Many of our patients know Andrew Kitterman, PA-C here at Prairie Spine! Below is a Q&A with him regarding his involvement at Prairie Spine and some of his hobbies outside the practice. Read below to learn more about Andrew! If you would like to schedule an appointment with Andrew please contact us at 309-691-7774.
1. What do you love most about working for Prairie Spine & Pain Institute?
I love the fact that we can work as a team to provide the absolute best patient care possible. Many of my coworkers are close personal friends which allow us to work together seamlessly. When everyone shares a common goal, it guarantees a favorable outcome and a positive experience for every patient who walks through our door. The ability to provide a comfortable and friendly environment for both staff and patients is why I love Prairie Spine & Pain Institute.
2. How do you help patients in your day-to-day job?
Whether I’m evaluating a new patient and developing a treatment plan or scrubbing in on a surgery, every action I take while I’m at Prairie Spine is to ensure that every patient has a positive experience. I take patient care very seriously and am constantly willing to go above and beyond to accommodate patient needs. Every patient gets the time and respect they deserve at Prairie Spine & Pain Institute.
3. What training or schooling did you have for your position?
I received my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science at Florida State University with a summa cum laude distinction, and shortly thereafter received my Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at South University in Savannah, Georgia. During my clinical rotations, I received extensive training across multiple specialties including internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, emergency medicine, general surgery, and general orthopedics. My clinical rotations spanned across multiple states including Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia.
4. What is your favorite healthy living tip?
One of my favorite tips for healthy living is to drink plenty of water and eat more locally sourced food. Living in Illinois we have the unique ability to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables. Not only are they fresh and delicious but knowing where your food comes from adds an extra layer of transparency to what you are using to fuel your body.
5. How do you practice good posture and spine health?
“Practice what you preach” is a common saying, and it holds true in our practice. If you are a patient at our practice you will commonly see Dr. Kube lifting weights in our physical therapy gym alongside the patients. I myself try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and maintain my core strength by playing a variety of sports including basketball and soccer along with practicing meditation and stretching exercises at home on a regular basis.
6. In what ways do you help give back to the community?
Within the last year, I have coached several youth soccer and basketball teams many of which were 5 and under leagues. I found it extremely rewarding to help develop the skills of children in sports that played such a major role in my upbringing. When I recall my role models growing up, many of them were my coaches. I also like to support local artists and businesses in Peoria. Much of the art in our office was created by local artists in our own community.
7. What organizations or nonprofits are you part of?
Being relatively new to Peoria, I found it very important to try and get involved with some local charities and nonprofits. One of the nonprofits I am most involved in Peoria is St. Jude. I have taken part in several events that St. Jude has offered including the 5k race for the cure, harvest moon fundraiser, and the St. Jude telethon where I personally answered phone calls for donations. I have had the opportunity to meet several parents of children who were treated at St. Jude and I have seen firsthand what the organization is able to do to help children and their families in such difficult circumstances.
8. What do you like to do in your free time? Hobbies? Hidden Talents? Ways to relax?
You are likely to see me at the Riverplex gym playing basketball, walking around Peoria Heights for brunch on a Saturday, or driving my red Jeep wrangler downtown in the warehouse district. Along with an interest in science and medicine, I have also always had an appreciation for art and architecture. I’ve recently been trying my hand at acrylic paints as well as some woodworking. The ability to create something with your own hands is always extremely rewarding.
