Biography
Certified Physician Assistant Katie Toepke specializes in internal medicine, seeing adult patients. Katie has worked as a clinical exercise physiologist and has several years of experience in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.
Philosophy of Care
“I chose a career in medicine because I wanted to work with people and help them take control of their health,” Katie said.
She believes education is the key to helping patients reach their optimum health. “I spend a lot of time teaching patients about their conditions, the disease process and why I recommend particular therapies. The more they understand about their health, the more likely they are to do what they need to do.”
“Patients also need to let me know if they cannot follow through with my recommendations,”
Katie said. “We have to be honest with each other. I’m always willing to listen and try to find a middle ground. Together, we can develop a plan and work toward goals that we have set and agreed upon.”
Katie has a friendly, down-to-earth style and brings a realistic and practical approach to helping patients achieve good health. “Small steps still lead to success,” she said. “If a patient needs to get more exercise, I’ll ask them to start by exercising just one day a week. If a patient needs to lose weight, our first goal will be to lose three pounds, not 100.”
For Katie, building relationships with patients is a highlight of her career. “From the first visit, and through the years that follow, I really enjoy getting to know, and working with, my patients,” she said. “Medicine is a people service industry and my attitude is to serve my patients. I’ll always do my best for them.”
Katie and her husband, Mike, live in Midland. They encourage each other to stay active, and they walk together almost every day. Katie has volunteered her time and talent to a medical clinic in Costa Rica and she also volunteers at her church.
Special Interests and Procedures
- Cardiology
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia
