Rising Stars: Meet Dealie Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dealie Park.

Hi Dealie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I first began my medical journey while in high school; I obtained my EMT license and was part of a rescue squad in Vinton, Va. My passion for health and fitness lead me to obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from Temple University in Philadelphia in 1987. I then completed one year of graduate study in molecular biology from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. I decided to pursue my goal of furthering my education in medicine and graduated in 1996 with a degree as a Physician Assistant Studies from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville. I have been a PA for the past 28 years in Neurosurgery, Orthopedic surgery, Pain management, and Family Practice. I am presently working at Kaiser Permanente in Woodland Hills in the Neurosurgery Department. 

With my education behind me, I found my passion in medicine by helping people live happier and heathier lives. 

My passion runs deeper than medicine, and I feel the need to serve my country as well. I have honorably served in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman as well as an aviation physiologist. During my Naval career, I participated in Desert Storm/Shield and provided medical support for the U. S. Navy and the U.S. Marines. I also served with distinction in the California State Guard and provided support to many different medical facilities during the height of the Covid 19 pandemic. I am currently a proud member of the U.S. Airforce Reserves. 

My drive and focus towards the health and fitness industry has always been a huge part of my life from a young age as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle for myself and my family. I decided to pursue a career in the medical field where I could segment my extensive medical background in orthopedics and fluid body movement to assist my patients with having a more active life. I have come to realize over the years that maintaining an active life with our bodies can sometimes be a struggle for many people and can ultimately result in unnecessary surgeries or disabilities. My goal is to help patients feel and look their best and offer treatments that help patients maintain their healthy lifestyles. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been many challenges, one of which is being involved in fields that are mainly male-dominated. For example, the aviation field in the military and the different surgical specialties, Also, the long hours and trying to raise my daughter. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Physician Assistant (PA-C), and I work in both the Neurosurgery and Orthopedics Departments at Kaiser. I evaluate patients in the clinic and in the hospital and work with the Physicians to develop treatment plans. My specialty is brain and spinal surgery. I have been a PA for 28 years, and I feel that what I am known for are my superb surgical and clinical skills. Also, my bedside manner and calm demeanor. What sets me apart from others is my selfless service and always putting the needs of others above my own. I am committed to not only serving my country but also the patients that I treat, ensuring their safety, well-being, and proper medical care. 

I am very proud of the fact that during the Covid pandemic, I was able to serve the people of CA by commanding several medical units across CA that assisted with Covid testing, Patient care in hospitals that were overwhelmed, and manning vaccination clinics. I feel that my prior military and medical experience as a PA allowed me to be an affective Commander that the units made a huge impact during a medical crisis. 

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am very proud of my daughter, who is exceeding in her college studies and is very focused on accomplishing her duties required by her internship. She will be serving our country in another capacity and has never lost sight of her dreams. I am also very blessed with a loving a supportive partner. It is not easy being the partner of someone who is in the military and the uncertainty that can be attached to that role, but she is always positive and is very proud of me. I am very proud of her accomplishments and drive to succeed. I can attribute my dedication and work ethic to my mother. She raised 5 children on her own and instilled the morals and values that I still follow. She is the reason that I want to serve others and hopefully improve their lives. Making someone smile or their day better is the reason I continue to serve. 

Image Credits
Tanisha Butler