Dr. Kakacek earned her undergraduate degree in business administration and human resources at the Minnesota State University-Mankato. She minored in economics and gerontology as part of that degree. She then went on to medical school at the University of Minnesota completing her residency in Family Practice at Methodist Hospital Creekside program.
Dr. Kakacek serves as VP & Chief Health Plan Medical Officer with the HealthPartners Health Plan and practices one day per week in the Park Nicollet Clinic systems and Methodist Hospital.
Dr. Kakacek has been part of our health plan medical director team since 2014, most recently serving as vice president and senior medical director of health and care engagement. She’s also been a family medicine physician with Park Nicollet since 2000. Dr. Kakacek has been instrumental in our work to make care and coverage simpler and more affordable for those we serve. She has championed and actively led efforts focused on affordability and quality, ensuring we deliver our services using the most effective and reliable clinical and administrative approaches.
Dr. Kakacek is well-respected within our community and nationally through her participation with organizations including ACHP and AHIP.
Dr. Kakacek is an instructor in the U of M residency program at Methodist, previously as a full community faculty member. She has participated on multiple committees within Park Nicollet and Methodist.
Outside of work, Dr. Kakacek enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, gardening, live music, outdoor recreation, and attending local sporting events and the activities of her kids. She’s married with four kids, a dog, cat and an occasional fish.
Education and training:
Doctor of Medicine from the University of Minnesota Medical School; Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentration in Human Resources with a minor in economics and gerontology at the Minnesota State University-Mankato.
Affiliations/other offices held:
Certified Health Insurance Executive-AHIP
Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice
Minnesota Medical Association
Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians
Active Medical licensure in 6 states
Overview/research interests:
U of MN Medical School research included tPA outcomes in the rural community
