IRON MOUNTAIN – Physician assistant David Puskala has joined Dickinson County Healthcare System’s sleep medicine clinic in Suite 205 of the Dickinson Medical Building.

He joins Dr. John Sand and Dr. Alexis Whaley in the provision of comprehensive services to patients with sleep problems. Part of his time is also spent supporting Dr. Beth Schroeder of MI-WI Family Practice Associates in Suite 300 of the same building.

Puskala, a native of Iron River, was a lab tech most of his professional career having attained his bachelor of science degree in medical technology from Northern Michigan University in 1972. After working in the laboratory environment in a variety of healthcare settings, he returned to school and acquired his master of science degree in physician assistant studies at Western Michigan University in 1998. Prior to joining DCH System, he served the patients of Iron County Internal Medicine Associates.

“I was looking for a new challenge, and had a friend who was a physician assistant. I saw the relationship he had with the physicians and the role he filled in patient care,” Puskala said. “Physicians are getting busier and busier. As a PA, I am there to spend the personal time with the patients and build those relationships that help add to the clinical information for the doctors. Together we can provide the very best, well rounded care for our patients.”

“I also find the entire field of sleep medicine very fascinating,” he added. “So much research has been done to prove the impact of a good restorative sleep on a patient’s overall health. If sleep is an issue, it is very important to get an evaluation; undiagnosed and untreated sleep problems can cause more serious health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease in the future.”

“I am very happy to be part of Dickinson County Healthcare System. I did rotations here as part of my training,” noted Puskala.

Puskala was born and raised in Iron River. He has two adult sons and an adult daughter. His sons are graduates of MTU and are both engineers.

Appointments can be made with Puskala for sleep medicine issues by calling 776-5840 and for an appointment with a family medicine provider by calling 774-1633.