Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)

Roy Guizado, MS, PA-C

Chair, Department of Physician Assistant Education & Associate Professor of PA Education

WesternU distinctive:

WesternU’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 WesternU 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 WesternU 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.

Tim Wood, DHSc. PA-C

Assistant Professor

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.

Brian Tessier, MS, PA-C

Assistant Professor

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.

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.

Amber Singletary, MSHS, PA-C

Assistant Professor

How do you think the interprofessional education (IPE) curriculum will enhance student’s professional lives?

IPE fosters an environment that enhances communication, raises awareness regarding various health professions’ scope of practice, while allowing for the application of knowledge, networking and support.

Tell us about an experience where you observed a student or fellow faculty member exemplify the humanistic philosophy of our University.

There are really too many occurrences to name, but I would say that this philosophy is very apparent amidst student-student interactions and faculty-student interactions. Prioritizing and practicing beneficence seems to be the norm.

What aspect of the curriculum do you feel will most benefit graduates and why?

As medically trained providers in healthcare it is important to draw from every opportunity and experience that life and training can offer. In the PA curriculum, it is vital to take advantage of and excel in every aspect of the curriculum to become proficient and effective in the delivery of healthcare. We believe in providing a student-centered education that will culminate in patient-centered care.

Stephanie Bowlin, EdD, PA

Dean, College of Health Sciences & 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 Health Sciences 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.”

Heather Gebauer, MS, PA-C

MSPA, Class of 2017

In a few sentences, please describe the value of a WesternU education.

WesternU has prepared me well for joining the ranks of the medical profession. I passed the PANCE with little extra studying because I was so prepared from my course work. The faculty at WesternU supported me personally when the stress and challenge of balancing PA school and motherhood got me down. I was well acquainted with the tissue boxes in each of my professor’s offices!

What course did you enjoy the most throughout PA school?

As a mom of two, I enjoyed pediatrics and Ob/Gyn because it was something that I was the most familiar with. While “enjoy” isn’t the right word to describe Adult Medicine and Pharmacology, they are the classes where I learned the most and that served me well in my clinical rotations and on the PANCE board exam.

Please share any advice to a prospective student about WesternU’s MSPA program.

Simply put, PA school is a WILD ride. If you have a family of your own, you need a good support system. Husbands, wives, grandparents, nannies, and childcare are necessary to make it. Remember that you made it to PA school because you are smart– do not doubt that. Put in the time and effort and it will pay off. Persist and persevere. It will be the longest shortest years of your life, but so worth it.

Paul Rhee, MS, PA-C

MSPA, Class of 2017

In a few sentences, please describe the value of a WesternU education.

One great value of a WesternU education is the university’s commitment to community service. Community service opportunities are constantly available to students, and they are some of the best ways to translate classroom knowledge to real-life application. Moreover, because these events are often open to multiple colleges, they are a solid way to interact and work with other students of different healthcare professions.

What are your goals as a PA?

My short-term goal as a PA is to gain experience in emergency medicine and eventually work at a rural, underserved area once I gain confidence and additional knowledge as a provider. My long-term goal is to go on medical missions as a PA whenever I have the resources available. Once I become an experienced provider, I also hope to precept the next generation of PA students.

Please share any advice to a prospective student about WesternU’s MSPA program.

Many professors will tell you this in the beginning of your PA school journey: trust the process. Although Western’s PA program has one of the largest class sizes of California PA programs, the faculty will be there for each of you and will ensure that you have the necessary tools for success. If you are given a spot at this program, the faculty already knows that you have the capability to handle the course load, pass the PANCE, and become a great provider. WesternU PA program has developed solid PAs for 25+ years now. Trust the process, and you will do well.

Hasina Mojadidi, MS, PA-C

MSPA, Class of 2017

In a few sentences, please describe the value of a WesternU education.

One of the most valuable factors of the WesternU PA program is the quality of education gained through their faculty and staff. They have been nothing but kind and tremendously helpful. The endless amount of knowledge and the invaluable experiences I have had these past two years have been such a humbling experience. I remember the first day of the program thinking this was impossible. But here I am, updating my CV as a successful graduating student. I will be forever grateful for everyone’s willingness to help and am sincerely thankful for all the knowledge and skills I have learned.

What course did you enjoy the most throughout PA school?

HPDP (Health Promotion and Disease Prevention) was one class I especially enjoyed. Dr. Wood shows the importance of screening, prevention, and health promotion while making the class interactive, upbeat, and fun! In addition, Professor Singletary made the volume of Adult Medicine organized and concise while still making the class understandable, interesting, and manageable.

Please share any advice to a prospective student about WesternU’s MSPA program.

Be confident. Don’t be intimidated. WesternU gives you all the tools to succeed. In the beginning, it may seem overwhelming, but you will find what works for you. Try your best to time manage. I found myself taking breaks by watching a show, working out, and best of all, napping! Make friends with your fellow classmates. I met some amazing people that will be part of the rest of my life. Just enjoy the ride! It will go faster than you will know.

Daniel Bunker, MS, PA-C

MSPA, Class of 2017

What is a valuable skill you learned during the PA Program?

The most valuable skill I learned during my PA program was how to learn. In order to understand and absorb the large amount of information that was constantly flowing in, I needed to know who I was as a student and how I learned best. It was rocky at first, but the more and more I learned about myself as a learner, which allowed me to learn quicker and retain what I had learned.

What course did you enjoy the most throughout PA school?

I loved Adult Medicine. It was by far one of the harder classes at WesternU, but was the most informative and exciting. I loved learning the different disease pathologies, how to diagnose said disease processes, and how to adequately treat each disease. Studying the material helped me to feel more and more like an actual health care professional and prepared me to meet my future patients.

Please share any advice to a prospective student about WesternU’s MSPA program.

My advice to any future PA students would be to enjoy the journey. PA school is going to be 2 of the most difficult years of your life. Put everything you have into studying and learning the material and work hard to become the PA you have envisioned yourself being. That being said, remember to always take time for yourself. Take time to be a regular human. Take time to be with friends and family, do something you love, try something new, and leave all of your school worries behind you, even for just an hour or two. Work hard, play hard. Balance and dedication are both keys to success in this field.

Aubrey Jacobson, MS, PA-C

MSPA, Class of 2017

What is a valuable skill you learned during the PA Program?

Being a student at WesternU has been a wonderful experience. Throughout my studies, I have learned the importance of collaboration and partnership with my colleagues, faculty, and the patients we serve. I have learned how to maximize my resources and most importantly, to ask for help when I needed it. The PA program is one that teaches you not only how to become a medical practitioner, but also how to become a well-rounded, diligent contributor to the community.

What course did you enjoy the most throughout PA school?

My favorite class in PA school was actually the one that challenged me the most. Pharmacology forced me to achieve things that I never imagined possible. It tested my endurance, stamina, and commitment to this profession. Thank you Dr. Lowe for encouraging us to be the best providers we can be and for teaching the art of medicine.

Please share any advice to a prospective student about WesternU’s MSPA program.

My best piece of advice to prospective student is to keep following your dreams. The journey to PA school is by no means an easy one, but it is one that is completely worthwhile. You will be entering into a profession where you can use your knowledge and skills to directly help others, and this is something truly amazing. The three words that got me through school were “keep moving forward.” Whether you are applying to PA school or have recently been accepted, this is a journey that will challenge you in many ways, but if you keep your head up and put one step in front of the other, your opportunities are endless.

Clarke Lunt, MS, PA-C

MSPA, Class of 2016

What is a valuable skill you learned during the PA Program?

Main skill I learned was how to approach each patient. Truly treating them as a human being and listening to their concerns.

In a few sentences, please describe your most memorable clinical experience.

I took care of a mother who recently was involved in an assault. The child of the mother was killed, and she was critically injured. Even though her child was lost, she came back months later to say ‘thank you for all you did for my son and me’.

What did you value about Interprofessional Education?

I saw how a team works together in different situations, which is beneficial in the real world.