Family medicine physician’s assistant Jackie Osterhaus has been recalled from the Retired Reserves to active duty for 12 months beginning October 2022 – but she’ll be back! In her absence, other GRHS providers will be at Brooten Medical Center to care for her patients.
In a letter to her patients, Jackie wrote,
“I encourage you to continue your care with any family medicine physician or nurse practitioner at Brooten Medical Center or Glenwood Medical Center. I appreciate your trust in my care and know you’ll be in good hands while I am away. It is very important that you continue your medical care for preventive screening, managing chronic conditions and medications, and any illnesses or injuries. Our team here will announce my return in the fall of 2023.”
Jackie provides comprehensive care for all ages—from newborns to elders. She has more than 20 years of experience providing preventive and routine care, with special interests in trauma and disease management for chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Jackie practices a comprehensive, team-based approach to healthcare, where the team consists of her patients, their families, and other providers. She believes in empowering her patients by actively engaging them in their healthcare plans and making decisions together.
Jackie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. Ten years later—after working in various other healthcare professions—she graduated from the Physician Assistant program at Augsburg College (now Augsburg University) in Minneapolis. She developed her passion for rural healthcare during her final year of study while practicing internal and family medicine in outstate Minnesota.
Shortly after becoming a physician assistant, Jackie joined the Army Reserves and was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Minnesota Army National Guard before retiring in 2021. She served three tours of duty (two combat tours) during her time in the Army. Her military experiences and trauma training have enhanced her leadership and medical skills.
When she isn’t working, Jackie enjoys being active by running, biking, snowshoeing, and playing with her granddaughter. She and her husband also spend a lot of time outdoors—four-wheeling, camping, boating, ice fishing, and traveling.
Jackie was attracted to Glacial Ridge Health System because of the emphasis on what she believes every patient seeks and deserves: “Heartfelt Care.” This model of care encompasses what she loves most about rural healthcare—putting patients at the center of everything she does. She joined the medical staff at Glacial Ridge Health System in September 2019 and sees patients at Brooten Medical Center.
