Deanna Zimkus, MHS, PA-C has been a physician assistant since 2009 and is a graduate of the Quinnipiac University PA program. Mrs. Zimkus is originally from Rhode Island and fell in love with science during her freshman year in high school while taking anatomy and physiology. She credits her high school teacher, Mrs. Bailey-Gates, with cultivating her love of learning about human anatomy and all its intricacies. As a high school student, she toured Quinnipiac University and was awed by the school’s beautiful landscape, and the rest is history. Mrs. Zimkus was accepted at Quinnipiac University as a health and science undecided major. During orientation, a university leader learned about her desire to continue in medicine and encouraged her to reach out to the admission office and change her major; she was subsequently accepted into the six-year Entry Level Masters PA Program.
Deanna’s leadership developed early as she served as a coordinator for charitable distribution through the Midnight Run project, serving unhoused citizens of New Haven. Deanna began her career as an emergency medicine PA at St. Mary’s Hospital and Bristol Hospital before transitioning to her current position at Advanced Dermatology Center. A common thread throughout her career has been a dedication to leadership. Deanna initially served ConnAPA through multiple committees including chairing the Conferenced Planning & Education Committee Charter Oak Conference as well as the Membership Committee, before her election as Director-at-Large for 2 years. Deanna then was elected Vice-President for 2 years before being elected President of ConnAPA from July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018.
There were many significant changes to PA practice that resulted throughout Deanna’s year as president. Perhaps the largest legislative change was the elimination of the 6:1 physician to PA ratio, allowing for more flexibility at the practice level. This completed the Six Key Elements of a Modern PA Practice Act as put forth by the AAPA in Connecticut. As Deanna begins to step away from ConnAPA leadership after a decade serving various roles on the Board, it is time spent with colleagues and friends that stand out most. She feels it is imperative for PAs to have a firm understanding of legislative changes at the state level, as well as educational opportunities afforded by the work of ConnAPA.
In addition to her work with ConnAPA, Deanna has worked with multiple PA programs in CT and is an Adjunct Professor at both Quinnipiac University and Sacred Heart University. In addition, she serves as a clinical preceptor for Quinnipiac University and Sacred Heart University. She has also given multiple podium presentations at the Charter Oak Conference, as well as at the Student Leadership Symposium through ConnAPA.
Deanna resides in Southington CT, with her husband Jay, and two young children. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family in her free time.