At the end of September, a significant new chapter begins for Dr. Pam Conrad, an optometrist who has worked at YKHC in Bethel since 1993. Pam’s career spans across two centuries, three decades, multiple department builds, and a few pandemics. It is hard to think of the Optometry Department without her name popping up.
Like all the eye doctors currently employed at YKHC, Pam first experienced Bethel as a student during her fourth year of optometry school. She attended the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and moved to Bethel after graduating to start her new career as an optometrist. During that time, she also joined the Public Health Service as an officer in the Commissioned Corps. She was one of the few Commissioned Corps officers at YKHC and was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2012, a distinction earned by few.
She has served many roles during her time, starting as a staff optometrist and worked her way up to her current position as Director of Optometry. Her influence on optometry as a profession is just as noteworthy, as she fought to increase therapeutic privileges for optometrists in our state. Alaska is now considered one of few states with a full scope of practice, thanks to doctors like Pam, who fought for these rights.
Pam’s biggest contribution to optometry at YKHC is easily the optometry student program she has built to staggering numbers throughout her time here. What started as a few students rotating through Bethel has grown into almost twenty-five students per year! She has played an essential role in the education of over 500 students. Dozens of former students have found great opportunities thanks to her efforts in filling vacant IHS optometry positions in the Lower 48. Her recruitment skills are impressive and have made a significant impact in the field. Thanks to her mentorship, doctors have been successfully employed in various locations across Alaska in places like Nome, Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau, Kodiak, Petersburg, Utqiagvik, and of course, Bethel. Through her leadership, the optometry department has remained fully staffed. The difference she has made in optometry and the lives she has touched is truly remarkable.
Throughout her time at YKHC and Bethel, Pam has also been heavily involved in the community, whether it be helping the Actors Guild with plays, participating as a vendor at the Saturday Market, or helping start a local dance team. You may also know her from the delicious food she concocts in her food truck! She is a woman of many hats and interests and is always thinking of the next project.
She plans to retire after devoting 30 years to public health and serving the Alaska Native communities of the YK Delta. She looks forward to traveling, cooking and crafting more, and spending quality time with her family.
Quyana cakneq Dr. Conrad!