Healthcare Heroes | Cheryl Kolkovich, PA-C

What is your official Title?
Physician Assistant at Lake Mills Clinic.

How long have you been at Watertown Regional Medical Center? Have you always been in the same position?
I have been with Watertown Regional Medical Center for nine years and have worked as a Physician’s Assistant the entire time. I used to help out at the Johnson Creek Clinic as well, but have been at the Lake Mills clinic the entire time.

What do you enjoy most about working at Watertown Regional Medical Center?
I enjoy the variety of patients that Primary Care offers, no two patients or appointments are the same. One visit I could be seeing a 6-month-old baby and the next I might be helping an 80-year-old grandma or grandpa. Since I’ve been working here for so long, it’s been fun to watch my patients that start out as toddlers, grow up into teenagers and young adults. I can't forget to mention my wonderful colleagues as well.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I wanted to be in a career that at the end of each day, I felt like I made a difference for somebody. Being a Physician Assistant has given me that opportunity.

What would you say to somebody wanting to get into your profession?
I would tell them that medicine today is challenging, but the reward of helping your neighbor feel well again is worth it. If you're wondering what it takes to become a Physician Assistant, you typically start by receiving your undergraduate degree, in the sciences. After receiving your undergraduate, Physicians Assistants typically obtain their Master of Science in Physician Assistant studies by completing a multi-year PA-accredited graduate program. I received my degree from Chicago Medical School.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I love to travel, especially to tropical locations, but that has been put on-hold during the pandemic. I also enjoy going to all of my kids sports games throughout the year, it certainly keeps me busy.

What is your favorite place in the Lake Mills area?
I enjoy boating and any water activities on Rock Lake. It's a great benefit to our community.

What is one thing you’re doing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
I am excited to say I just received my first COVID-19 vaccine on Friday. We all want to get back to our own definition of normalcy and the vaccine is the number one way we’ll be able to achieve that.