11/19/2023

PA Program Spotlight: University of Toledo

Newsletter Article - March 2023

In the fall of 1996, The University of Toledo Physician Assistant program accepted its first class of 12 students, making it the first graduate-level PA program in Ohio. Twenty-six years later, in August of 2022, the most recent class of 40 students began their didactic year and received their short white coats. The class of 2023, consisting of 37 students, began their clinical year in January and recently completed their first End of Rotation exams. The graduating class of 2022 received their long white coats in December and consisted of 39 students. The students, faculty, and staff are proud of their dedication and hard work over the last 27 months. Graduates are excited to transition into practicing medicine as PA-Cs!

Second-year students were honored with a patch ceremony at the end of January to signify the beginning of their clinical year. They are eager to explore different specialties of medicine while learning new skills and expanding their knowledge along the way. They recently completed their first 5-week rotation at the beginning of March. The first-year students completed the Fall semester, which included the Anatomy course when they examined and dissected human cadavers. Although amid their second semester of the didactic year, the first-year students have enjoyed spending time in the state-of-the-art Immersive Simulation Center and the Hillebrand Clinical Skills Center. These facilities offer medical visualization technology and interactive educational experiences, allowing students to develop interpersonal skills and problem-solving techniques.

The PA students at the University of Toledo volunteer at the Community Care Clinic and That Neighborhood Free Health Clinic. These facilities provide care to underserved patients in the Toledo area. Students can volunteer alongside other students from different health science disciplines to develop skills in interprofessional collaboration.

In October, the new board members of SAAAPA (Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants) were nominated. One of the most recent projects SAAAPA organized was a donation drive for those affected by the Turkey-Syria earthquakes. Donation boxes were placed around the Health Science campus to collect blankets, warm clothing, and first-aid supplies to send overseas. In addition, donated medical supplies were sorted and packed by student volunteers. SAAAPA is planning fundraising events, guest speakers, and planning PA Olympics.