October 17, 2011

Pamela Lopchinsky and Mikayla Nemes, senior Physician Assistant students, were recipients of the 2011 David Buck Memorial Award.  David Buck, PA-C was a 1987 graduate of the Hahnemann University Physician Assistant (PA) Program who was recognized for his academic and clinical excellence with the Abbott Laboratory Outstanding Graduate Award. After two years of clinical practice in cardiology at Hahnemann Hospital, David joined the PA Program faculty in 1989. As the director for the Physical Diagnosis and Clinical Laboratory Medicine courses and Director of Clinical Rotations, David contributed to the education of over 500 students during his eight year tenure in the PA Program.  Recognized by students and faculty as a consummate educator, David was honored in 1996 with the esteemed Lindbach Award for Teaching Excellence.  David's memory and legacy live on in the PA Program graduates who were inspired to excellence through David's teaching and guidance. Shortly after David's death in 1997, the David Buck Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to honor David's memory and his contributions to PA education. The David Buck Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually on a competitive basis to PA students who demonstrate excellence in patient care and unwavering dedication to the PA profession. 

Two senior Physician Assistant students - Cara Mattleman and Randall Faber are among the recipients of the 2011 Physician Assistant Foundation Scholarship.   This scholarship is part of the American Academy of Physician Assistants Student Academy and was established in 1977 to assist PA students with expenses related to their studies. Recipients are chosen based on financial need, academic achievement, past employments and goals as a PA. Senior PA students Adam White and Alexis Mincer were the 2010 recipients.

Rachel Gopenko, senior PA student, class of 2012, has been awarded the 2011 Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants (PSPA) Nathaniel Alston Student Achievement Award.  This award recognizes students who have demonstrated the highest standards of the PA profession through their experience and knowledge by promoting goodwill, public recognition and professional development of the PA profession.  Ms. Gopenko will receive the award at this year’s annual conference on October 21 in Erie, PA.