Dr. Dona Brekke grew up being accustomed to something most Alaskans arent year-round hot weather and sunshine! Although born in England while her father was active-duty Air Force, she spent most of her younger life in Las Vegas, including graduating from UNLV with a BS in biology and a masters in Physiology. She attended Des Moines University Medical School, did her pediatric residency at UC Irvine, and her pediatric cardiology fellowship at Denver Childrens Hospital. After three years of private practice in Orange County, California, Dr. Brekke decided her love of nature and the "great outdoors" was too compelling not to consider taking a position in Alaska. Luckily for all of us, she did!
Her love of hiking and being outdoors also translates to traveling. She has done mountain trekking through Nepal and Bhutan. The only thing that trumps her love of outdoors adventure is her love of animals. Her "family unit" includes two well-loved dogs and cats. In fact, Dr. Brekke has been very active helping area veterinarians in diagnosing canine cardiac issues.
Voted the 2005 Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the Alaskan Family Practice residents, Dr. Brekke is well liked by the various medical students and residents she works with when they rotate through the office or hospital.
Dr. Brekke has the added advantage of being the only practicing female pediatric cardiologist in Alaska, which sometimes is a more comfortable situation for young adolescent girls when they are referred for a cardiac evaluation.