Ann Martella
MSPA, Class of 2009
Engaging aspect of the PA program: The Physician Assistant program is challenging both academically and clinically. I like a challenge, but I found that I had to work as a team with my classmates to get through some of the toughest times. I feel more prepared to work as part of a team in my future career.
Most memorable clinical experience: I started volunteering with the Special Olympics in 2008. I was amazed at the things I could learn from the most unlikely people. It taught me to approach every patient as a person first and as a clinical patient second.
Why WesternU: When I interviewed with Western I was impressed with the idea of approaching the patient as a whole, as opposed to treating a disease. I thought, “that is how I want to practice medicine”.
Most valuable aspect of a WesternU education: Learning how to find the balance between the academic and the clinical application. People don’t always look and act like the book says they will!
Best advice: Be ready to work hard!!
Brenda Garibay
MSPA, Class of 2009
Most memorable clinical experience: During the mock patient interview in the differential diagnosis course, we interacted with actors portraying patients and got really great feedback about applying our skills. It was great because you had the pressure of not knowing the person and knowing that you were being recorded on the video camera, but received feedback from someone other than your instructor.
Why WesternU: I chose WesternU because when I came on campus for a tour, I felt embraced by the staff and the instructors I met that day. Support was the most important thing for me, I didn't want feel as though I was lost and on my own.
Favorite WesternU professor: Nancy Neilson Brown. She is absolutely fabulous at breaking down the material in a way that makes it easy to understand. She is also a great mentor. She is firm, caring, and very encouraging and is always willing to help students during office hours and will even schedule appointments outside office hours.
Best thing about WesternU: We are getting a solid foundation in clinical skills and in patient education techniques.
Best advice: It is a great school with a fabulous and caring staff. The faculty know their material extremely well and you are never on your own; every mentor and staff member is more than willing to lead you in the right direction.
Tim Wood, MS, PA-C
Instructor
WesternU distinctive: I like the fact that the different courses in the PA curriculum are run synchronously in regard to the major organ systems. It helps to integrate the various aspects of a patient’s health status when it can be related to what is happening regarding pathophysiology, pharmacology, anatomy, physical assessment and diagnostics.
Why WesternU: I chose WesternU because I attended the PA master’s program and thought that I had received a well-rounded education and wanted to be a part of that.
Value of a WesternU education: I think that in the PA program the curriculum is relevant and practical for what is needed to work and succeed in the PA profession.
On interprofessional education: I think that a well designed IPE program will enhance the learning experience by exposing the students to all the working roles of the healthcare team and how they can work together synergistically.
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Brian Tessier, BS, PA-C
Instructor
On Faculty: Everyone is always willing to help each other out. Whether it be helping in the class, reviewing exam questions, or just as a sounding board to bounce ideas off of, you know you can count on your colleagues.
Value of a WesternU education: The PA program does a good job of making the courses clinically applicable so the students see the connection of course work to the “real world” of medical practice. WesternU has a great reputation for preparing students for the national certifying exam as well as for clinical practice.
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Roy Guizado, MS, PAC
Chair, Department of Physician Assistant Education & Associate Professor of PA Education
WesternU distinctive: Western University’s PA program does not require clinical experience as a requisite to get into the program. This allows for a diverse applicant pool that can be taught to provide competent health care.
Why WesternU: I chose Western University because it is in the city in which I grew up. I felt that this was a “calling” in which I can give back to a community that influenced my upbringing.
Best Advice: 1. Do not let financial concerns stop the pursuit of your medical goal. 2. Visit the campus and make sure Western University is the right fit for your needs. 3. Sit in a class to get a feel for lectures, students, and faculty. 4. Talk to a PA and get their feeling for the PA Profession and ask them where they received their education.
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Ryan Junsay, MS, PA-C
Instructor
Value of a WesternU education: Opportunity to learn and interact with various future and present health care professionals
On Interprofessional Education: Interprofessional education would help create more efficient patient care with timely and correct referrals. Overall, interprofessional education will contribute to the quality of care to our patients. The interaction and learning about how each part works in “the machine” will make all of us use the healthcare system in an efficient manner and provide better and affordable care for our patients.
Best thing about WesternU: Interaction and exposure to various levels of healthcare providers through our diverse five (soon-to-be nine) college system.
Best advice: We are a high-quality school with resources, faculty, and alumni who compete with any big-name medical school. Here you have an opportunity to not only learn your profession, but also to interact and learn more about other healthcare professionals. Through this experience you will become a more well-rounded professional who can use the healthcare system efficiently and provide better-quality and affordable care for your patients.
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Renee Chong MS, PA-C
Instructor
Why WesternU: Faculty works hard to provide students with the education they need and are always coming up with new ideas/ways to teach. I am a graduate of the 2005 PA program, enjoyed my time here as a student, and I felt it was a very good program that prepared me to become a PA. The faculty was always readily available to me as a student.
Value of a WesternU education: There are a lot of opportunities to gain experience and work with the other programs on campus (i.e. clubs, while on rotations) if you just know how to take advantage of them.
On interprofessional education: Not all students have time to participate in extracurricular activities; so with the IPE, students can gain a better understanding of the other medical professions and how we all interact as a health care team. Once out on rotations, all medical professionals cross paths, so it would be good to understand the role we all play.
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Monica Adams MS, PA-C
Assistant Professor
WesternU distinctive: Our PA program is strong! The faculty are dedicated and raise the level of excellence each year that passes. We meet as a faculty and discuss ways to improve by reducing redundancy and changing the curriculum to keep up with current trends while maintaining the student’s best interest in mind. We have a supportive chair that allows academic freedom and solves issues objectively. Personally I look forward to coming to work because we are a family that works together
Why WesternU: I was very familiar with the program as I am an alumni and felt that I would have a positive experience transitioning from a clinician to a full time instructor. Our commitment to students and the future patients/communities they will impact is second to none.
On interprofessional education: IPE curriculum will help students who are straight out of college that need to develop interpersonal skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills. The older more experienced student who is working on a second career may not really need to develop the skills (assuming they already have them), but it would be a great way to network with other health profession students.
Paige McNamara, BS, PA-C
Instructor/Clinical Coordinator
WesternU distinctive: Unlike many institutions, WesternU students can access their professor at just about any time. We are a very student centered institution.
Why WesternU: WesternU is a WASC accredited institution. Also, our instructors in the PA Program are experienced, dynamic and respond to student needs. Western U is student friendly, small enough for intimate teaching, and has an excellent location right in the heart of Southern California!
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Stephanie Bowlin, EdD, PA
Dean, College of Allied Health Professions & Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Education
Education: EdD, University of La Verne; MS, Western University of Health Sciences
Where I’m from: Formerly Assistant Dean for Assessment, College of Allied Health Professions and chair, department of Physician Assistant Education, Western University of Health Sciences; clinical coordinator/instructor for Physician Assistant Education at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, Calif.
Clinical specialty: Pediatrics
Other notable items: Chaired the Education Council of the American Academy of Physician Assistants; served on the editorial board of Perspective on Physician Assistant Education; the Human Genetics Curriculum board for National Institutes of Health; continues to see patients when she covers at the clinics of DO and PA alums.
Why WesternU: “The spirit of humanism at WesternU has a lot to do with why one should chose to come here. We support each other and our students in ways you don’t always find in health care institutions.”
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Melissa Rosbrugh, MS
MSPA, Class of 2006
"There are many aspects of this PA program that have made my education memorable. The teaching staff has already exceeded my high expectations, and are composed of the most enjoyable and effective practitioners in our field. I am very pleased that our faculty encourages and supports participation in our state PA chapter as well as involvement at the national level. The curriculum is challenging yet rewarding, and embraces an emphasis on community involvement through numerous clubs and volunteer opportunities, as well as patient education and disease prevention. I chose Western University because after attending a large State University I desired an intimate approach to my next degree. At Western, I am not treated like a faceless number in a crowd. The small campus affords personalized opportunities to engage the faculty and staff on a personal level. My experiences so far at Western University have instilled a positive impact onto me that I am excited to share with my future patients and other health care providers."
Andrew Porter, MS
MSPA, Class of 2004
WesternU distinction: WesternU has a very courteous and respectful staff and classroom environment. Our professors were always willing to help.
Most memorable clinical experience: My rotation at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where I did my General Surgery and ER rotation back to back. During my surgery rotation, I learned the difference between inpatient work and outpatient work. The long hours were difficult at the time, but I wouldn't change a thing. It’s made me a better clinician today.
Beyond the classroom: I had the opportunity to travel to Arizona to participate with another university in providing school physical exams to high school students. We spent eight to 10 hours a day doing physicals and practicing our clinical skills. This was a great opportunity to provide a valuable service to those in need—and gain experience at the same time. The students and their parents were very grateful for our help.
Best thing about WesternU: Learning the importance of caring and humanism within the medical profession.
Career impact: My career as a family practice physician assistant has been enhanced by my clinical experiences during my rotations and the long-lasting friendships that were developed during class with other students.
Best piece of advice: WesternU has a very friendly atmosphere that’s very conducive to learning. You’ll find that the faculty are compassionate and caring and interested in students’ success.
Lauren Santilli, MS
MSPA, Class of 2007
I chose WesternU because it has so much to offer me as a student. I had a chance to sit in on a class and I noticed how all of the students were so friendly and enjoyed being there. Not only did the students seem to enjoy their time in class, but the professor seemed to really care about the students. That is so important - the professors enjoy teaching and they really care about the well being of the students.
WesternU is also special because of its diversity. Also, students do not work alone and everyone knows the meaning of team work. My professors and program staff know that there is life outside of school and are understanding of students' needs.
Mary Mikhael, MS
MSPA, Class of 2008
Time commitment: We have a very balanced curriculum that doesn’t drain you and also allows you to have a little bit of a social life. We learned a lot from books, but we also had a lot of hands-on demonstrations and practices that allowed us to apply what we learned to the real world.
The academic environment: My friends and I would always get together for group study sessions and they helped a lot. We would always share our understanding of the topic to make it more tangible. The alumni tutoring also helped because the tutor already knew exactly what the topic was all about and what the professors or professionals out in the field were looking for.
Most memorable clinical experience: Patients’ gratitude when I spent a little extra time just listening to what they have to say.
Beyond the classroom: I was involved in Emergency Medicine Club and Student Government. The Emergency Medicine Club had us work shifts as volunteers in nearby ERs and that gave me a great experience in knowing how ERs run.
Favorite WesternU professor: Roy Guizado (chairman of the PA program). He was always around for anything I needed. As busy as he was, he would always make time for student concerns and explain the material being taught in the classroom even if he wasn’t the one lecturing. Mr. Guizado was always there for support!
WesternU distinctive: I really like the fact that professors are always available for questions! The professors are willing to go above and beyond their time in the classroom to help ANY student!
Milan Vora, MS
MSPA, Class of 2002
"The two years I spent in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program at WesternU have been 'as good as it gets!' for me. WesternU's exceptional academic standards, strong-knit community, and personal attention from teachers and staff have made the whole experience a pleasant and memorable one."
Jessica Lopez-Moore, MS
MSPA, Class of 2007
Life after WesternU: I am working as a Family Practice Physician Assistant at a low income rural clinic.
WesternU distinctive: The Physician Assistant program is small enough to get to know everyone. The staff is friendly and always willing to help or just hang out.
Most memorable clinical experience: My most memorable clinical experience, other than my rotation in Maui, was my Emergency Medicine clinical. I loved it so much I did it twice! Working in the Emergency Room allowed me to encounter a variety of pathologies and taught me to think on my feet quickly.
Beyond the classroom: I was part of PCHAT which provided health screening to the local community several times a semester. Not only did I have the opportunity to practice the clinical skills I was learning, but I provided an invaluable service to the community. I also was a member of Explorers, a mentor program to high school students interested in the medical field.
Why WesternU: Western University was my number one choice when applying for PA programs. It is a highly recommended program and highly thought of through out the PA profession. The class size seemed just right and it was close to home.
Favorite faculty member: There are so many to choose from, I am not sure I can pick just one. Nancy Nielsen-Brown is an incredibly knowledgeable and awesome teacher who always has time for your questions or just to listen to your stresses.
On humanism: There were several instances were as a class we stepped up to provide for local and distant communities. As a class we collected gifts and treats to fill Christmas stockings for local children in need. As a class, we provided hygiene items for two medical mission trips out of the country. As a class we provided free blood pressure screenings to local churches and the WesternU community.
Most valuable aspect of a WesternU education: At WesternU I received a well-rounded education. Not only did I gain the medical knowledge necessary to fulfill my role as a Physician Assistant, but I learned to always listen and be compassionate.
About the university: WesternU is comprised of people who work hard to help you earn the necessary skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your chosen career path.
Amber Edwards-Singletary, MS, PA-C
MSPA, Class of 2000
My experience at WesternU was wonderful, both in the PA studies program and the Masters of Health Sciences program. The staff was experienced and personable. I especially appreciated the fact that every student and their progress/success mattered. We were known by our names and not just as a "number." Overall, I'd be willing to say that my experience was the rule and not the exception.
During my time at WesternU, I had many great teachers/mentors (Dr. Stephanie Bowlin, Amelia-Naccarto-Coleman and Nancy Nielsen-Brown, to name a few) who were always available to "coach" and encourage and ultimately bring out the best in me.
Giving honor where it is due, Dr. Bowlin was the single most influential person in my professional development. She is dynamic, professional, caring, intelligent and sincere. She made learning fun, but always demanded that I do my best. She lives by a higher standard and is not afraid of challenge. She is humble and promotes the importance of respecting and valuing the support and contributions of every member of the health care team. She is a true role model and WesternU is fortunate to have her.
Keep up the great work WesternU!
Gavin Duffy, MS
MSPA, Class of 2006
"The best thing about WesternU is knowing that no matter how bad it gets, or how hard the coursework is, there is always someone there to pick you up and to remind us why we're here, because we want to be. I was so impressed with the faculty and the program after my interview I knew this was where I belonged. I would want prospective students to know that the days of weeding out students are over; once you're in the program everyone and everything is geared toward our success and understanding the coursework so we'll be prepared to practice."
Veronica Caballero, MS
MSPA, Class of 2008
“My most memorable clinical experience was working in an East L.A. community clinic. Everyday was an experience and I learned to utilize resources effectively. I also had the opportunity to practice and improve my Spanish which allowed me to interact with patients on a more personal level. This rotation made me realize why I am in medicine today—to help and support the health of the community. The patients really appreciate all that you do for them.”
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