Physician Assistant Studies Blog

Department & Program News

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Written by Roberto Canales, DHSc, MS, PA-C MSU PA Department Head/Program Director

We began fall 2023 with much to tackle. There was a new class to select, prepare for summative testing of clinical students as they neared graduation, and prepare to transition didactic students to the clinical year of training. How did we fare?  We selected the largest incoming class of 34 to begin their PA training January 2024. All 31 clinical students successfully completed the fall semester and are working on the next step of their PA careers, and we managed to successfully fill all 34 available seats for the Class of 2025.

While there were no faculty or staff changes to report this past fall semester, we did have an addition to the PAS program family. Andrea Applegate gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Drayden Applegate Butcher. Both mom and dad could not be prouder of him and love teaching and taking pictures of him.

On a more personal note. After 30 years in PA education, 22 of those at MSU, I announced my intent to retire at the end of August. However, before I retire, I will step down as the program director at the end of June. I am stepping down before retirement on purpose so that I can work with the new PD to help ensure a smooth transition for the program. The university will soon start a search so be on the lookout for updates about this on the program’s Facebook site.

Advisory Board Member & Preceptor Recognition:

Congratulations to MSU PA Advisory Board members and program preceptors Robyn Yost and Cindy Griessel for receiving Mercy’s APP (Advance Practice Provider) Teacher of the Year 2023!

 

Congratulations also goes out to Jeff Del Vechhio, PA-C, MSU PA Advisory Board member and program preceptor, for being recognized as a 2023 Health Care Champions Advanced Practice Provider by the Springfield Business Journal! Read the article here: 2023 Health Care Champions Advanced Practice Provider: Jeff Del Vecchio | Springfield Business Journal (sbj.net)

Catch up on additional PAS Department & Program news below:

If you missed the last PAS newsletter, you can view it here: Summer 2023