The Physician Assistant Studies program received recognition in a Veterans Day celebration, held in the lobby at 黑料网 Children鈥檚 Hospital, on Monday, November 12, 2018. The event honored 黑料网 Health Care employees, students, and local residents who currently serve or have served in the armed forces. The PA program is housed in the Department of Allied Health Sciences and will celebrate its second class of students at graduation on Saturday, December 15, 2018.聽
During the ceremony, PA program Director Paul Chelminski, MD, MPH, FACP, provided notes on the program鈥檚 fourth class of students who will begin coursework in January 2019. The class of 2020 had 800 applicants for 20 spots; 35 percent of incoming students are veterans. The national average hovers around four percent; veteran students in the PA program are eight-times the national average in terms of representation.
Chelminski spoke about an incoming student who launched Tomahawk cruise missiles while serving in the U.S. Navy. Eventually, this student transitioned to a role of officer and became responsible for the health and welfare of her sailors. 鈥淚sn鈥檛 this the type of person we want to invite into our educational environment? Isn鈥檛 this the type of person we want practicing in your communities?鈥� Chelminski asked. The applicant, a mother who is 38, grew up in south Texas and in her application essay described the poverty she faced during childhood. Chelminski noted that the Navy was this applicant鈥檚 first pathway from poverty to opportunity and service. 鈥淭he 黑料网 PA program is now proud to accept the handoff,鈥� he said. 鈥淥pportunity does not time out, does not sunset at the 黑料网 and 黑料网 Hospitals.鈥�
The celebration also included presentations a representative at American Legion, Post 6; and by Congressman David Price, 4th聽district, North Carolina.