Faculty
Dr. Vanessa Bester, EdD, PA-C,
Director of the School of Health
About Me: Dr. Vanessa Bester is the Director of the School of Health at Augsburg University, overseeing the PA, nursing, Doctor of Clinical Psychology, and social work programs. In addition to her administrative role, Dr. Bester serves as faculty for both the Master of Science in PA Studies (MSPAS) and Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) programs, helping shape the next generation of healthcare leaders.
A former National Health Service Corps Scholar, Dr. Bester has practiced in diverse healthcare settings including community health, HIV primary care, pulmonary and critical care, cardiology, and military medicine as a civilian overseas. She currently provides care for marginalized communities in St. Paul and Minneapolis neighborhoods through the Augsburg Health Commons.
Dr. Bester’s journey in PA education began in 2003 as a preceptor and PA student coordinator with the Graduate Medical Education Office at Shands Jacksonville-University of Florida. In 2012, she transitioned to full-time academia as a founding faculty member at the University of Washington MEDEX-NW Tacoma Site, eventually becoming their site director. In 2017, she joined Augsburg University as an Associate Director with a charge to align the PA program with the values and mission of the University and the needs of its students and surrounding communities. She became PA Program Director in 2021 and is the first tenured PA faculty at Augsburg University, a distinction earned by few PAs in academia. (read full bio)
Diana Soran, DMSc, PA-C
DMSc Program Director
About Me: Dr. Diana Soran is the Founding Program Director of the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program at Augsburg University, the first program of its kind in the state of Minnesota. As an accomplished Physician Assistant (PA) and educator, Dr. Soran has made significant contributions to the advancement of the PA profession, particularly in the realm of leadership and clinical education.
In her role as Program Director, Dr. Soran has been instrumental in shaping the DMSc program, which focuses on preparing PAs for leadership roles within healthcare systems. Under her leadership, the program emphasizes trauma-informed care, equity in healthcare, and the development of scholarly leaders who can drive systemic change in clinical and administrative settings. Her work creating and growing the program reflects her deep commitment to the PA profession and the need for advanced clinical education beyond traditional healthcare roles.
In addition to her administrative role, Dr. Soran holds an academic appointment as Clinical Assistant Professor at Augsburg University. She teaches in the Physician Assistant and DMSc programs, bringing a wealth of clinical experience, leadership, and research to the classroom. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, and integrating trauma-informed care into healthcare practices.
Dr. Soran has a clinical background in gastroenterology and college health. She continues to work in clinical practice, integrating trauma-informed care to enhance patient outcomes. In addition, Dr. Soran shares her expertise in creating trauma-informed organizations and leadership through publications, consulting, and speaking engagements fostering organizational cultures of empowerment, trust, and collaboration. Through her work, she continues to influence the transformation of healthcare systems across the state and beyond.
Dr. Soran’s leadership in Augsburg University’s DMSc program, combined with her clinical and academic expertise, establishes her as a thought leader in the PA profession and healthcare education. Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Soran states “PAs are an essential part of providing high-quality and accessible care. I am excited to be part of preparing the next generation of PA leaders to bring innovation, equity, and purpose to meet the evolving needs of our healthcare system.”
Adjunct FacultY
Hayden Middleton, DMSc, PA-C
About Me: Dr. Hayden Middleton is a family medicine PA, educator, and researcher. He serves as adjunct faculty in the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program at Augsburg University and teaches the scholar-practitioner course series. He completed his undergraduate
studies at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in neurobiology. He moved to Minnesota to attend the Bethel University PA Program and shortly after, completed his DMSc degree at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.
Dr. Middleton has a strong background in research and leadership. His research interests include dermatology, dermoscopy, PA compensation, and exploring how the delivery of primary care can be improved. He is a previous 2023-2024 AAPA-PAEA Research Fellow, where he focused on investigating both the utilization of dermoscopy amongst practicing PAs and dermoscopy education in PA programs and its association with skin lesion evaluation confidence. He has led and co-led multiple other research projects, including co-publishing expert consensus recommendations on dermoscopy proficiency standards for PAs to help guide dermoscopy education during and after PA training. Dr. Middleton regularly presents his research and clinical expertise at state and national conferences and continues to regularly publish scholarly work.
Dr. Middleton is an active member of the Minnesota Academy of Physician Associates (MAPA) board, having served as Director-at-Large, President, and DEI Committee chair. Clinically, he has worked in family medicine for his entire career, with a special interest in preventative care, dermatology, dermoscopy, and LGBTQIA+ medicine. He is proud to serve the Minneapolis and St. Paul community as a primary care provider.
On being involved in the Augsburg DMSc program: “I am excited to be faculty in a doctorate program that will help equip PAs with the skills to become scholars, educators, and leaders who will help transform the healthcare system to be equitable and meet the needs of all patients.
Outside of medicine, he loves spending time with his husband and three cats, Lila, Sasha, and Meghan.
Lauren Peterson, DMSc, PA-C
About Me: Dr. Lauren Peterson earned her undergraduate degree from St. Catherine University before completing a Master of Science in Nutrition at the University of Nevada, Reno. She then returned to St. Catherine University for her Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) in 2014 and later obtained a Doctoral degree with a concentration in Administrative Medicine from the University of Lynchburg.
With extensive experience in primary care, Lauren has worked in a variety of clinical settings, including a federally qualified health center where she provided comprehensive care to underserved populations. She currently serves as the Director of a college health clinic, where she oversees medical services, leads health initiatives, and ensures quality patient care. Additionally, she continues to practice in correctional health, delivering essential healthcare to vulnerable communities.
Passionate about healthcare administration, clinical informatics, and quality improvement, Lauren is dedicated to optimizing patient care through innovative medical solutions and operational efficiencies.
Originally from Nevada, she has called Minnesota home since 2012. Outside of work, she stays busy keeping up with her two energetic children—who never seem to sleep or stop eating!
Program Manager
Sherrie Luetgers
About Me: Sherrie is a graduate of Augsburg University with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She has 18 years of experience in healthcare working as a HUC, EKG tech, and Emergency Room Tech most recently in the Emergency Department at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Sherrie spends most of her free time volunteering for and singing with One Voice Mixed Chorus, Minnesota’s LGBTA chorus.