PA Research
I decided to be a physician assistant because I had a desire to pursue an exciting and challenging career practicing medicine while striking a proper work-life balance. I LOVE BEING A PA! My clinical work has included internal medicine, orthopedic surgery, emergency medicine, and family practice. I continue to practice emergency medicine and family medicine currently. My favorite parts of practicing as a PA is making the diagnosis and applying the art of medicine to promote high quality patient care. I have conducted research with PA faculty colleagues on Point-Of-Care-Ultrasound (POCUS). Specifically, we have studied the best way to incorporate POCUS training into the already full PA program curriculum. We received the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Don Pedersen Research Grant in 2018 for this work. As a result we have been able to implement POCUS training into the PA program at Mount Union. Students get hands-on experience performing ultrasound exams in the classroom, lab, and during their clinical rotations.
Being a Professor
I love training the "next generation" of PAs. We have amazing students here at Mount Union, and it's my privilege to help train them to be excellent PAs. I have always considered teaching "someday". After 14 years of full-time work as a practicing PA, the time was right to consider teaching. I trained at Emory University and wanted to teach at an excellent program as well. As a PA in the Emergency Department at Mercy Medical Center (now Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital) in Canton, Ohio I served as a preceptor for PA and medical students from various programs. Mount Union's PA students were excellent and stood out from the crowd. So, it made sense to join Mount Union's PA Program and I was given that opportunity in 2015.
PA Program at Mount Union
At Mount we have a holistic approach admission. We want to attract students that are not only strong academically, but also possess the "intangibles", like integrity, character, and a passion for the PA profession and people. We are so proud of our students and graduates who are taking great care of patients across the country and around the globe. Mount Union has a big time PA program with a small school experience! You get a state-of-the-art PA education while reaping the benefits of a small college. The personal connection between students and faculty goes a long way. The PA faculty and staff really care about their students and support their success throughout the program and beyond.