Brenda Norby, PA-C, FNP, joined the bariatric surgical team at the Center for Weight Management recent- ly with the retirement of Sandy Jones, PA-C.

Brenda Norby came to Essentia Health Park Rapids in October 2009 when she started working with Family Medicine physicians at the clinic and St. Joseph’s Area Health Services.

“Seeing patients take charge of their own health care, asking questions, and challenging themselves to live healthy, happy lives is the biggest motivation I have in my practice,” she says.

Norby received her physician assis- tant degree from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, and completed a preceptorship in Family Medicine at St. James Family Clinic in St. James.

She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the Minnesota Association of Physician Assistants and the American Association of Physician Assistants.

Prior to her arrival in Park Rapids, Norby garnered 25 years of experience and served with United Medical Clinic/Avera in Windom.

Her husband, Steve, is Pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, and they have five children. Special interests include going to their children’s music and sport- ing events, church activities, and being together as a family. They have also enjoyed the privilege of providing foster care to several children.