March 15, 2021

My Why: Matt Peckskamp, PA

Central, Clinical Partners

 

I am from central Minnesota. I grew up here. All my family’s here. I went to college here at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. What informed a lot of my life are the Benedictine values that are so steeped in the tradition of those institutions. The Benedictine values I learned in college are not only relevant for me in my vocational life, but my personal life and in relationships with other people, too — dignity of work, respect for the other person, justice. And the value that is emphasized time and again of listening. The rule of Saint Benedict begins with listening with the ear of your heart. That has always had a lot of significance for me in my life.

And the value that is emphasized time and again of listening.

Finding the Path

I always thought, “Something in medicine, something in medicine, something in medicine.” When that came to fruition, I decided to go down the route of PA school. What drew me to psychiatry was the foundation of listening. I felt that listening was inherent in the nature of the work. And then I got lucky and was able to rotate here as a student. 

Physician Assistant
Psychiatry, SCH & Monticello Hospital