Heidi Turpen-Folks, PA-C, was born and raised in Southern California. Her passion for medicine began as an Emergency Medical Technician while working as a ski patroller at a local winter resort for over 6 years. During this time she received her Bachelors of Science in Neuroscience at the University of California Riverside in 2003. 

 

Heidi completed her Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona California in 2006. Without a doubt she had a desire to pursue orthopedics given her prior experience and decided to attend an Orthopedic PA Fellowship for an intense year of hands on training at a local trauma hospital. Heidi’s expertise in orthopedics continued to blossom over 9 years as she directed the same Orthopedic PA Fellowship and educated over 30 PA’s to specialize in Orthopedics. 

 

This position brought to light Heidi’s passion to educate other PA’s. She returned to Western University of Health Sciences in 2013 as a lecturer for the PA students during their musculoskeletal objectives. Heidi has continued to teach at Western University of Health Sciences each year and enjoys being a preceptor for our future health care providers.

 

In her free time, Heidi enjoys skiing, hiking, biking, and kayaking with her husband.  Her love for skiing and medicine has kept her active with the National Ski Patrol and she continues to volunteer her services every season as a ski patroller. To top it off Heidi also loves DIY projects on her home and tinkering on classic cars.

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Licensure & Certification

- National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

- Physician Assistant Board, The Medical Board of California

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