ATSU-ASHS presents awards to physician assistant class of 2020
Posted: August 11, 2020
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) celebrated achievements of the physician assistant class of 2020 through a virtual graduation awards ceremony. Michelle DiBaise, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, PA department chair, professor, hosted the event and presented awards with help from Ray Pavlick, PhD, professor, director of didactic education, and Kim DeVore, MS, PA-C, assistant professor, director of clinical education.
“I honestly can’t believe it has been 26 months since you have started. I can remember each and every one of you walking in on that first orientation,” Dr. DiBaise said. “Congratulations to everybody on your accomplishments over the last 26 months. I really wish we could be on the stage for your graduation but know that we will all be there watching with you. We’re so proud of you! It’s been a long journey and it’s been a joy to be with you guys and watch you grow. I am so excited to be able to call you my future peers, starting after tomorrow. So, thank you and I look forward to seeing you at future conferences as my colleagues.”
Awards presented include:
DPAS Leadership Award
The Department of Physician Assistant Studies (DPAS) Leadership Award is given to the graduating physician assistant student who exemplifies the quality of strong student leadership during both the didactic and clinical portions of the physician assistant program. This year, faculty chose two students to be recognized.
Jordon Stephens, PA, ’20
Luis Rivera, Jr., PA, ’20
DPAS Faculty Award (Didactic)
The DPAS Faculty Award (didactic phase) is given to the graduating physician assistant student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement during the didactic portion of the physician assistant program.
Kirstin Tymkew, PA, ’20
DPAS Faculty Award (Clinical)
The DPAS Faculty Award (clinical phase) is given to the graduating physician assistant student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement during the clinical portion of the physician assistant program.
Raven Burrell, PA, ’20
DPAS Professionalism Award
The DPAS Professionalism Award is given to the graduating physician assistant studentwho displayed a positive attitude and unwavering affability, in light of many unforeseen rotation scheduling challenges during the clinical year training. The faculty selected two students for this award.
Mark Nelms, PA, ’20
Shalene Yazzie, PA, ’20
DPAS Chair’s Award
The DPAS Chair’s Award which is given to the graduating physician assistant student who best exemplifies the mission statement of the PA program. This student demonstrates a commitment to serve the underserved and embraces the interwoven relationship between the body, mind and spirit.
Destinee Bowden, PA, ’20
Preceptor of the Year Award
This year we have chosen two preceptors, one from the Phoenix area and the other from one of our community partner campuses.
Dr. Steven Sawyer, general surgery specialist in Globe, Arizona.
Dr. Max Yankes, internal medicine specialist in Visalia, California, at Family Healthcare Network, ATSU community health care partner.
Preceptor Service Award
Eden Etcheverria, MS, PA-C