June 22, 2010

The past academic year was busy and fruitful for the alumni of the College of Nursing and Health Profressions' Physician Assistant programs.

David A. Luce, MMS, PA-C, ’76, Midwestern University Downers Grove PA Program received $5000 for the proposal, “Service Learning for Physician Assistant Students: Can Students Providing Diabetes Education Improve Patient Outcomes?” at the PAEA Annual Education Forum,Savannah, GA

Lonnie Angstadt ’97, founded “Del-Med Aid for Gambia,” a medical volunteer program. She also spearheaded an international elective rotation for emergency medicine students from the Christian Emergency Department where she works as an Emergency Medicine PA.

Michael Rackover, MS, PA-C, ’84, Director, Philadelphia University PA Program received the Outstanding Service Award from PAEA at the Annual Education Forum, Savannah, GA. The Outstanding Service Award honors an individual who has provided sustained, exceptional service or leadership to PAEA or who has contributed to the advancement of the PA profession in other way, for example, through scholarly activity, teaching or as an advocate for the profession. Michael (Rocky) has distinguished himself in all these areas.

William J. Hunt, ’76, has been named to a dual Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer position of Catholic Healthcare West (CHW). In his new role he will be responsible for operations in Northern California from the Oregon border south to Ken County. Mr. Hunt additional will be responsible for physician engagement efforts across the 41 hospital system.

Bradford Ledzian, MHS, PA-C, ’01, received the Norwalk Hospital President’s Award specifically for his efforts in establishing the standardized national course, “Fundamental Critical Care Support” at Norwalk Hospital. This course enables physicians and health care providers to receive continuing education in the basic principles of critical care through a course sponsored by the Society of Critical Care Medicine.

Jean Rounds-Riley, PA-C, ’83, was the recipient of the 2008 Sherry Stolberg Alumni Award at the 36th Annual American Academy of Physician Assistants Conference for her persistent efforts to improve the well being of rural Alaskans. As a member of CHAP (Alaskan Community Health Aide Program), Jean works to provide remote settlements in Alaska with well-trained, community health workers. She also works with state officials and legislators to influence policy development and implementation.

Howard Smith, PA-C, ’93, produced a 30 minute film “Physician Assistants: Partners in Action” with Transworld Productions. The video introduces the public to the salient role PAs play in healthcare and will be released in 2009. Howard is in clinical practice in Bridgeport, CT. Previous community education efforts include his “Community Family Night” (CFN) program at Monmouth Medical Center, in which area residents attended information session on topics such as AIDS, diabetes, and obesity.

ALUMNI OUTREACH

Sherry L. Stolgerg, MGPGP, PA-C Aumni Award
In recognition for outstanding achievement, innovative contribution, service and dedication to the PA profession: Nicolette McDermaott-Ketchum, PA-C and Arnold Ketchum, PA-C

P. Jean Drew M.D. Award
In recognition of alumni who intergrat the highest levels of caring and humanitarianism in their practices: Yolanda "Lonnie" Angstadt, PA-C