09/04/2024
Honoring PA Excellence: OAPA Names 2024 Award Winners
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One of the most rewarding activities for a membership community like OAPA is celebrating past and future member achievements by granting awards and scholarships.
Awards recognize those who have made a significant positive impact on the PA profession, while scholarships support Ohio PA students as they pursue their education.
We are excited to announce the 2024 OAPA Awardees!
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The Jerry A. Greco, PA-C Memorial PA Educator of the Year Award is given to a person who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to PA education in the state of Ohio.
The 2024 awardee is Megan Pater, MPAS, MA, PA-C, Academic Director and Admissions Chairperson in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at Mount St. Joseph University.
Here are just a few of the many positive remarks about Megan, as provided by her nominators:
"She is an outstanding teammate who is always willing to help with other courses, and support other faculty/staff in whatever way she can."
"Megan's impact as an educator extends far beyond the classroom. With an empathic ear and a calm demeanor, she consistently demonstrates her ability to handle stressful situations with grace and authority."
"Megan is able to maneuver the multiple facets of behavioral health with sincerity, confidence and empathy for students who may have been touched by a behavioral health diagnosis (personally or in a family member). Her expertise in this area is tremendous."
"Professor Pater always brings her 'A' game to anything she does."
"Megan is an exemplary PA educator. She is knowledgeable, student-centered and passionate about teaching PA students."
Megan Pater is a Cincinnati native, a wife, and a mother of three. She holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati, Wright State University, and Kettering College. Megan began her professional journey as an athletic trainer and, after graduating from PA school in 2017, transitioned into roles in behavioral health and orthopaedics. Currently, she serves as the Academic Director of the PA program at Mount St. Joseph University, where she plays a key role in admissions and assessment data. In her free time, Megan enjoys discovering new restaurants, decorating, and exploring the outdoors with her family.
Upon notification of winning this award, Megan shared these reflections:
"Winning this award means that growth is possible without formalized training. No PA educator has a degree in PA education; enduring the learning curve and rolling with the punches can land you where you need to be. Winning this award also validates that I have colleagues that are supportive and have shared values. I am so thankful for all of my students who have helped shaped me into the educator I am today."
The John Trimbath Award for Exceptional Preceptorship is awarded to a person who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to precepting PA students in the State of Ohio.
The 2024 awardee is Taylor Yoder, PA-C, a Physician Assistant in outpatient OB/Gyn at Physicians and Surgeons for Women in Springfield, Ohio.
Her nominator had these supportive words to share about Taylor:
"Taylor exemplifies the ideal blend of exceptional skill, extensive knowledge, and profound compassion, making her an extraordinary mentor for students. Her clinical acumen in managing complex OB/GYN cases is matched by her ability to explain intricate medical concepts with clarity and patience. Taylor's commitment to education is evident in her personalized approach to teaching, ensuring each student not only understands the clinical aspects but also appreciates the importance of empathy in patient care. Her dedication extends beyond routine clinical instruction; she creates a supportive learning environment that encourages critical thinking and fosters professional growth. Taylor’s ability to seamlessly integrate teaching moments into busy clinical schedules demonstrates her unparalleled dedication to student success."
Taylor Yoder originally hails from southeast Iowa, though central Ohio has been her home for the past decade. She graduated from Ohio University’s PA program in 2018 and has been at her current role in outpatient OB/Gyn since early 2021. She has enjoyed taking both NP and PA students, most recently from Cedarville University, and also has mentored local pre-PA students in the Springfield area. She lives in Marysville with her husband and son, and enjoys filling her free time with books, baking, and hiking.
On winning this award, Taylor shared:
"I am deeply honored to have even been nominated for this award. I have been blessed to work with some incredible students; the effort they put into learning inspires me every day, and I have thoroughly enjoyed fostering their learning."
Our congratulations to Megan Pater and Taylor Yoder for their accomplishments and service to the Ohio PA community!
These awardees will be honored on stage at the 2024 OAPA Annual Conference on Saturday, September 28.
Stay tuned, as we will soon announce the 2024 student winners of the Past Presidents Leadership Scholarship, Diversity Scholarship, and General Scholarships!
