Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Rebecca J. Hafner, Bradley S. Johnson, and Ernest W. Lampe II to the Board of Medical Practice.

Rebecca J. Hafner, M.D., of Avon, has practiced medicine in Minnesota for 24 years. She is a family practice physician and previously served as Medical Director at both the University of San Diego Student Health Service and at St. John's Abbey and University in Collegeville, MN. Hafner received a B.A. from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, a M.D. from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, and a M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. She completed her family practice internship at the University of North Dakota. Hafner is a prior member of this board, serving from 1998-2003. She resigned from the board in 2003 to take a position in California. Hafer is reappointed to the remainder of her original term, which ends on January 2, 2006. She is a resident of the sixth congressional district and is appointed to an at-large medical doctor seat on the board.

Bradley S. Johnson, M.D., of Woodbury, has practiced medicine in Minnesota for 18 years. He is a family practice physician and currently works as a Principal at Partners Healthcare Consulting, Inc. in St. Louis Park. Johnson previously served as a Senior Medical Director at HealthEast Clinics in St. Paul while also maintaining a clinical practice at the Oakdale HealthEast Clinic. He previously served as Chief of Staff at St. John's Hospital in St. Paul. He received a B.A. and a M.D. from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Johnson completed his family practice residency at St. Paul Ramsey Hospital (now Regions Hospital) and is board certified by the American Board of Family Practice. Johnson is appointed to the board seat for a medical doctor from the sixth congressional district. He will serve a four-year term ending January 7, 2008 and fills the board seat formerly held by Scott Tongen, M.D.

Ernest W. Lampe II, M.D. of Mankato, has practiced medicine in Minnesota for 34 years. He is a general surgeon and currently practices at the Mankato Clinic in Mankato. Lampe previously practiced at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota. Lampe previously served on the Board of Directors of Medica, a health maintenance organization headquartered in Minnetonka. He received a B.A. from Brown University in Providence R.I., and a M.D. from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Lampe completed his surgical residency at the University of Minnesota and is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He also served on active duty as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Lampe is appointed to the board seat for an at-large medical doctor. He resides in the first congressional district. Lampe will serve a four-year term ending January 7, 2008 and fills the board seat formerly held by Gail Bender, M.D.

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.