August 9, 2016

The OHSU Physician Assistant Program graduated its 20th class on Saturday, Aug. 6, celebrating the occasion in the Collaborative Life Sciences Building on the South Waterfront. The PA Class of 2016 (pictured below) included 42 graduates – all of whom successfully completed the 26-month, master's level program.

The day was shared and enjoyed with family, friends, faculty and clinical community preceptors. George Mejicano, M.D., M.S., senior associate dean for education, attended as a representative of the School of Medicine Dean's office. Mark Kemball, director of alumni relations, OHSU Foundation, was also in attendance.

William E. Cameron, Ph.D., associate professor of behavioral neuroscience, OHSU School of Medicine, received the Excellence in Academic Teaching award from the class. Two clinical preceptors were acknowledged for their contributions to the class. Roberta ('Berta') L. Garvey, M.M.S., P.A.-C., with Cascades East Family Medicine in Klamath Falls, Ore., and Adam King, M.P.A.S., P.A.-C., OHSU PA Class of 2007 graduate and a PA working in OHSU Family Medicine at the Center for Health & Healing, each received the Excellence in Clinical Teaching award. Chris C. McGlothlen, P.A.-C., a graduate of the OHSU PA Program's inaugural Class of 1997, delivered the commencement address. In line with the program's mission to supply health professionals for medically underserved communities, McGlothlen accepted a position after graduation as a staff physician assistant at Newport Community Hospital in Newport, Wash., a town at the time with a population just under 2,000. In 2002, he was promoted to the position of Newport Community Hospital Emergency Department Director, a position he held until 2015. McGlothlen is currently the Lead Advanced Practice Provider for the Deaconess Medical Center Emergency Centers in Spokane, Wash. McGlothlen generously shared valuable words of advice and insight based on his 19 years of practice as a PA and provided an encouraging message for the graduates as they begin their clinical careers.

Student awards went to Ashley Erin Auspelmyer for outstanding academic achievement and to Laura Marie Wallace for excellent performance in the clinical phase of the program. The student award for professionalism was given to Anthony Sanson Lumbad for demonstrating an exemplary degree of professionalism throughout his time in the program. The ceremony concluded with remarks from Joseph Ryan Sedillo, chosen by his classmates to speak on their behalf. He expressed appreciation for his education and shared the class' excitement and enthusiasm as they join the PA profession. Immediately following the ceremony, a river view reception was held in the CLSB atrium and outdoor terrace; graduates, families and friends enjoyed the lovely summer day.

Given the cyclical nature of academia, as the PA Program prepared to graduate its 20th class, it also welcomed 42 new students on June 27. The OHSU PA Program Class of 2018 is 67 percent female and has an average age of 28.5. Oregonians comprise 55 percent of the class and the average GPA for entering students is 3.52.

Congratulations to the Class of 2016 and welcome to the Class of 2018!

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Just tell me a story… (Anthony Lumbad on OHSU StudentSpeak)