Jessieka

Knazze

, MD

St. Paul and Cottage Grove, MN

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

I was interested in medicine from an early age and found myself drawn to surgery while working in an anatomy lab at the University of Minnesota. I earned my BA in Physiology and spent two gap years as an anatomy teaching assistant and scribe before starting medical school at the University of Wisconsin in 2020. As part of the TRIUMH (Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health) program in medical school, I integrated community engagement, public health, advocacy, and leadership into my clinical training. I discovered plastic surgery during my 3rd year and fell in love with the unique tools and skills the specialty has to restore quality of life for patients. Shortly thereafter, I completed my Master of Public Health with a focus on intersections between plastic surgery and public health. My clinical interests include breast reconstruction, microsurgery, aesthetic surgery and global surgery. I am also passionate about advancing health equity and mentorship in the field. Outside of work, you can find me celebrating movement through running, roller blading and dancing, enjoying the sun rise or set, eating a sweet treat, and creating memories with family and friends.