Faculty Member's 9/11 Essay Invokes 'Do Something' Spirit
Sept. 22, 2011 - 4:42 p.m.
An assistant professor in Penn College's physician assistant program observed a somber anniversary with "In remembrance of Ground Hero: Ten years after 9-11," published this week by the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Reflecting on her assistance to the rescue-and-recovery effort in New York soon after the terrorist attacks a decade ago, Susan Swank-Caschera wrote, "I contemplated how I could commemorate this day that would forever remain in our memories. As my community in North Central Pennsylvania faced devastation from flooding, I discovered the answer." Her essay, a poignant call to community involvement, is available online.
College Names Directors of Physician Assistant, Surgical Technology
Aug. 10, 2011 - 12:05 p.m.
The School of Health Sciences at Penn College recently appointed directors for its surgical technology and physician assistant programs. Scott A. Geist was named director of the surgical technology program. Following a long career in the Navy, Geist was, most recently, surgical technology program director at Concorde Career College, Memphis, Tenn. Sarah W. Worman joins the staff as director of the physician assistant program. Worman brings a variety of experience, most recently as a research interviewer for the New England Research Institute. In the educational setting, she was interim clinical coordinator, as well as clinical preceptor and academic coordinator, for the physician assistant program at Cuyahoga Community College, Parma, Ohio.
Students Establish 'Clinic' at Children's Learning Center
April 12, 2011 - 12:59 p.m.
Physician assistant students visited the Children's Learning Center on Monday to practice health assessments on young children. As the photo shows, turnabout is fair play at these practice "clinics," where big students learn how to work with the little ones, and the youngsters benefit by having a fun and positive experience with a health care professional. The class was accompanied by its instructor, Christine M. Kessler, associate professor.
Photo by Leah R. Tressler, group leader, Children's Learning Center
Physician Assistant Student Receives NHSC Scholarship
March 10, 2011 - 2:29 p.m.
A physician assistant student at Penn College was awarded a full scholarship for 2010-11 through the National Health Service Corps. Heather J. Simonson, a junior from Catawissa, was one of 125 students selected from a pool of 65,000 applicants. The competitive scholarships cover tuition, fees and other educational costs and provide a living stipend for as many as four years of health care training in exchange for an equal number of years (two years minimum) of service at an approved medical facility in a high-need, underserved area soon after the scholar graduates.
Physician Assistant Faculty Member Presents Research
Dec. 9, 2010 - 1:26 p.m.
A member of the physician assistant faculty at Penn College recently presented at the Physician Assistant Education Association Annual Education Forum in Baltimore. Christine M. Kessler, associate professor of physician assistant, presented a poster titled “The Relationship Between Multiple Intelligences and Attitude Toward Independent Learning.” Based on her doctoral research, the poster shared her findings that interpersonal intelligence – one of the eight multiple intelligences – was predictive of physician assistant students’ attitudes toward independent learning.
Students Celebrate National Physician Assistant Week
Oct. 11, 2010 - 4:23 p.m.
Physician assistant students at Penn College celebrated Physician Assistant Day on campus Oct. 6 by spreading awareness of their chosen profession and sharing “PA Day” treats with the college community. The Pennsylvania-wide theme for this year’s PA Day – “Bridging the Gap in Healthcare” – stresses the importance of the role of physician assistants in addressing patients’ needs.
Students Donate Time, Gain Experience at Little League World Series
Sept. 22, 2010 - 5:02 p.m.
A large group of Penn College students offered their assistance while gaining hands-on experience at the 2010 Little League Baseball World Series in South Williamsport. Emergency medical services students were stationed in the stadium, working under the leadership of Susquehanna Regional Emergency Medical Services paramedics to respond to medical emergencies among the thousands of fans attending the international event. Sixty-six junior- and senior-level physician assistant students, accompanied by licensed physician assistant faculty, were stationed round-the-clock in the Little League Complex’s International Grove, where participating teams reside during the event. In addition, several School of Hospitality students helped to prepare and serve a picnic lunch at South Williamsport Community Park for participants in the Challenger Game – played in Lamade Stadium the last Saturday of the series – and their families.
College’s Physician Assistant Students Transition Into Clinical Phase
July 27, 2010 - 3:59 p.m.
Penn College’s physician assistant program held its first Induction to Clinical Clerkship White Coat Ceremony on July 23, marking an important transition for third-year students from classroom to practice-based education. As it moves forward, the Class of 2011 will spend the majority of its time learning in clinical settings, applying skills by administering care to real patients. "The (white) coat is a symbolic transition from basic sciences to more patient-related care,” explained Paula D. Holmes, clinical director of the program. “It's more of a cloak of compassion that we expect students to take on in the role, which is more involved with patient care than it has been in the first three years of school."
School of Health Sciences Holds In-Service for Preceptors
April 9, 2010 - 1:00 p.m.
The School of Health Sciences offered an in-service for its clinical preceptors April 9. Darby Lewes, an English faculty member at Lycoming College, offered a workshop titled “Portrait of a Student as a Young Wolf: Motivating Students.” The school offers the in-service annually to its preceptors, who can earn continuing education units for their attendance.
Physician Assistant Students Win Statewide Competition
Nov. 18, 2009 - 6:18 p.m.
The Penn College physician assistant program won the 10th Annual Student Challenge Bowl, which was held by the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants during its state conference in Pittsburgh on Nov. 6. The team consisted of members of the Class of 2010: Melissa N. Dobson, of Elysburg; Danielle M. Bennett, of Laceyville; and Ross W. Trent, of Towanda. Daniel J. Parks, of Cogan Station, served as the alternate. Paula D. Holmes, program coordinator for the Penn College physician assistant program, served as the team’s adviser.
- previous page
- next page
