Derrick Rocker, DC, is a recent graduate of the MSU PA program. On Friday, December 13, he received his master’s degree with the Class of 2019. Classmates describe him as “humble, intelligent, and kind with a contagious smile.” Preceptors shared, “Derrick was an excellent assistant in both clinic and in the operating room. Prompt and professional.” With a doctor of chiropractic and a master of science in physician assistant studies, we’re excited to see what’s next for Dr. Rocker; soon to be PA-C.

Hometown

Franklin, Nebraska

Colleges attended and degrees earned

Missouri State University- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Cleveland University- Kansas City- Doctor of Chiropractic

University of Nebraska-Lincoln- Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

Previous health care experience

I worked as a chiropractor at a small medical clinic in rural Nebraska. I had a very unique opportunity for a chiropractor as I worked at the same clinic as our medical doctor, nurse practitioners and physician assistant and often collaborated with them to care for patients.

Interesting fact about yourself

I did a lot of traveling during my clinical year! While most students do the majority of their clinical rotations in Springfield and the surrounding area, I chose to do my rotations at distant clinical sites in Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma. I loved traveling around and spending time in places that I probably would not have visited otherwise.

Why did you decide to become a PA?

While I was working at the medical clinic with doctors, nurse practitioners, and a physician assistant, I got to see the wide variety of conditions that they were treating and overtime I decided that I would like to do that as well. I chose physician assistant over other routes for medical training as I liked that you get a wide base of medical knowledge in PA school and are then able to work in such a wide variety of specialties.

Describe your experience in the program.

My experience in the program was great! I liked the small class size which allowed for plenty of hands-on time in the lab. We also had many doctors and physician assistants come to class to teach us about certain topics which gave us many opportunities to learn from people practicing in the field. I enjoyed my clinical rotations and feel like I had great opportunities to learn from knowledgeable providers. As someone who moved a long way from home to go to PA school at Missouri State, I can say that it was totally worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

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

The faculty, staff and my classmates! The faculty and staff were very nice and more than willing to help if you needed it! PA school can be pretty stressful at times, but my classmates always helped each other get through the rough patches and we managed to have a lot of fun along the way!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received so far?

Keep an open mind! I think most students going into PA school have some idea of a specialty or type of job that they would like to purse, but I think it’s important to keep your options open. As you go through the program you are exposed to so many different possibilities that you may not have considered before. Throughout the program I constantly changed my mind about what I wanted to do after graduation, you might be surprised about what specialty you end up enjoying!

What specialty do you want to pursue? Why?

I did my elective rotation in Neurosurgery and really enjoyed it! I like that I get to care for patients in a variety of settings including the clinic, hospital and OR.

The MSU Physician Assistant Studies Department is pleased to announce that Dr. Roberto Canales has been selected as program director and department head. Dr. Canales will begin his term February 1, 2020.

Dr. Steven Dodge, current program director and department head, announced his upcoming retirement earlier this fall after fifteen years of service to the MSU PA Program. “I have elected to step down from leadership roles in our department and to retire from full-time teaching due to age-related health factors. I have full and absolute confidence that under Dr. Canales’ dynamic leadership the MSU PA program will enjoy a new burst of growth along the path to excellence” said Dr. Dodge.

Dr. Canales shared, “I am both honored to serve and thrilled at the opportunity. The MSU PA program has an excellent team of faculty and staff, as well as clinical training sites in the community. Together, we will continue to graduate competent and capable physician assistants ready to deliver quality health care to diverse populations.”

Dr. Canales is currently serving as the associate program director and admissions director in the MSU physician assistant studies department. Joining the department in 2002, Dr. Canales has taken on many roles including interim academic coordinator, admissions coordinator, interim program coordinator and most recently associate dean of faculty for the McQueary College of Health and Human Services. He also serves as chair of the family medicine and internal medicine Physician Assistant Education Association Exam Development Board.

Prior to his time at Missouri State University, Dr. Canales served as a faculty member at the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Allied Health Science Physician Assistant Studies program (1994-2002). He is also veteran of the US Army Reserves.

Dr. Canales holds a BS in Physician Assistant Studies and MS in Health Education and Promotion from the University of Texas Medical Branch as well as a Doctorate of Health Sciences from Nova Southeastern University.

Nearing the end of his didactic year in the Physician Assistant master’s program at Missouri State University, Chase Thompson feels prepared for his transition to the clinical year. Chase completed Missouri State’s Health Profession Scholars program during his undergraduate studies and began his journey as a PA student this past January. Read on to find out more about his experiences leading up to PA school and his insight as a successful PA student.

Hometown:

Carl Junction, Missouri

College attended and degree earned:

Missouri State University 2014-2018

Major: Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology

Minor: Chemistry

What was your previous healthcare experience?

Laboratory Assistant (February 2017 – July 2018) – I instructed patients regarding collecting specimens, checked patients into the lab, directed patients to their proper rooms, transported patients to and from the lab, and tested patient specimens.

Patient Care Associate (July 2018 – December 2018) – I worked on the cardiac ICU step-down floor where I fulfilled duties such as monitoring vitals, ordering meals and recording food and water intake for patients, assisting patients with walking, changing linens, and assisting nurses with any medical emergencies that arose.

Interesting fact about yourself:

I am scuba certified and have explored several submerged ships and plane wrecks off of the coast and throughout the US!

Why did you decide to become a PA?

I originally came to college unsure of what I wanted to do. As a freshman, I joined a pre-healthcare organization where I first learned about the PA profession.  While job shadowing, I loved the positive impact that each PA seemed to make on their patients. They took the time to fully answer all of the patient’s questions and several patients expressed how a provider had never taken that time with them before. Experiences such as these as well as the passion that I saw from working PAs solidified my decision to become a PA!

Describe your experience in the program.

This past year has been the most challenging, yet rewarding experience of my life so far. As your coursework starts to pile up and you’re unsure of how to mange it all, you are able to fall back on the support of your family, classmates, and faculty who all make it much more manageable. I couldn’t be happier with where I ended up or the circumstances that I have been given so far!

What do you like best about the MSU PA program?

I truly believe that the faculty cares about how I am doing both academically as well as personally. They are always willing to listen and troubleshoot solutions if you come to them with a concern. Additionally, they do a great job with implementing teaching strategies to make it easier to learn and retain the information being taught for practice.

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

Working and volunteering in positions that allowed me to have a lot of direct patient interaction was extremely helpful coming into PA school. Speaking to patients as a medical provider was a larger learning curve than I had anticipated and I now believe that I have an advantage as I transition into my clinical year because of those experiences.

Do you have any advice for prospective PA students?

Get as much direct patient care (both paid and unpaid) as possible. It not only gives you experience regarding effective patient communication but also gives you the opportunity to learn more about various medical conditions and their proper management firsthand – which is the most effective way to remember it. Also, become active in extracurricular activities that you enjoy and are passionate about. Even if it doesn’t directly involve medicine, it gives the faculty a better idea of who you are and what you are passionate about.

What specialty or career goals do you want to pursue? Why?

I am currently interested in emergency medicine or a surgical sub-specialty due to their fast-paced nature as well as the diversity of cases that you see on a daily basis! However, I also want to keep my options open as I transition into the clinical year, so I certainly wouldn’t rule any specialty out quite yet.

In honor of National Physician Assistant Week (October 6-12) the MSU PA Class of 2020 hosted the annual Healthcare Symposium on October 7th. This event offers undergraduate students an opportunity to explore potential careers in healthcare. A variety of healthcare professionals from around the Springfield area were invited to speak about their careers. Speakers shared their initial interest in their selected field, educational path, day-to-day schedule, and advice for prospective students.

Speakers included:

• Patrick Brooks, MD: General and Colon/Rectal Surgery Physician
• Jen Miller, PT, ACE-CPT: Physical Therapist and Personal Trainer
• Amy Vaughan, OTD, OTR/L, BCP: Occupational Therapist
• Alex Limochenko, BS, RRT: Respiratory Therapist
• Kacie Craig, M.Ed, RT(R): Radiologic Technologist
• Jessica Schwent, BS, CCRP: Clinical Researcher
• Alix Opfer, MS, RD, LD, ACSM-CPT: Dietitian
• Christian Provence-Harmon BSW, LMSW: Social Worker
• Laurie Miller, RN, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC: Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner
• Shannon Hauschildt, PA-C: Orthopedic Surgery Physician Assistant

With over sixty students in attendance, the auditorium quickly filled to standing room only. Some of the speakers had affiliations with professional programs around town and were able to answer program specific questions from the audience. At the end of the event, we held a Q&A with our expert panel. They were able to give even more insight into the struggles they have faced throughout their career and guidance to undergrads seeking the same career path. We had great turnout, great speakers, and an overall successful event!

Photos and Content provided by :

Emily Suchanek, PA-S1
2020 Class President