Wichita State Physician Associate Program

PA’s (and PA students) don’t only serve their community through medical care. ❤️

Several members of the Class of 2028 spent their Friday night at the local Ronald McDonald House Wichita and were able provide dinner for families while their loved ones are receiving care from Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. They are looking forward to their next dinner and opportunity to volunteer with this amazing organization!

Grateful for these and all our amazing preceptors!

In addition to caring for patients, many MSSC members help train medical students, residents and other healthcare professionals. The Wichita State Physician Associate Program highlighted two students who recently completed a rotation in the Emergency Department at Ascension Via Christi with former MSSC President Howard Chang, MD, and Tiffani Battiste, DO.

Fluoride varnish and dental blocks were on the schedule last Friday! 🦷🪥💉

Our Wichita State University College of Health Professions partners from Dental Hygiene and Wichita State AEGD very graciously shared their expertise and time with the Class of 2028. They did a great job- lots of “That didn’t even hurt!” and “I barely felt the needle!” was heard from the exam rooms!

Rotation One for the Class of 2027 is a wrap! While a whole lot of learning took place, so did a whole lot of fun. Gabriela Aguilar completed a surgery rotation at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, Kansas with Doctors Peter Phan and Timothy Barron (pictured). A highlight of her rotation was being able to utilize her Spanish in patient interactions. She also made some great connections with rest of the surgical team.

Students Elena Amirani and Maria Ibrahim completed their Emergency Medicine rotation in Wichita at Ascension Via Christi with Doctors Battiste and Chang. We are fortunate to have several preceptors through this site that allows students to complete rotations alongside their classmates and have extra support during their experience.

Eight more rotations to go!

The Kansas Behavioral Health Center of Excellence has been instrumental in our mission of transforming students into highly competent, compassionate, and professional PAs. Funding provided has allowed us to strengthen our behavioral health training including expanding pharmacology curriculum, integrate the Suspenders4Hope Su***de Prevention training into our behavioral health coursework, updating equipment for AIDT, developing the first PA Behavioral Health Fellowship in Kansas with our partners at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, and awarding scholarships to decrease the financial burden on our students.

We are grateful for their support and the opportunity to continue this valuable work within our Program and communities.

Wichita State's Suspenders4Hope® has recognized the physician associate program in the College of Health Professions as a Mental Health Advocate for its commitment to incorporating mental wellness into its curriculum. Physician associate students not only get comprehensive support while in college, but the program also promotes and prepares students to be compassionate care givers after graduation.

Read the full story at the link in the comments.

Congratulations to Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Student Scholarship, Brittany Imel, MPA, PA-C, as the recipient of the 2026 College of Health Professions Rodenberg Award for Excellence in Teaching!

Health Professions faculty members may be nominated for this award by students in recognition of their outstanding classroom instruction. Professor Imel’s dedication to educating future PA’s is making an impact and this recognition is well deserved!

Student Spotlight: Matthew, Class of 2028

Prior healthcare experience: Emergency Department Technician

Outside of the classroom you can find me: Exploring National Parks- 18 in the last 2 years and nearly 30 in total!

Why I chose the Wichita State PA Program: The emphasis on rural and underserved populations, combined with over half a century’s worth of producing reliable clinicians. WSU’s established clinical rotations will gift me an advanced opportunity to thoroughly learn and grow during my clinical rotations. Its affordability is also unmatched for such a rich history of PA education!

My advice for future PA students: “Looking shiny on a paper application isn’t everything. Be genuine, authentic, and stray from robotic. It’s also okay to not be type-A!”

What specialty do I think I may begin practicing in: As of right now… Emergency Medicine/pursue an EM fellowship, or work in trauma/critical care.

Our students don’t only excel in the classroom. We asked for some hidden talents and… 🤯🤯🤯

Among the Classes of 2027 and 2028 we have:

-an amazing baker (not pictured is her delicious biscoff cookie cheesecake)
-a former International soccer player that has played in World Cup qualifiers for the Wales Senior National Team
-an outstanding nature photographer who has found inspiration from our beautiful National Parks
-an archeologist AND rugby player (pictured with her twin who also played)
-an artist who has made beautifully intricate pottery

When we say we have well-rounded and talented students, we really mean it!

After volunteering with Shower Up Wichita, Class of 2028 students Aubrey Snapp and Aspen Wilson organized a donation drive to support the local outreach program. This drive was able to stock 50 first aid supply kits and other personal hygiene items for members of the Wichita community. What an amazing way to start the first semester!

We are thrilled to announce Class of 2027 student Jacey Arnett has been elected as a 2026-2027 Student Delegate to the American Academy of Physician Associates House of Delegates!

Student delegates serve as representatives for PA students nationwide, reviewing and contributing to resolutions, and help shape the PA profession by sharing student perspectives.

Congratulations Jacey on this great opportunity and achievement!