About our Specialty

In 2005, Phlebology (the study of venous disease) gained subspecialty status by the American Medical Association. Much like Pediatricians, Neurologists, Orthopaedists and such, Phlebologists focus solely on their specialty, thus providing their patients with the newest and most effective treatments in this field. We are proud to say our Medical Director, Dr. Gupta, is one of only 477 physicians in the country who are board certified in the field of Phlebology as of 2011. You will find that we offer the latest innovations, based on sound medical science, that your legs and your health deserve.

About Our Physicians

Sameer Gupta, M.D., M.P.H. completed his medical training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. His drive to provide the best information for his patients led him to pursue a Master of Public Health Degree (M.P.H.) from Harvard University. It was there that Dr. Gupta developed his skill of interpreting scientific studies and using this information to help guide his patients' health care decisions.

For the past several years, Dr. Gupta has devoted himself solely to the diagnosis and management of the entire spectrum of vein disorders. In 2007, 2008 and 2009, he was named among America's Top Doctors. His board certifications include Family Practice and Phlebology. When he is not working, Dr. Gupta enjoys music, fitness and time with his family.

 

Margaret Guthrie, M.D. graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School, and is board certified in Internal Medicine. She has worked over 20 years in Internal Medicine and most recently devoted her practice to pain management. This exposure to those individuals who suffer chronic pain related to untreated venous insufficiency made her realize the desire to focus her practice solely on the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. Dr. Guthrie is happy to belong to a team of professionals who can drastically improve this condition and is thrilled to maintain a high level of satisfaction with her patients. She spends her free time with her three children, biking, camping and traveling.

 

 

Dan Morehouse, M.D. is a board certified Vascular Surgeon and holds credentials as a Registered Vascular Technologist. This comprehensive background has afforded him a lifelong career in the treatment of venous disease. Dr. Morehouse comes to us with extensive knowledge and experience performing endovenous laser ablation and has successfully treated many patients with advanced disease. One of his many titles includes Vascular Director of a well known hospital system. A native Iowan, he continues to maintain a farm there to stay close to the 5 children he and his wife, Patti, have raised. Free time is spent with family, hiking, bike riding and hunting. Dr. Morehouse enjoys the focus of the field of Phlebology because there is immediate gratification for the patient in obtaining relief of their symptoms.

 

Learn how we can help you: Schedule your free consultation today.

About our Phlebologists

Liz Burns, NP received her RN degree from Gordon Keller Nursing School in Tampa, Florida and her certificate as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner through Ball State University in Indiana. She is certified through the National Credentialing Corporation and has worked in lower extremity venous disease (Phlebology) for the past 10 years. She and Dr. Gupta met while working in a large group of vein practices in Indiana, Michigan and Colorado and it was there that she and Dr. Gupta quickly learned that they share the same passion towards this specialty, offering the opportunity to vastly improve the quality of life of their patients. As Director of Operations, Liz supports Dr. Gupta, the Nurse Practitioners and the entire clinic staff as a part-time Phlebologist and full-time administrator. -- Liz's free time is spent with her husband and two sons and enjoys cooking, reading and gardening.

Tanya Black, NP received her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from South Dakota State University and her Master’s degree as a Nurse Practitioner from Minnesota State University. She spent four years in a Family Practice setting before entering the field of Phlebology. Tanya holds the distinction of being a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing and is certified as a Nurse Practitioner through the American National Credentialing Corporation. -- Like Dr. Gupta, she finds this specialty most gratifying because of the near-immediate symptom relief that patients experience after treatment. Outside of work, Tanya enjoys fishing, golfing, reading and spending time with her husband, Justin, and her son Cody.

Joanie Larkin, NP received her Bachelor of Nursing Degree and Family Practice Nurse Practitioner Certificate from the University of Kansas School of Nursing. She is certified in Family Practice through the American National Credentialing Corporation and is a member of the American College of Phlebology. Joanie has 30 years experience as a nurse practitioner with an additional subspecialty in acute and chronic vascular wounds. -- When not working, she enjoys time with her precious daughter and son in law, and her cat, Dusty. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, home remodeling projects, and walking around the Twin Cities lakes.

Margaret Hilgemann, NP received her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Viterbo College and graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Master's Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from UCLA. She is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is a member of the American College of Phlebology. Margaret previously worked in University Health Services, Internal Medicine, and Family Practice where she saw a great deal of venous disease. -- She is gratified to be in the specialty where she can directly improve her patient's quality of life. Outside of work she enjoys jogging, biking, travel, reading and spending time with her husband, daughter and son.

Bonnie Plocher, NP is a native Minnesotan who received her Bachelor's of Science from the University of Missouri, St. Louis and her Master's of Science of Nursing/ Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Missouri State University. Bonnie brings 27 years of experience in the medical field and believes that every patient should be treated with compassion, dignity and respect. She is a member of the American College of Phlebology, National Honor Society, American Nurses Association and Minnesota Nurse Practitioners Organization. She is credentialed by both the American Nurses Credentialing Center in Family Practice and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. -- Bonnie enjoys spending time with her family camping, kayaking, bicycling, and traveling.

Phlebology Technologists

Our Phlebology Technologists perform ultrasound vein mapping, and perform ultrasound guidance during USGS and EVLA procedures.

Jaimie is a Registered Diagnostic Sonographer. She received her Bachelor's of Science degree from MN State University, Mankato, and received her Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from Argosy University, Twin Cities. She also plans to receive her designation as a Registered Vascular Technologist. -- Jaimie enjoys working in a challenging environment. When she's not helping patients, she's busy at home raising her baby girl and spending time with friends and family.

Jackie is a Registered Diagnostic Sonographer, and a Registered Vascular Technologist. She received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Family Life and Child Development from MN State University, Mankato, and received her Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from Argosy University, Twin Cities. She took her RVT exam in September, 2010. -- Jackie enjoys performing Vascular Ultrasound and helping the clinic grow. When she's not helping patients, she enjoys being out on the lake and playing volleyball.

Amanda G. is a Registered Diagnostic Sonographer, and a Registered Vascular Technologist. She received her Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from Argosy University, Twin Cities. -- Amanda enjoys working with different patients every day, and seeing people's lives improve with the course of treatment. She loves the MN Twins, and when she's not helping patients, she likes to spend time with her family and her dog, Gracie.

Sara is a Registered Diagnostic Sonographer. She received her clinical training in Juneau, AK, and received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from Argosy University, Twin Cities. -- Sara enjoys working with patients. She's recently married, and when she's not helping patients, she enjoys playing with her cat, Bella.

Amanda F. is a Registered Diagnostic Sonographer. She received her Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from Argosy University, Twin Cities, and plans on receiving her designation as a Registered Vascular Technologist soon. -- Amanda F. enjoys working one-on-one with patients in the clinic, and providing a safe and comfortable environment where they can be assured they'll receive the best quality care. When she's not helping patients, she likes to sing and paint, and spend time with her husband and her young boys.

Jennifer is a Registered Diagnostic Sonographer. She received her clinical training in Iron Mountain, Michigan, and received her Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from Argosy University, Twin Cities. She also received her Bachelor's of Social Work degree from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. -- Jennifer enjoys being a part of improving patients lives at VCPA. In her free time, she loves singing and dancing and watching football.

Anne is a Registered Diagnostic Sonographer. She received her Associate of Applied Science at Argosy University. Anne also has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from North Dakota State University and completed her clinical training in West Palm Beach, Florida. -- Anne has a passion for vascular work and is looking forward to receiving the designation of a Registered Vascular Technologist. Though she spends a lot of time studying, Anne loves spending time with her family and traveling.

Shannon is a Registered Diagnostic Sonographer. -- Shannon joined the VCPA team with more than 8 years of ultrasound experience. She is a Registered Diagnostic Sonographer and a Registered Vascular Technologist. She received her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN. --Shannon is a compassionate person and enjoys interacting with patients on a personal level to improve their care. When not at work, she enjoys photography and spending time with her husband and two teenage children.

Front Office Staff

From scheduling appointments to helping with paperwork, our front office staff is the first place where patients interact with our clinic.

Heather studied as a medical assistant at Tidewater Technical School in Newport News, VA. -- Heather enjoys talking with and helping people. She's been married for 19 years, and when she's not helping patients, she enjoys biking and walking.

Kim brings her experience in the healthcare industry to Vein Clinic PA. She has attended MCTC, and is currently a student of Psychology at the University of Minnesota. -- Kim feels that her work is meaningful because the clinic helps patients feel better and have a better quality of life. When she's not helping patients, she describes herself as a 'city girl,' and enjoys painting and writing.

Sara brings over 25 years of experience in customer service in the medical field. She enjoys working with patients, and has a positive, outgoing personality that makes people smile. -- Sara recently moved from Florida to Minnesota, and enjoys spending time with her extended family.

Pa received her Associate of Applied Science degree as a medical administrative assistant from National American University. She likes working in a fun environment, and enjoys new challenges each day. -- Pa has been happily married for ten years, and when she's not helping patients, she enjoys spending time with her four children.

Stacy graduated from Lakeland Medical-Dental Academy in Minneapolis, MN and has over 15 years of clinical experience as a Medical Assistant. She has a passion for being able to help not only patients, but also her physicians and co-workers. -- When not at work she enjoys spending time with her family.

Janet joins the VCPA team with over 20 years of experience in the Health Care Industry. She loves seeing the smiling faces of the patients after treatment and is passionate about helping people. Janet is excited to see the growth of the clinic and is looking forward to a long-term career at VCPA. -- She is married and has two young daughters.

Kathryn H. brings over 25 years of experience in the customer service, with 6 of those in a call center. She is currently attending Rasmussen College, where she studies Health Care Information Technology. Kathy enjoys being part of a team that makes a difference in people's lives. She sees herself growing with the clinic, and making this a home for her career. -- When she's not helping patients, Kathy enjoys spending time with her 3 children, 2 dogs, and her cat, as well as doing crafts.

Missi comes with experience as a chiropractic assistant, and in sales at a radio station. She enjoys working with people who love their jobs, and loves seeing patients' health improve, and seeing how happy that makes them. -- When she's not working with patients, Missy enjoys the lakes and beautiful scenery around the Brainerd area.

Jenna is currently studying to be a Registered Nurse, and brings experience as a home health aid. She enjoys watching patients' lives improve after treatment. -- When she's not helping patients, Jenna enjoys spending time with friends and family, and loves discovering a new book series.

Billing Staff

Constance has 13 years of billing experience. She began her career immediately following High School graduation where she began working for a Mental Health Clinic. Her background in Mental Health and Family Practice have afforded Constance the ability to work directly with patients in a clinical setting. -- She enjoys communicating with the patients and pitching in to help coworkers when needed. When she’s not helping patients, Constance enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.

Kathy handles billing services at the clinic. After receiving her degree in Home Economics and Business from the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, she spent 15 years in the chiropractic field and gained 10+ years of experience with billing. -- Kathy appreciates that her coworkers are so nice and helpful, and are willing to help make sure each other's jobs run as smoothly as possible. When she's not helping patients, she enjoys spending time with her daughter--who is currently in nursing school--reading, and teaching yoga.

Carletta is one of our billing team members. She received her certificate in Medical Billing and Coding through Herzing University. She has 7 years of experience working in the medical billing field in a clinic setting. -- Carletta enjoys working with the patients and figuring out complicated insurance issues. When she’s not helping patients, she enjoys spending time with her two children, reading, and going to see movies.