We’re proud to recognize Gay Lentfer, PA-C, as our MAPA Member of the Month for June! A graduate of the University of Iowa (Class of 1982), Gay has dedicated more than 40 years to family practice, spending her career in ambulatory care, most recently with North Memorial. From her early days practicing in Iowa to her move to the Twin Cities, where she initially joined Camden Physicians, Gay has continually evolved alongside the profession—including the transition to modern EMR-based care.
Throughout her remarkable career, Gay has embraced the heart of family medicine—caring for patients across generations. One of her greatest rewards has been building lasting relationships, treating patients from infancy through adulthood, and even caring for their children and grandchildren. Gay’s words of wisdom to the next generation of PAs is to “always remember the patient is the most important person in the room. Strive for excellence in thoroughness and think outside the box—things are not always as they seem.”
Since 2010, Gay has also been a valued member of the PA Advisory Council, contributing her insight and experience to support the profession. As she begins to ease into a well-earned transition—now practicing just two days a week—we celebrate not only her career, but the life she continues to enjoy outside of medicine. Gay loves world travel, cycling, and spending time with her growing family, including 8 (soon to be 10!) grandchildren—three of whom are in Japan. As she “rides off into the sunset,” we thank Gay for her decades of compassionate care, mentorship, and dedication. Your impact will be felt for generations to come!