Celebrating National PA Week at MCPHS
By Jennifer PersonsShining a light on physician assistants and the important role they play in healthcare.
Each year from October 6 to 12, people across the country celebrate physician assistants (PAs) by observing PA Week. Led by the American Academy of PAs, this week highlights the profession and celebrates the care PAs provide. At Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), students, faculty, and alumni from the PA studies programs make meaningful contributions not only during PA Week but year-round.
Physician assistants train as generalists so they are prepared to practice in any medical field. They work in clinics, hospitals, and doctor’s offices to diagnose patients, develop treatment plans, perform medical procedures, and more. They are trusted clinicians who increase access to healthcare and are dedicated to patient-centered, team-based practice. Beyond their clinical roles, PAs are advocates for the advancement and expansion of their profession.
Alum Duncan Daviau, member of the class of 2017, is President-elect of the Massachusetts Association of PAs. He is dedicated to making the voices of PAs heard in the legislature on both the state and federal levels.
Students are also making their mark. For the first time, an MCPHS student was selected for a prestigious Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship. Ani Ourfalian is completing the final year of her premedical health studies undergraduate degree before continuing onto the Master of PA Studies program. The $8,500 award from the fellowship will go toward her graduate degree.
Meanwhile, on the Manchester, NH campus many members of the Healthcare Advocates for Sustainability are PA students. From bringing composting to campuses to volunteering in the community, they support environmentally friendly practices at MCPHS and beyond.
See MCPHS PAs in Action
Faculty at MCPHS are dedicated to the future of the profession. Associate Professor and Ret. Army Maj. Scott Orrahood, MPAS, EM, PA-C, joined the MCPHS podcast “The Secret to Living to 200” for a candid conversation about how he prepares students to make critical care decisions, often under pressure. You can listen to the episode below.
MCPHS alumni continue to influence healthcare across the globe. Before graduating in May, Hilda Agyapong completed a clinical rotation at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in Ghana. It was her first time returning to the country where she grew up.
Additionally, the Student Association of the American Academy of Physician Assistants helped organize one of the most successful Be The Match events held at MCPHS. During the event, more than 70 Community members joined the national registry for blood stem cell donations.
MCPHS is proud to be celebrating its students, faculty, and alumni in the PA profession. Student organizations have planned spirit days, fundraisers, and other events to highlight the essential roles of PAs in the healthcare system. The Physician Assistant Student Society on the Boston campus and the Student Academy of American Academy of Physician Assistants on the Worcester campus will share details of their PA Week celebrations on social media.
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