born in Anchorage, but left Alaska when I was young. After 19 moves in 16 different states, I moved back to Alaska in 2003. I graduated from UAA in 2009 with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. I went to the University of Washington Medical School through the Alaska WWAMI program from 2009-2013. I completed my residency at the Alaska Family Residency Program in 2016. Throughout my medical training, I found that I had a passion for managing the various complex medical problems and patients that are the hallmark of hospital medicine. I was honored to be offered a position with The Alaska Hospitalist Group immediately after residency, where I currently serve as the Hospitalist Medical Director at St. Elias Specialty Hospital.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
I was born and raised in a small town in the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. After graduating from Harrison High School, I attended the University of Arkansas on a full academic scholarship and obtained a BS in Biochemistry and a minor in Spanish. I also completed an honors research project and an honors thesis.
After college, I attended medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. I then completed an Internal Medicine residency at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.
After completing residency, my husband and I came to beautiful Alaska and are thrilled to be able to work and play in these gorgeous surroundings!
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
I was born and raised in Northern California where I learned to love the beauty of the outdoors. I did my undergraduate work at BYU-Provo, originally thinking I wanted to study mechanical engineering. Wanting to promote my own health, I studied human nutrition and weight loss as elective courses. I quickly found a passion in human physiology and health promotion. Ultimately, I changed my career path to medicine as I continued to marvel at the human system. I went to medical school at California Northsate University-COM and completed my residency in Rural Family Medicine at Winnemucca Nevada.
When I am not at work, I am likely on an adventure involving the outdoors or working on a classic car. I enjoy hunting, fishing, and trapping. I value sustainability, independence, and my very spoiled dog. When I discovered the opportunity to work in Alaska as a hospitalist, it was exactly the opportunity I was seeking to further my career goals and satisfy my thirst for nature's raw beauty and the thrill of adventure.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Dr. Dudley was born and raised in Colorado before following his Alaskan-raised wife back home.
He has been in Alaska through residency and since joining The Alaska Hospitalist Group in 2007.
Trained in Family Medicine he continues to be involved with family practice as the Family Medicine Department Chair at Providence Hospital Alaska but loves the hospitalist style of medicine.
He is an avid skier, biker, runner, and most importantly daddy and husband to Liam, Finn, and Brooke.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
I was born in California and lived there until residency. I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and went to Loma Linda University School of Medicine from 1998- 2002.
I graduated with Alpha Omega Alpha membership and came to Alaska for Family Medicine Residency with my wife (from Honolulu). It was here I realized that I wanted only to be in the hospital and joined Anchorage Neighborhood Community Health Center as their hospitalist in 2005.
In 2007, I joined The Alaska Hospitalist Group. My wife works with the Alaska Family Medicine Residency and also with Palliative Care.
We have 3 children and love raising them here in Alaska. We have been able to show them a love for the outdoors and yet see extended family with easy trips to California and Hawaii. In my personal time, I love to ski, hike, run, kayak, surf, play tennis, and especially play with my children.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Dr. Strohmeyer was born and raised in Palmer, Alaska. He attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington for his undergraduate education. After graduation, he worked in a nonmedical field but realized he had a passion for medicine and decided to go back to school to pursue his medical education. Dr. Strohmeyer attended Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania and returned to Spokane in 2017 to complete his residency in internal medicine.
Dr. Strohmeyer's goal has been to practice in his home state to give back to the community he grew up with, and is excited to be back in Alaska to share fishing, hiking, camping, skiing, and everything outdoors with his family.
Dr. Strohmeyer currently serves as the Hospitalist Medical Director at the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant & Credentialing Specialist
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
I was raised in Erie, Pennsylvania and attended Boston College. After graduating, I moved to Anchorage and worked for 3 years at the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association before going to University of Washington medical school's WWAMI program here in Anchorage. I took some time off during medical school to study at Harvard University for a Masters in Public Health.
I did my residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics in Providence, Rhode Island at Brown University program (Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children's Hospital and Women's and Infants). After residency, I wanted to move to rural Alaska so went to Nome and worked at Norton Sound Hospital for 4 years. (2002-2006)
For the past 6 years I have worked in Anchorage at the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center. (2006-2012) During that time, I had the opportunity to work along side many of the providers in TAHG and am looking forward to this new experience in inpatient medicine.
I spend most of my free time recreating in the great Alaskan outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
I grew up in Central Illinois and graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in History. I attended medical school at Georgetown University and completed a combined internal medicine and pediatric residency at Duke University Medical Center. I've worked with The Alaska Hospitalist Group (TAHG) since 2003. I currently serve as the Hospitalist Medical Director at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna.
I practice all the usual outdoor Alaska sports. I also love to travel and take advantage of the non-stop flights from Anchorage to Asia and Europe as much as possible. I like taking large blocks of time off to travel. Since working with TAHG, I've worked as a medical volunteer in Cambodia and Peru for several months and traveled extensively in Europe, Asia and Latin America. I'm a Latin dance fanatic and frequently attend congresses and visit favorite venues around the world. Lastly, I spend a lot of time studying design and architecture and recently finished building a personal residence in downtown Anchorage.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Dr. Flickinger graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. Toward the end of medical school, he had the opportunity to rotate here in Alaska. He fell in love with both the people and the state. After medical school, he completed his residency at the Alaska Family Medicine Residency. In addition to working as a Hospitalist, he has the privilege of practicing in both Bethel and Valdez. He is honored to serve this wonderful state.
In his free time, Dr. Flickinger enjoys all Alaska has to offer- skiing, fishing, camping, hiking, and biking with his wife and three kids.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Dr. Church was born and raised in Anchorage and attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma Washington earning bachelors degrees in Biology and Psychology.
Prior to attending the University of Arizona College of Medicine, he enjoyed brief careers as a forensic scientist and a wildlife biologist.
He returned to Alaska for residency training at the Alaska Family Medicine Residency prior to joining The Alaska Hospitalist Group in 2008.
He and his wife (Jana, also from Alaska) have three young children all being raised as good Alaskans. Dr. Church feels very fortunate to be a part of a practice and lifestyle which he enjoys very much.
Job Titles:
- Member of the More Team
- Hospitalist
Dr. Webb grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and went to college at Vanderbilt University. He returned home for medical school at the University of South Alabama and then completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Colorado in Denver, where he was also a chief resident. After residency he joined the faculty at the University of California San Francisco where he worked in the Division of Hospital Medicine. He moved to Anchorage in 2015 to work with The Alaska Hospitalist Group and to enjoy the myriad outdoor activities available here. He currently serves as the Hospitalist Medical Director at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Operations