Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of James Mona and Kris Sanda to the Board of Medical Practice.

James Mona, of Hutchinson, has practiced Osteopathic medicine in Minnesota for 18 years. He currently practices emergency medicine at Hutchinson Community Hospital. He is Board Certified in Family Practice. Dr. Mona is the Past President of the Minnesota Osteopathic Medical Society. He received his D.O. degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Mona is appointed as the Osteopathic Physician member of the board and will serve a four-year term ending January 1, 2007. He replaces Joseph Willet D.O. on the board.

Kris Sanda, of Blaine, is President of the Lutheran Social Service Foundation. She also serves as Vice President of the St. Paul American Red Cross. From 1991-99, she served under Governor Arne Carlson as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Service. Governor Rudy Perpich appointed her to the Minnesota Racing Commission. She served under Governor Al Quie as Director of the Minnesota Office of Consumer Services. Sanda is appointed as a public member of the board and will serve a four-year term ending January 1, 2007. She is reappointed to her second term on the board.

The Board of Medical Practice is responsible for licensing and disciplining physicians as well as the regulation of acupuncturists, athletic trainers, physician assistants, and respiratory care practitioners. The board is made up of 16 members appointed by the Governor.