Colton Peltz, a clinical year student in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, serves as the President for the Physician Assistant Class of 2021. With previous leadership experience as the President of the Missouri State University Pre-PA Society, Colton shares his experiences, advice and career goals.

Hometown

Republic, Missouri

Colleges attended and degrees earned (major/minor)

Missouri State University B.S. Exercise and Movement Science Minor: Biomedical Science

Previous health care experience

Emergency Department Medical Scribe at Cox South

Interesting fact about yourself

I’m an avid scuba diver. I have used some of my breaks from school to go diving and spear fishing.

Why did you decide to become a PA?

My decision to become a PA stemmed from an encounter I had with one while I was a patient. I was a firsthand witness of the integral role that PAs play in the comprehensive care of their patients. After shadowing multiple PAs in the emergency department who all spoke highly of the profession, I made my decision.

Describe your experience so far in the program including your current rotation.

So far, I have completed clinical rotations in family medicine and cardiothoracic surgery. I have been impressed and inspired by the level of knowledge these PAs demonstrate within such an acute and challenging environment.

Why did you decide to run for Class President?

I spent two years as president of the Pre-PA society at MSU. I hoped that my experience would help with coordinating all of the volunteer events that our cohort would lead in our community. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to act as a voice for my program and the Physician Assistant Class of 2021.

What do you like best about Missouri State’s PA program?

I really appreciate our program faculty. Their hard work allowed us to continue our education despite all of the obstacles created by Covid-19. I enjoyed listening to lectures from a variety of physician assistants and physicians that work in the Springfield Community.

Did you do anything that helped you prepare for PA School?

I joined the Pre-Physician Assistant Society at Missouri State University. The society helped me build valuable connections with multiple PAs across a variety of different medical specialties. It offered unique volunteer opportunities and ultimately helped me get my job in the emergency department.

Do you have any advice for prospective PA students?

It can be easy to fall behind in the fast-paced environment of PA school. I’ve found success by studying consistently with a few of my classmates. We work together to talk through and understand complex course material. I have utilized priority lists a lot during PA school. Whenever I start to feel overwhelmed, I’ve felt that it helps to refer back to my list and take it one task at a time. Set goals daily, believe in them, and drive forward.

What specialty or career goals do you want to pursue?

I am keeping an open mind during my clinical rotations. I really enjoyed my time working in the Emergency Department as a scribe. I would be happy to continue my career as a PA in an emergency department. I also really enjoyed my cardiothoracic surgery rotation and would be interested in a career as a surgical PA.

Written by: Dr. Roberto Canales, DHSc, MS, PA-C 

Department Head & Program Director

 

The Missouri State University (MSU) Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Department underwent a comprehensive reaccreditation evaluation by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) November 2020.  The comprehensive evaluation consisted of a reaccreditation application, self-study report, and a site evaluation.  This occurred while the department was also navigating the impact of COVID-19 on didactic and clinical instruction, along with two retirements. Despite all these challenges, the program was granted Accreditation-Continued by ARC-PA. The date for the next validation review by  ARC-PA will be March 2031, which is the maximum length of time between comprehensive evaluations. Please visit Accreditation – Physician Assistant Studies Department – Missouri State University for a complete description of the program’s accreditation status by ARC-PA.

This successful outcome reflects the support of MSU to the PA Studies Department, and the commitment of faculty and staff to students. This is also a reflection of our partnering hospitals and clinics commitment to help train future PA primary care providers and the dedication of clinical preceptors who voluntarily give their time to help train MSU PA students.  The program’s success is truly a reflection of so many coming together to help address the healthcare needs of patients everywhere.

The Missouri State University Department of Physician Assistant Studies is a financial supporter of the Physician Assistant History Society’s educational research. The MSU PA program is proud to partner with the PA History Society as a PAHx Associate to support the preservation of physician assistant history. As a PAHx Associate, a digital seal signifying support has been added to the MSU PA department website. To learn more about the Physician Assistant History Society visit https://pahx.org/. 

The MSU PA program’s diversity work has been recognized by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) as one of fifty-four PA programs, out of 267 programs nationally, selected to participate in a research study titled: What’s Working? A National Assessment of Best Practices in Diversifying the Physician Assistant Workforce. The MSU PA Program was chosen for “being a leader in consistently graduating racially and/or ethnically diverse students in your US Census division.” PAEA is looking to “identify Physician Assistant (PA) programs that have successfully contributed to a diverse workforce in the various parts of the United States. The project will identify the strategies that lead PA programs to succeed in creating a diverse workforce. Finally, the project will use the data obtained to create a best practice resource to inform the PA community.”

 

The Department of Physician Assistant Studies would like to congratulate Beth Elliott on her retirement after nine years of service to Missouri State University. Mrs. Elliott has been a key component to making the Department and Program a success, especially as it relates to the clinical phase of training for PA students. Mrs. Elliott would often work after hours and occasional weekends to make sure that all paperwork had been received by the credentialing office at healthcare facilities where students were assigned. She is a team player, great colleague to work with, and a good friend.  We will miss Beth very much but are so happy that she has reached this milestone in life.

In honor of Beth’s service to the department, we would like to feature her in a PAS Spotlight. Beth’s last day in the office will be Friday, February 26th.

What is your role in PAS?

I am the administrative assistant for the clinical year portion of the Program.  Once Kim Cook, the Director of Clinical Education, assigns student rotations, I make sure that all the requirements of the site are met, the students have all the information they need, reserve housing if appropriate, etc.

How long have you worked in PAS?

I started in May of 2012 so I have worked here for almost 9 years.

What is your favorite part of your position?

In all my jobs prior to this one, I didn’t have many opportunities to work with students.  And this is my favorite part of my job.  I really enjoy the chances to interact with and get to know students through the two years they’re in the program.  I enjoy seeing them grow in knowledge and confidence.  I want to hear about what and how they’re doing after graduation.

Just as important, I feel blessed to work with a great group of individuals.  I will really miss each of you!

What is your most memorable experience?

When I worked at the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City in the International Relations Department, I had the good fortune of being responsible for creating itineraries for diplomats who were travelling under the auspices of various federal programs such as the United States Information Agency.  I enjoyed this part of my job immensely.  When three young journalists travelling with the German Marshall Fund visited Kansas City, I found the confidence to accept their offers to come to Germany and visit and travel with them.  I bought a Eurail Pass and travelled on my own after staying with them.  It was my first experience outside of North America and the experience broadened my perspective and outlook of the world in a huge way.

What brought you to Missouri State University?

I’m from Kansas City, and was working at the Kansas City Art Institute when I met my husband, Guy, who lived in Springfield.  I relocated here.  After working for 10 years at OTC in Public Relations, Institutional Development and the Advancement department, I moved to MSU.

How do you like spending your time away from work?

My husband and I own a 34 ft. Hunter Sailboat docked at Stockton Lake.  We spend a lot of weekends there.  I’m also a big reader of fiction novels.  In the summer I like tending a vegetable garden.

What are you most looking forward to after retirement?

Travel.  First on my list is visiting my sister in Houston, TX.  I hope that now I’ll have all the time in the world at my disposal, I’ll finally get into cooking (probably not going to happen).  We plan on clearing out things we don’t need and use, to feel free to go whenever the opportunity strikes.