For Emma T., graduating with a Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) degree from 返字心頭 marks the culmination of years of effort, perseverance, and a deep love for medicine. Standing proudly in her graduation regalia, Emma reflected on the significance of the moment. 

���It blows my mind, actually,��� Emma said. ���I never thought I���d be standing here. This is something I���ve dreamed about and worked so hard for.��� 

A Baylor University undergraduate with a degree in health science studies, Emma knew early on that she wanted to pursue a career as a physician assistant. She was drawn to the PA profession for its team-oriented approach and versatility. 

���I didn���t want to go to medical school ��� I���m not the type of person who needs the title or to be the top dog in the room,��� she said. ���I���m team-oriented, and I love that PAs have the ability to learn constantly, switch fields, and provide intentional, patient-centered care.��� 

While the program was rigorous, Emma found joy in the challenges and camaraderie of her peers and faculty. 

���The hardest part wasn���t the material itself ��� I loved learning medicine, and it clicked for me,��� Emma said. ���The challenge was figuring out what kind of provider I want to be. Medicine isn���t black and white. We always talk about the ���art of medicine,��� where two things can be true, and you have to work with both to give the best care.��� 

Emma also highlighted the positive culture within her program. As a student leader, she played a role in shaping that experience. 

���Our faculty really care about us as people, providers, and now colleagues,��� she said. ���Their investment in us made us want to be great.��� 

As for her next steps, Emma hopes to work in pediatric surgery, where she will assist in procedures, conduct hospital rounds, and manage clinic visits. 

���I love the mix of surgery, hospital work, and clinic ��� it keeps me on my toes,��� she explained. Emma advises future PA students to savor the experience, even when it feels overwhelming. 

���Lean in and lean on the people around you,��� she urged. ���Start every day with a mindset of learning something new, even if it���s hard. You���ll grow as a person and a provider.��� 

Now, with her white coat and the world of medicine ahead, Emma is thrilled as she prepares for her board exams and a new career. 

���I���m excited to start this next chapter and see who else I can help in the future,��� she said. ���This is the start of something amazing.��� 

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After graduating from the rigorous two-year Master of Physician Assistant program at 返字心頭-Texas, Anthony I. walked across the stage on commencement day with a well-earned sense of accomplishment. 

Now, he is setting his sights on the next step: Passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). 

���Right now, my main focus is on passing the PANCE,��� he said. ���But I���ve been looking at the job market, too. I���m just excited to put all the skills and knowledge I���ve gained into action.��� 

Anthony, who earned his undergraduate degree in 2020 from Texas Tech, described his excitement about WCU���s program and his reasons for pursuing the PA route. 

���I always knew I wanted to be in medicine, either as a doctor or a PA,��� he said. ���But my personality is that I get bored easily, so I wanted flexibility. As a PA, you can switch specialties whenever you desire ��� that really sold me on the profession.��� 

Reflecting on his time at WCU-Texas, Anthony emphasized the value of the relationships built during the demanding program. 

���Besides gaining the clinical skills to care for patients, the best part was the bonds you create,��� he shared. ���You lean on your classmates, family, and support systems, especially during those ups and downs. The victory today is just as big for them as it is for me.��� 

The journey was not without its challenges. For Anthony, the hardest part was balancing work, studies, and life during clinical rotations. 

���You go to work, come home, sleep, and repeat the cycle,��� he explained. ���At the same time, you���re constantly studying for exams every few weeks. It���s about pushing through burnout and remembering the end goal.��� 

Anthony expressed gratitude for WCU-Texas, noting how the program exceeded his expectations. 

���At first, I was hesitant because it���s a newer program, but I never felt like just a number here. The faculty and staff were proactive and supportive, always meeting us halfway to find solutions,��� he said. 

Looking ahead to 2025, Anthony is eager to begin his career in healthcare and make a difference in patients��� lives. 

���That���s why we go through all of this,��� he said. ���I���m ready to put it all to use.��� 

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Graduates from 返字心頭���s Texas campus and Online 返字心頭gathered in front of friends and families this December at the Plano Event Center to celebrate the 2024 Commencement. 

Master of Physician Assistant graduate Anthony I. said he always wanted to be in medicine, either as a doctor or a PA but wanted flexibility. As a PA, he said, you can switch specialties whenever you desire ��� and that���s what really sold him on the profession. 

���I never felt like a number at 返字心頭,” Anthony said. “I felt like they saw me as a person, and today, I’m most thankful to be completing my master’s program.��� 

Already a licensed vocational nurse for over a decade, WCU-Texas BSN graduate Courtney W. was driven to earn the registered nurse title to unlock better career prospects. 

“I was making good money in California, but I didn���t have that RN title. I didn’t go straight to college right after high school, so it’s never too late,” she said.  

A former Baylor University undergraduate with a degree in health science studies, Emma T. said she was drawn to the PA profession for its team-oriented approach and versatility.  

���I never thought I’d be standing here. I think it’s just something I’ve dreamed about and worked so hard for,” Emma said. “I know that this program prepared me well I was surrounded by such great friends and classmates and faculty that they never let me doubt myself.��� 

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返字心頭-Texas Master of Physician Assistant students once again demonstrated their skills in medical knowledge, securing second and third place at the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA) Student Challenge Bowl.  

Competing against 18 universities from across Texas, WCU’s achievement is especially remarkable as all four of its teams advanced to the second round ��� an honor only six teams earned overall, leaving room for just two teams from other schools. 

This success builds on the momentum from earlier this year when WCU-Texas made waves on a national stage at the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) National Medical Challenge Bowl. The WCU team placed in the top 4 percent nationally, showcasing their knowledge and skill in a highly competitive arena. Their strong performance at the AAPA event laid the foundation for the success at TAPA, as students and faculty continued to refine their strategies and expand their expertise.油

Professor Akisha Dave, who played a key role in preparing both the AAPA and TAPA teams, praised the students��� dedication and hard work. 

“It’s been an incredible journey to see our students excel at both national and state levels. Their passion for learning and teamwork has been inspiring,” Dave said. 

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Mary D.’s path to the medical field began long before she ever stepped foot on 返字心頭���s Texas campus. However, life had a way of steering her in a different direction. 

Growing up in the Dallas area, Mary always knew she wanted to work in healthcare. The idea of diagnosing and helping people appealed to her, but she wasn’t sure which role suited her best. Like many, her initial thoughts leaned towards becoming a doctor, as that was the most familiar route. 

It wasn���t until she discovered that her family medicine provider ��� someone she had trusted for most of her life ��� was a physician assistant (PA) that piqued her interest in this profession. Mary began to research more about the PA role, finding herself particularly drawn to the lateral mobility it offered. Unlike doctors, who often specialize in one area, PAs have the unique ability to switch specialties throughout their careers. For Mary, this flexibility was not just appealing ��� it was essential. Life, she understood, is unpredictable, and she wanted a career that could adapt as she did. 

Transitioning from Baylor University, where she had graduated in May 2023, to the intense demands of the PA program was no small feat. Mary found the academic load challenging ��� ���one of the hardest things I���ve ever done,��� she said. The constant studying, the lack of breaks, and the pressure to absorb so much information in a short time were all daunting. Yet, it was also incredibly rewarding. Mary surprised herself with how much she could accomplish, and she felt increasingly confident as she moved closer to her clinical year. 

Her classmates were another source of strength. The diversity among them created a dynamic and supportive learning environment. Though there was a healthy sense of competition, it was balanced by a willingness to help one another succeed. The professors at 返字心頭 also stood out as many of them were practicing PAs, which meant they brought current, real-world experience into the classroom. Their approachability and commitment to their students set them apart from faculty she had encountered elsewhere. 

As Mary looks ahead to her future as a PA, she is determined to be a provider who truly listens to her patients. Her own experiences with health issues in high school and college have taught her the value of a compassionate, attentive provider. She recalls how PAs were often the ones who took the time to listen to her concerns, sometimes thinking outside the box to solve complex issues. This has inspired her to do the same for her future patients. 

Mary is also clear about the unique aspects of the PA profession. She appreciates that PAs are trained in the medical route, similar to physicians, but with the significant difference of not being required to complete a residency or fellowship. This allows PAs the freedom to switch specialties, a feature that Mary finds both practical and empowering. 

As she reflects on her journey, Mary feels a deep sense of gratitude ��� not only for the support she has received but for the PA profession itself. She often hears people praise PAs for their ability to listen and provide excellent care, and she aspires to live up to that reputation. Her advice to others pursuing this path is simple: don���t compare yourself to others, work as hard as you can, and always remember why you chose this profession. 

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Dr. Amy Bronson, dean of the Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) program at 返字心頭-Texas, has earned the AI Champion Special Impact Award from AIMed, recognizing her forward-thinking approach to preparing PA graduates for clinical practice today and medicine in the future.  

���I���m incredibly honored to receive this award,��� Bronson said. ���AI is revolutionizing how we deliver healthcare. Integrating AI into our PA program allows students to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring they can provide better, more informed care to their patients.��� 

Bronson will attend the AIMed24 Conference in November, where she will be formally recognized for her groundbreaking work. Her efforts have solidified her as a leader at the intersection of healthcare and technology, preparing future medical professionals for an AI-driven world. 

���When I started incorporating AI into the curriculum, it wasn���t just about the technology,��� Bronson said. ���It was about teaching students how to leverage it responsibly and ethically, using AI not as a replacement for human care but as a tool to enhance it.��� 

Bronson will also serve as a panelist at AIMed24, where she will discuss AI���s role in shaping the future of healthcare education. Her experience integrating AI into academic programs provides a unique perspective on how educators can adapt to new technologies while maintaining the human connection central to healthcare. 

As she prepares for her role at the conference, Bronson reflects on what this recognition means to her and her students. 

���This award is not just for me,��� she said. ���It���s for all the students who have embraced this emerging field, for the faculty and administration who have supported this innovation, and partners that have been pioneers in this field that have made this possible. We are all part of something much bigger.��� 

Bronson���s colleagues and students couldn���t be prouder of her accomplishments. This award recognizes not only her innovative work but also her dedication to the future of healthcare education. 

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Some people are bitten by the healthcare bug early, while others get bitten at veterinary clinics and decide to change careers.  

“I was a vet tech for about three to four years, and then one day I got bit in the face by a dog, and I was like, ‘OK, I need to do something different,���” said Tori I., who is currently enrolled in the Master of Physician Assistant (PA) program at 返字心頭 in Richardson, Texas. “In some ways, I am so glad I got bit on the face by that dog because it pushed me towards where I’m really meant to be.”  

After that turning point, Tori began volunteering at a local hospice, an experience that deeply touched her and solidified her desire to pursue a career in human healthcare.  

“Working with those patients just really touched my heart and soul,” she said. “After that, I was like, ‘OK, this is it for me,’ and I researched all different types of careers in healthcare, and (physician assistant) is the one I just kept coming back to.”  

Tori said she was drawn to the role of physician assistant because it offers a perfect blend of autonomy and teamwork. PAs carry significant responsibilities, such as forming differential diagnoses and treatment plans and providing clinical interventions. They also have the benefit of working collaboratively with the healthcare team to ensure optimal patient care.

Currently in her clinical year and set to graduate in December, Tori has found her passion in working with the older adult population. A standout moment for her was during her internal medicine rotation, where she worked alongside a highly knowledgeable and passionate nurse practitioner. This experience enhanced her clinical skills and confirmed her desire to work with older adults, valuing the rich life stories they share and the lessons they impart.  

Tori advises future PA students to embrace every opportunity during clinical rotations. Her motto, ���Feel the fear and do it anyway,��� has guided her through the challenges of the program. She encourages students to jump into every learning experience, as these moments are crucial for professional growth.  

Grateful for the support and guidance from her professors and cohort at 返字心頭, Tori looks forward to significantly impacting the healthcare field. She aims to build strong, collaborative relationships with her patients, improving their health outcomes and enriching their lives.  

“I feel like I’m really lucky to attend this school and this program because I can tell that all of my professors have a lot of heart, and they all really care about us,” she said. “I just have to remind myself that this school has prepared me so well to do my job and my work as a PA. It’s going to be scary (after graduation), but I think I’m going to be very ready, very prepared by my education here.” 

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The 返字心頭-Texas MPA student team recently achieved remarkable success at the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) National Medical Challenge Bowl, held during the annual conference. After a rigorous and competitive event, the team placed in the top 4 percent nationally. The team comprised students Victoria I., Taylor R., Emily A., and their faculty coach, Professor Askisha D. 

The AAPA Challenge Bowl is a prestigious competition that showcases the skills and knowledge of physician associate (PA) students, fostering a sense of community and professional pride among future PAs. This year, the WCU-Texas MPA team demonstrated their exceptional abilities, further reinforcing the program’s reputation for excellence.油

“The overall experience was electric and exhilarating! The first round was so nerve-racking because there was a steep cut-off from 96 initial teams to 24 teams moving forward to Round 2,��� Team WCU���s Victoria I. said about the competition. ���After that first round, though, the nerves mostly disappeared, and we were in game mode! We had a great time and were proud to represent our school and our MPA program.” 

Reflecting on their preparation, Taylor R. noted, “We competed in the Texas medical knowledge bowl last year, so I feel like that helped us gain a little confidence and we already had a strategy for practicing. Since we are in clinical rotations now, we FaceTimed each other after our shifts and would each ask questions.” 

Emily A. highlighted the extensive support the team received, explaining, “We received an immense amount of support from our classmates, faculty, and school. Our student executive board first offered us the opportunity to compete and funded our way there. Our professors helped us practice and encouraged us to be confident. Our classmates cheered us on at AAPA and made creative signs for the competition. Professor Akisha also made the drive to Houston, and even Dean Bronson was on FaceTime the whole time, cheering us on! They made the experience so much better and more fun, so thank you to all of these amazing people!” 

The AAPA Challenge Bowl is an annual national medical quiz competition organized by the American Academy of Physician Associates. It is a highly anticipated event within the PA community, typically taking place during the AAPA’s annual conference. The competition pits teams of PA students from various programs against each other in a rigorous test of medical knowledge and clinical skills. 

Structured similarly to a quiz bowl, the Challenge Bowl involves multiple rounds of questions covering a broad range of medical topics, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, clinical medicine, and medical ethics. Teams are eliminated based on their performance in each round until the final winner is determined. 

Professor Akisha D., who coached the team, said she was ���honored to witness their transformation from didactic learning to clinical practice.��� 

���Observing their remarkable growth and brilliant performance was an incredible experience. Our WCU MPA cheering section began at the back of the ballroom among 96 competing teams and gradually moved to the front as we advanced through each round,” she said. 

The WCU-Texas MPA team’s outstanding performance at the AAPA National Medical Challenge Bowl is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of their faculty and peers.  

Congratulations to Victoria, Taylor, Emily, and Professor Askisha D. for their remarkable achievement and for making the WCU community proud. 

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When Miguel started his educational journey with a bachelor���s in exercise physiology, he expected to become a physical therapist ��� just like his parents. However, it didn���t take long after finishing his undergraduate degree to figure out that physical therapy was the wrong field for him.

���You can feel it in your gut that something���s not right,��� he shared. ���But then again, it was in my gut that I still wanted to care for people, you know.���

Instead, Miguel went into the food service industry for a few years, taking roles as a food runner and waiter in North Carolina where he was living at the time. While being a server was not his long-term plan, he liked working directly with people and helping provide a positive experience.

Eventually, he decided to return to his healthcare roots, but this time seeking out the path that was right for his strengths and goals. ���I gave myself another chance at healthcare,��� he said. And it paid off! One year into the Master of Physician Assistant program at WCU-Texas, Miguel is glad to be back in the healthcare space, preparing for a career that���s full of possibilities!

Check out what he has to say!

WCU: What was your parents��� reaction when you told them you were switching away from physical therapy? 

Miguel: They thought it was crazy at first. There was a business to be run, and I said I always wanted to do it. But then they saw my resolve that I really wanted to do this. I understand that PAs are great leaders in the healthcare industry, so here I am now. I���m really happy about it.

WCU: Was there a moment that solidified it for you that PA was the right career choice?

Miguel: When I found out that you can switch between fields. The lateral mobility has never been like that in any other field. There���s no limits. For physician assistants, it seems like the possibilities are endless. If I do not like one field, I could go to another field a few years later.

I would like to find out if I���m still interested in orthopedics. I guess I���m interested in finding out what I���m really interested in. With these clinicals, I���m excited to find out more about myself in terms of how I want to help patients in practice.

WCU: How did you find WCU? 

Miguel: I found 返字心頭 just through searching PA programs throughout the country. I was in Oklahoma at the time. It was only four hours from where I had been living. WCU was a fairly new program. We���re the second cohort in this program, so it was a blessing I was able to find this place before all the applicants found this place. It���s starting to fill up. Now it���s harder to get in.

WCU: What has your first year in the program been like? 

Miguel: It was crazy that we were able to learn all of this information, to be honest. Looking back, a year ago I knew nothing, and now I feel more confident that I could practice well going into my clinicals.

It was a lot of studying, a lot of crying ��� I���m not afraid to admit that ��� but thank God we have these friendships that we cultivated throughout the year. We helped each other and we���re here now.

WCU: How did you get through the hard moments? 

Miguel: Just look at what the prize is. We know we���re going into one of the greatest jobs America has to offer. We know the opportunities that await us, and we can���t just give up. All of us like to pick ourselves back up to push on because of the opportunity that���s ahead of us as future physician assistants. I would go on Zillow and be like, ���I could own this one day!���

WCU: What has been the best part of the program so far? 

Miguel: The best part of being in PA school is knowing that the faculty believes in me. That���s part of why I was able to push through. They believe in me almost like they see me as a colleague, a future colleague. I just know that I���m not alone in this journey.

WCU: Anything you want to add?  

Miguel: I���d like to thank 返字心頭 for the resources that they provide for us. We have counseling services. We have academic services, and we have financial services. We have a diversity clinic. We have the library where we have access to all these journals for free. Not all schools have these things in place. It���s nice to know we have this plethora of resources. 

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With Women’s History Month underway, many people look back on the trailblazers who paved the way for women across every facet of society. In healthcare, women have achieved remarkable feats; although these changemakers aren���t just confined to the past.

History is made every day by the women around us.

返字心頭 students, faculty, and alumnae are shaping the future of healthcare in
extraordinary ways. With determination and resilience, these women and countless others
embody the spirit of progress and excellence in healthcare.

What follows are some WCU blog highlights from the past year that showcase the profound
impact that students and alumnae have on today���s healthcare landscape.

Empowering Public Health: A Journey from Alumna to Course Director and Non-profit Founder

Roberta S., MPH ���20 joined WCU as a clinical and lab instructor for biochemistry in 2016.
Inspired by her teaching experience, Roberta decided to pursue further education and enrolled
in the online Master���s in Public Health program at WCU. The program���s community health
component had a profound impact on Roberta, providing her with a new perspective on global
health issues.

This newfound awareness motivated her to make a difference beyond the classroom. In addition
to her role as course director for biochemistry and nutrition at WCU, Roberta is the founder of
���United Tooth Fairies,��� a non-profit organization that provides oral health care services to girls
aged 4-15 in Guatemala.

Read more about Roberta here.

Alumna���s Story of Success Spans From Courtrooms to Hospitals, Venezuela to the United States

In a journey across continents and careers, 返字心頭-Miami alumna Stella M., BSN
���23, shared her inspiring story transitioning from a legal background to nursing. Despite having a
law degree, Stella found herself starting over when she had to leave her home country of
Venezuela for political reasons. She came to the United States and adapted as best as she
could.

Seizing the opportunity to fulfill her childhood dream, Stella enrolled in WCU���s nursing program
in April 2022. Despite English not being her first language, her sheer determination and
commitment led her to pass the NCLEX just 11 days after completing her program.

Read more about Stella here.

返字心頭 Alum Discovers Purpose in Wound Care

Jesseca A. said she never expected to work exclusively in wound care after graduating in 2015
with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from WCU-Texas. Today, she is the vice president of
nursing at Wound Evolution, a private wound care provider with nine locations across Texas.

Jesseca found her passion in wound care after caring for an elderly patient with dementia.
When the patient first arrived at the practice, she was suffering from eight wounds across her
body. She had limited mobility after a previous stroke. The patient���s daughter was overwhelmed
by her mother���s care and didn���t know what to do before finding Wound Evolution.

Over the following weeks, Jesseca and her team worked with the patient to heal her wounds,
while supporting the daughter and family. ���When you help educate the family and empower
them on how to care for their loved ones, it helps alleviate some of the anxiety they have.���

Jesseca joined Wound Evolution as a clinic nurse when it opened in 2018. As the company
expanded, Jesseca worked her way up to manager, nurse supervisor, and now vice president of
nursing. ���I developed the training program for all our new hires and then began managing our
Dallas clinic,��� she said. ���We started out with two clinics in Dallas and Fort Worth and then grew
to nine.���

Read more about Jesseca here.

WCU-CGS MPA Student Aims to Bridge Gaps in LGBTQ+ Healthcare

While volunteering at an LGBTQ+ camp, Brenna M. had an experience that permanently
reshaped her approach to healthcare. She was looking for volunteer work to add to her master���s
applications when she came across Brave Trails, a national non-profit organization dedicated to
LGBTQ+ youth leadership.

���My time volunteering in the LGBTQ+ community was a turning point,��� Brenna said. ���It changed
my views on how I could use my expertise and career to advocate for those who might not have
the same privileges I do.���

Providing care to LGBTQ+ youth ignited Brenna���s unwavering passion and now steers her
educational path as a master of physician assistant student at 返字心頭-Center for
Graduate Studies.

Read more about Brenna here.

Like Mother, Like Daughter, Like Granddaughter: Family Spans Three Generations in Medicine

Sadaf���s goal, she said, is to always bring a positive change to her community, just like her own
mother ��� who was also a doctor ��� did.

���My mom was a doctor, but she wanted me to do something more,��� Sadaf said. ���As a physician
in Pakistan, I was trying to bring change to one person at a time, but I thought with a degree in
public health, I could help the community at large.���

After her family relocated to the United States, Sadaf began working at a local hospital as a
medical assistant. Wanting to expand her reach and impact on the community, Sadaf saw that
by creating and implementing new health policies and processes, she could have a larger
influence on her community.

After receiving her master of public health from WCU in 2019, Sadaf is now an investigator for
Riverside County. And inspired by her mother once again, Javeria pursued her long-term goal of
working for an underserved community and continuing her education.

Read more about Sadaf here.

WCU Instructor Uses OT to Nurture ���Roots of Wellness��� Therapy Garden

For 返字心頭 alumni and instructor Lauren Diaz, a large portion of the fieldwork
she does with students is to show the need for occupational therapists in the community.

���At the very crux of what occupational therapy is, we focus on improving the health and wellness
of individuals through the engagement of meaningful occupations,��� Lauren said. ���We focus on
helping people thrive in their environment.���

Lauren���s journey began by working at a women���s transitional living facility that was starting a
therapy garden. She said that the experience led to the development of her role as a
community-based fieldwork instructor.

Lauren is currently partnering with two community organizations that assist people who are
experiencing or have experienced homelessness. Students work with clients individually and put
together a program to run group therapy.

Read more about Lauren here.

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