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.

During an unprecedented year, Michael White successfully navigated and excelled in his didactic phase of PA education. Currently in his second clinical rotation with the MSU Physician Assistant program, he carries with him the lessons of adaptability that led to a successful first year.

Hometown

Vernon, Missouri

Colleges attended and degrees earned (major/minor)

Missouri State University with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry

Previous health care experience

PCA at Mercy Hospital for 3 years.

Orthopedic Technician at Mercy Orthopedic Hospital for 4 years.

Interesting fact about yourself

Spent much of my childhood in Kenya, East Africa living with my grandparents on the missions field.

I have been Machine Gunner in the Marine Corps Reserves for over 5 years.

Why did you decide to become a PA?

After contracting Malaria, I had to spend some time in the healthcare system in Nairobi, Kenya. My time spent as a patient in a third world country inspired me to attain a position where I could make a difference in the lives of my patients, and improve healthcare policies in whatever hospital I get the opportunity to work in. Therefore, my pursuit as a Physician Assistant began..

Describe your experience so far in the program.

My experience at Missouri State’s PA program has been everything I could have hoped for. It has challenged me, taught more than I ever thought I could learn, and often forced me out of my comfort zone. It’s not an easy program, but it has grown me as an individual, and I know I will be a better provider for it.

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

The thing I like best about Missouri State’s PA program is the willingness of the faculty to go above and beyond to assist every student in their education.

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

To help prepare me for PA School I reached out to several people whom I knew had recently completed the program. I asked them several questions regarding what to expect, what literature would help me in my education, and what other resources I should acquire to give me the best opportunity for success during program.

Do you have any advice for prospective PA students?

The best advice I could give to prospective PA students is to study hard, but make sure time is reserved each week to focus on yourself and your family. PA school is a marathon and if you don’t pace yourself it’s easy to burn out early. Take at least one day a week where you completely detach from PA school and take time to recuperate.

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

Once done with my clinical year I plan to move from the Marine Corps and pursue a career as a medical officer in the Army National Guard. I then hope to attain a job on the civilian side in Orthopedics or General Surgery somewhere in southwest Missouri.

What have you learned while being a PA student during the COVID-19 crisis that you will carry with you into your career?

Experiencing COVID-19 during PA school taught me to be flexible and adaptable in an ever-changing environment. This skill is something I know will carry into my professional career. As a provider, it is critical to tailor patient care based on patient presentation. Healthcare can be very fluid and being flexible is of the utmost importance.