Each year, the PA school participates in as a way to demonstrate the skills learned while also spending time together to build collaboration and teamwork. This year, the week ran Monday, Oct. 5 through Monday, Oct. 12.
“These events highlight the importance of teamwork, community engagement and sharing what we learn,” said Brooke Roylance, incoming student in the at the 夜色视频, School of Medicine (UNR Med). “The spirit days and field day gave us a chance to have fun together during a demanding program, while the community events and Pre-PA skills meeting connected our celebrations to service and education.”
“PA Week allows PAs to celebrate our profession,” said Ivy Spadone, DMSc, PA-C, AAHIVS, an assistant professor in the PA program. “We are now 200,000 PA strong in the U.S. Additionally, it allows practicing PAs and PA students to collaborate in different initiatives. PA students enjoy this week in particular, allowing them time off from the classroom to participate in meaningful community outreach activities.”
In honor of the national celebration, PA students planned multiple events in Reno, including three spirit days that encouraged dressing in theme: denim day, space day and a pink day for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The PA Program also hosted a field day that included pickleball, volleyball and other team-building activities.
The week also included health education activities.
Family Health Festival
On Oct. 8, PA students joined the Family Health Festival organized by United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra. The festival provided an opportunity to educate attendees about the role of PAs and inspire school-aged children to consider the role of a physician assistant as a possible career. Students also brought along portion-sized plates and My Plate flyers to promote healthy eating habits. They shared details about preventing and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and kidney disease. From the event, the students made contacts with Head Start to explore possibilities of providing nutritional education for its participants.
“A big part of a PA’s role is educating patients,” said Spadone. “This is a great way to not only to serve the community and provide a service, but for the students to refine their patient education skills.”
Nevada Academy of Physician Assistants (NAPA) meet-up
On Oct. 10, students informally connected at Stella Coffee Company to discuss ways to support other PAs and how NAPA supports success. It provided an opportunity to meet future colleagues, build relationships and connect outside the classroom.
“My main takeaway was the importance of becoming involved in our professional community early in our education,” said Roylance. “As students, connecting with practicing PAs can help us build a support network and learn from people who understand the path we are on.”
Pre-PA Club Physical Exam and Ultrasound Skills Meeting
On Oct. 12, students dressed as their favorite professors and met to discuss physical examination and ultrasound skills. Prospective PA students received a hands-on introduction to the PA program curriculum. Students demonstrated how to work through a physical exam and practiced basic ultrasound concepts. Students learned what examination tests assess and what abnormal findings could mean, helping them understand the reasoning behind each step.
“PA Week gives us time to celebrate the profession we are working toward and reflect on the impact we hope to make,” said Roylance. “The theme ‘PAs Go Beyond’ for this year reminds me that our future role includes patient advocacy, education and service to our communities. For students, the week builds pride and connection while reminding us of the purpose behind the hard work.”
