Describe an engaging aspect of your program and why you like it. Clinical Skills is an engaging part of the program as it allows for invaluable hands on experience.
Who at WesternU has made you feel supported and how? Most of the faculty are incredibly supportive and accessible. Professor Chang in particular is incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and encouraging.
How have you seen the University’s humanistic philosophy lived out by members of the WesternU family? The school’s humanistic philosophy is very clear in all of the community service opportunities the faculty give us and how eager my fellow students are to participate.
Why did you choose your WesternU program? I chose WesternU due to my many positive interactions with alumni during my time as an emergency department technician.
What would you tell a prospective student about WesternU? WesternU is an excellent choice where you will learn what you need to know from accessible and caring faculty. You will be afforded many opportunities to practice what you’ve learned during optional community service events before you go on rotations.
Catherine Yaw, PA-S, BS
Class of 2018
Are you involved in any clubs on campus or volunteer programs off campus? If so, which ones?
I was fortunate enough to serve as Vice President for our class Student Government Association (SGA). It was a great opportunity to bring our class together and organize fun events for the class like PA day and a supplementary suture workshop. I also participated in the Medical Spanish course offered by LMSA during lunch and it was great! I got to brush up on my Spanish skills, meet students from the other colleges, and learn how to conduct a physical exam entirely in Spanish. They also gave us a nice handbook, which will definitely come in handy during rotations.
What did you value about Interprofessional Education (IPE)?
IPE was a great opportunity to network with the other colleges, learn about the roles of each provider in a patient’s medical journey, and most importantly, to teach others about the scope of practice and capabilities of PAs. Many of the students in my group thought that PAs are the same as Medical Assistants. But after going through cases and working together, they now know that PAs are capable of so much more! IPE was my chance to represent and promote the PA profession to our future colleagues from the other WesternU colleges.
Please share any advice to a prospective student about Western University’s MSPA program.
Be prepared to work hard, learn a lot all at once, and make LOTS of new friends. We’re a big family and we come from a variety of backgrounds. From someone with 10 years of experience as a paramedic to many students who have no clinical experience at all, we all rely on each other’s strengths to get through this crazy thing we call PA school. My best advice is to know yourself, what experiences and skills you have to offer, and to be confident!
Jai Bhakta, PA-S, BS
Class of 2018
In a few sentences please describe your experience as a PA student beyond the classroom.
In addition to classes, I also attended the CAPA conference in Palm Springs and attended several volunteer events ranging from WesternU Preview Days, giving flu shots to local teachers, and taking part in a PA day at a local high school where I along with other students taught high school students medical knowledge and skills.
How has your faculty mentor been helpful towards your PA education?
My faculty mentor has always been open and available for me whenever I had questions, even if it wasn’t regarding classes or material. The faculty mentor is a great resource for students to have both academically and non-academically.
Please share any advice to a prospective student about WesternU’s MSPA program.
Prospective students should know that WesternU’s MSPA program places humanism, community involvement and an overall approach focusing on more than academics for its students. In addition, the faculty and staff are approachable and more than happy to help with any questions.
Janette Carrillo, PA-S, BS, BA
Class of 2018
In a few sentences please describe your experience as a PA student beyond the classroom.
One of the greatest components, I believe, of the WesternU PA program is the involvement in the community. As students, countless community service opportunities are presented to us and are strongly encouraged throughout the program. All of my community service experiences as a PA student have augmented my educational experience. One of my most memorable community service experiences occurred when I was performing sports physicals in a local middle school with Dean Bowlin. It was such a rewarding feeling to be able to apply the material taught in the classroom to impact others.
In a few sentences, please describe your goals as PA student for the semester.
As a second semester PA student, I hope to take the knowledge that has been given to me in my first year and apply it in my patient encounters. I hope to positively impact as many patients as possible and grow from each encounter.
Please share any advice to a prospective student about WesternU’s MSPA program.
To all the prospective students I would say take every day as an opportunity to learn and grow. There are days that may make you re-evaluate why you chose such a rigorous program, but when you are able to complete your first patient encounter, it makes it all worth it. Never forget why you chose this path and trust the process. In the end regardless if this is your first time applying or your fourth or if you received an A or a B in Pharmacology the goal is still the same, PA-C.
Pamela Farah, PA-S, BS
Class of 2018
In a few sentences, please describe your experience as a PA student beyond the classroom.
Our class had the opportunity to be involved in PCHAT, where we got to see and treat real patients. It helped to improve our communication skills and it allowed us to practice and apply the clinical skills we were taught in class. You might feel like you do not have time to do anything other than study, but you should really make time for this. If nothing else, it will help you remember why you want to be a PA and it will keep you motivated throughout the program.
Molly Shepherd, PA-S, BS
Class of 2019
What course do you enjoy learning from the most?
I enjoy learning Pharmacology!! Dr. Lowe is full of knowledge and his passion makes learning this subject enjoyable. I love tying all the material I have learned in my undergraduate courses to the pharmacological processes. Additionally, I think this class is awesome, like all of our courses, because it is encouraging to know you can apply the knowledge you are learning to help a patient in need.
How has your faculty mentor been helpful towards your PA education?
Professor Guizado has gone above and beyond to not only help me, but also to help ALL the PA students. He is constantly dropping in our classes to keep track on what we are learning. He is always around during our physical assessment practice to answer questions. Professor Guizado even holds board meanings to give us a chance to express any concerns we may have during our curriculum experience. All of the professors at WesternU are extremely caring and will go out of their way to help us succeed.
What are your goals as a PA?
As a PA, I am looking forward to increasing access to healthcare and patient education. I plan to use motivational interviewing to change the behavior of my patients for longer lasting treatment effects. My goal is to treat patients with the utmost compassion and patient-centered care. As a PA, I will practice with integrity, meet all of my regulatory requirements, and remain professional at all times.
Please share any advice to a prospective student about WesternU’s MSPA program.
My advice is to apply early, this program is very competitive and the selection process is unique. Show WesternU why you want to be here and how you can contribute to the community. This program is difficult, like all other programs. Have a strong support group to learn on. Practice healthy habits now because when you get here, you will be more likely to keep those habits even when the work gets tough. Ask questions, get to know the community and the faculty. Come to Preview Days! I went to a couple and they instilled my desire to come to this school. The Preview Days gave me a better idea of what the program entailed and it helped me see why WesternU was such a reputable institution!
James Zapata, PA-S, BS
Class of 2019
What course do you enjoy learning from the most?
Adult Medicine has been the most challenging, yet fruitful course. As a core element of our education, we are being prepared to recognize signs and symptoms, diagnose, and suggest treatment options. This course makes me feel like I am being molded and prepared to become a Physician Assistant.
How has your faculty mentor been helpful towards your PA education?
Professor Guizado has gone above and beyond to not only help me, but also to help ALL the PA students. He is constantly dropping in our classes to keep track on what we are learning. He is always around during our physical assessment practice to answer questions. Professor Guizado even holds board meanings to give us a chance to express any concerns we may have during our curriculum experience. All of the professors at WesternU are extremely caring and will go out of their way to help us succeed.
How has your faculty mentor been helpful towards your PA education?
My faculty mentor Dr. Bianco is superwoman. It has been a privilege to meet with her, receive her encouraging emails, and glean wisdom from her in our discussions. I very much look forward to continuing to develop our mentor-mentee relationship in the months to come.
What are your goals as a PA?
My goal as a PA is to gain knowledge and skills necessary to provide whole person healing in the field of medicine. I believe that people need clinicians that are compassionate, competent, and embody the ideals of humanism. I want to be that PA and train future generations to do the same.
What do you value about Interprofessional Education (IPE)?
Interprofessional collaboration is the future and reality of medicine. Successful healthcare teams embody this concept and I am proud to be a part of a university that holds their Interprofessional Education as a core component of their curriculum. It shows WesternU’s innovation and leadership in the field of Medicine.
Are you involved in any clubs on campus or volunteer programs off campus? If so, which ones? What do you enjoy about these activities?
I am planning on participating in the Latinos Medical Student Association and Pomona Community Health Action Team. I look forward to opportunities to connect with the local community and serve the people of Pomona.
Please share any advice to a prospective student about WesternU’s MSPA program.
Every Program is different, so make sure you do your research to find the program that best matches your personal vision, goals, and aspirations for the type of PA you want to become. I chose WesternU over the other schools because they practice what they preach when it comes to serving and being involved in the community. If you want to be a part of a program that is centered around service and the ideals of humanism, then WesternU is for you!
Faculty
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:
Do not let financial concerns stop the pursuit of your medical goal.
Visit the campus and make sure WesternU is the right fit for your needs.
Sit in a class to get a feel for lectures, students, and faculty.
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.”
Alumni
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.
