To select or change your Primary Care Provider (PCP), simply speak with any staff member. When scheduling your next appointment or for urgent needs, we’ll prioritize appointments with your chosen PCP. If they’re unavailable, we’ll schedule with another member of your care team for consistency. For urgent care, our CAIHC Urgent Care Clinic is available.
Dr. Shannon Wiegand attended the University of Washington, graduating in 1994. She has been at CAIHC since 2009, with clinical interests focused on Family Practice. Growing up in Fairbanks, she worked in our medical records department during high school. Previously, she was employed by the Alaska Family Medicine Residency Program in Anchorage.
Dr. Stephen Odegard is a passionate Family Medicine and Obstetrics Physician at TCC. Originally from St. Louis, Stephen’s upbringing was marked by frequent moves to various Air Force bases, shaping his diverse background.
After studying mechanical engineering at Valparaiso University, Stephen pursued his medical degree at Loyola University in Chicago. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage and gained valuable experience through intermittent hospital work in Kodiak and Kotzebue.
Stephen’s professional interests lie in addiction medicine, palliative care, and rural healthcare delivery. Outside of work, he finds joy in fishing, indulging in science fiction, cycling, and even finds satisfaction in washing dishes. He also enjoys sewing gear to support bike-based adventures and embarks on exciting journeys with his partner Krista.
Stephen is thrilled to be part of the dynamic team at TCC. He deeply admires the community’s creativity and resilience, especially in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic. Stephen appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with dedicated colleagues, including the Certified Medical Assistants, nurses, and registration staff, who work tirelessly to enhance rural healthcare delivery every day.
Dr. Mike Strum is an internal medicine physician on Team Teekona. Born in Chicago and raised in Oregon, he earned his undergraduate degree from DePauw University and his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine. Completing his residency at UC-Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California, he served at the Tanana Valley Clinic and Fairbanks Memorial Hospital before joining Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center. He expresses excitement about serving a wonderful patient population with a first-rate team, embracing the spirit of Ch’eghwtsen.
Dr. Strum looks forward to providing care for complex and ill patients, particularly those with lung disease, and working on quality and system improvements. Grateful for strong clinical training at UWSoM and UC-D Medical Center, he finds joy outside of work camping, fishing, and hunting with his wife and two children.
Dr. Gina Parlato Pender, a family medicine physician on Team Teekona, hails from near Buffalo, New York. She earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Rochester and her MD from SUNY at Buffalo. With previous roles at CAIHC from 2000-2004 and TVC from 2005-2024, she returned to CAIHC in 2024.
Outside of work, Gina enjoys tennis, pickleball, traveling, and quality time with her son and dog. She’s touched by the longevity of many TCC employees she knew 25 years ago, a testament to the workplace’s excellence. Gina embraces the “team” concept and camaraderie among coworkers, relishing the opportunity to connect with patients. She’s eager to learn from the diverse TCC community daily, deepening her understanding of medicine and herself along the way.
Marilyn Attla, PA-C, attended the University of Washington Medex PA program and graduated in 1992. She has been at CAIHC since 1996. Her interests include nature, beading, walking, reading, and a love for the holy bible.
Marilyn emphasizes, ‘Quality patient care includes addressing the reason for the patient’s visit and providing excellent customer service.
Dr. Deborah Minnick-Shearin attended the University of North Texas HSC at Ft. Worth, Texas, graduating from medical school in 1998. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at Texas Tech University in Amarillo, Texas, in 2001. Prior to moving to Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2008, she practiced Rural Health Medicine in New Mexico. Her family’s love for the great outdoors prompted their move to Fairbanks. There, she served the Interior Veterans at the VA Fairbanks CBOC until the summer of 2013.
Dr. Minnick-Shearin’s desire to expand her knowledge of Alaska Native culture led her to join CAIHC in June 2013.