Award recognizes extraordinary contributions to PA education

November 18, 2015

On Friday, Nov. 13, Colleen Schierholtz received the first-ever Administrative Support Staff Award, given by the Physician Assistant Education Association at the Annual Education Forum Awards Luncheon in Washington, D.C. "I can't imagine anyone more deserving of this meaningful new award than Colleen," said Ted Ruback, M.S., PA-S, program director of OHSU Physician Assistant Program. 

The new award was created to honor substantial contributions; longevity and dedication of service; innovation and creativity leading to new and/or improved program processes; effectiveness and efficiency relating to time and resources; and collaboration and resourcefulness with administration, faculty, fellow staff and students.

Colleen came to OHSU in 1991 working in roles in Family Medicine and Graduate Medical Education, before becoming part of the team tasked with developing the first PA program in the state in 1994, under the leadership of Ted Ruback. During her time in the PA program, Colleen has advanced from Assistant to the Director to Director of Admissions and Recruitment. For more than 20 years, Colleen has represented the "first impression" applicants have of the program explained Ruback. 

"Year after year, applicants consistently praise Colleen for her kindness, her helpfulness, her attention to detail, her responsiveness and her professionalism. Time and time again applicants compliment the program on the professional nature of their interactions … all the result of Colleen's exceptional talents and skills," he said. 

Please join the OHSU School of Medicine in congratulating Colleen for this honor.