PA
BUTLER UNIVERSITY
ALUMNI CONNECTION PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT MAGAZINE
2022
PROGRAM DIRECTOR’S WELCOME Dear Alumni and Other Friends of the PA Program, A warm hello to all of you! The transition from spring to summer is always an exciting time for the PA Program, and this year was no different. In addition to the normal didactic year promotion, graduation of MPAS-2s, and orientation of the newest cohort in quick succession, we also had the national spotlight of the AAPA conference in our hometown thrown into the mix. The two Doctor of Medical Science programs, the Challenge Bowl team, and our first in-person iSCAN team represented Butler well. It was great fun to catch up with a number of you that week and hear of the great things you are doing and to announce a partnership for Mental Health First Aid between the Indianapolis Colts, AAPA, the PA Foundation, and Indiana PA programs (see pages 14 and 15). Since we last updated you, we’ve also had some exciting changes: new faculty and staff members, and a whole new program—the DMS-Bridge (see pages 12-13), and a new name— the Medical Science and PA Studies Department under the leadership of Dr. Brenda Quincy joining the PA program, two doctoral programs, and the Transition to Clinical Practice program together as a team. We are grateful for each of you and your various contributions to the Butler PA program and to the profession! Whether you are precepting, coming to campus to give a lecture, or keeping us updated with a holiday card, we value our connections with each one of you. We hope this finds you well and thriving! Go Dawgs! Betsy Schmidt Program Director
PA
VOLUME V
BUTLER UNIVERSITY
ALUMNI CONNECTION
2022
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT MAGAZINE
page 4 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
page 6 CONGRATULATIONS CLASS of 2022
page 8 FACULTY/STAFF UPDATES
page 10 FACULTY, ALUMNI, and STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
page 12 CLASS of 2001 HIGHLIGHTS
page 16 DMS UPDATES
CONGRATULATIONS
GRADUATES
Congratulations to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2022! We would love to hear from you at paprogram@butler.edu. 4
We would also like to congratulate the graduates of the DMS Bridge and the DMS Program! DMS BRIDGE PROGRAM GRADUATES:
Dina Abdelslame Jacob Bowden Carly Donohue Jessica Figueroa Johan Gonzalez Jen D. Guthrie DeLaney Hartman Benjamin Horne Jennifer Johnston
DMS PROGRAM GRADUATES:
Chris Roman—August 2021 Grace Zinta—December 2021 Sydne Williams—March 2022 MAY 2022 GRADUATES: Jonathon Albers Danielle Flowers Karen Johnson—Preceptor Marlo Miller - Preceptor Kyle Moser
Lance Lawyer Alysse Milano Christina Miller Alec Milnes Nicole Otero An Ruan Tetyana Senchynshyn Katelyn Shorter Abbie Sugihara Katherine Torrance
Jennifer Myers—Preceptor Candice Oberlies—Preceptor Todd Osterbur—Preceptor Niki Rogers Joel Ruetz—Preceptor Sylvia Tawfik—Preceptor Jose Valdez Lori Vasquez—Preceptor JUNE 2022 GRADUATES: David Lane
Congratulations to the following students and alumni who were inducted into the National Honor Society for Physician Assistants, Pi Alpha. ANSLEY DAVIS—Service (Near West
MARIANNA DE MAILLE—Service
Outreach Clinic, Gennesaret Free Clinic, AAPA and IAPA Challenge Bowls, SPOCUS iSCAN Ultrasound) BRIDGET BELLISSIMO—Service (Near West Outreach Clinic and Salvation Army volunteer) and Leadership (PAPIS CoPresident and PA Student Ambassador)
(Near West Outreach Clinic) and Leadership (Health Science Student Assembly (HSSA) Administrative Board &Chair, PA Student Ambassador (PASA) Co-leader) LORI VASQUEZ, DMS, PA-C— Honorary membership based on her distinguished professional career, service to community and giving back to the profession as a preceptor.
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WELCOME CLASS OF
Our newest cohort started their MPAS journey on May 9 and are looking forward to crossing the finish line on May 11, 2024. Orientation week included giving back to the Indianapolis community by volunteering at Gleaners Food Bank where some of our lucky students were able to see the unveiling of the Gleaners Indy Car.
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DO YOU HAVE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES? Students love hands-on opportunities and being able to give back to the community. They have served at the Near West Free Clinic, Gennesaret Free Clinic, and a local Mission Trip to Milan, Indiana. If you have an opportunity for our students, please reach out to PAProgram@butler.edu.
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FACULTY/STAFF NEW FACULT Y
ANNE GEARY, MPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor of PA Studies Anne (Annie) Geary is the newest faculty to join the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Applied Mathematics from Franklin College and her MPAS from Butler in 2015. Annie has eight years of clinical experience in gastroenterology and continues to practice at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology one day weekly. She has special interests in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and perianal diseases. When she’s not ordering colonoscopies or teaching future PAs, she can be found playing Barbies and running through sprinklers with her twin 4-year-old daughters, Harper and Gracie. She and her husband, Eric, live just off-campus and are regularly seen riding bikes with their daughters through the neighborhood. Annie will be speaking at the IAPA Conference this fall and is excited to be back at Butler.
NEW STAFF
OLIVIA WEST
Clinical Coordinator Olivia “Liv” West joined the staff of the Butler PA Experiential Team in July 2021 as an Administrative Specialist. She now serves as the Clinical Coordinator for the clinical year.
CL ASS OF 2022 RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE
PRECEPTOR OF THE YEAR DR. MICHAEL PAUSZEK A few of the sentiments shared by nominees: • Even though it was one of my first rotations, Dr. Pauszek insisted that the patients were mine to manage. This allowed me to grow and gave me more confidence than I could’ve imagined so soon in my clinical year. • Dr. Pauszek gave me every opportunity to perform clinical procedures and was thoughtful and insightful in discussions about patients and their care plans. As he always said, he only asks questions you don’t know, which was terrifying but allowed me to blossom in my clinical reasoning skills. 8
• Dr. Pauszek instilled in me a confidence that had such an impact on the rest of my rotations.
CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR KEVIN BOGENSCHUTZ A few of the sentiments shared by nominees: • Kevin was nothing but supportive and encouraging each day I worked with him. He and the staff at Pike Medical make students feel less like students and more like colleagues, which is not always common for a student learner. Kevin instills confidence in his students and pushes us to the boundaries of our comfort zone. It undoubtedly helped me move forward and go into the real world, feeling I can be successful and have a strong base-knowledge for a new PA. I feel lucky to have had this rotation and the opportunity to work with and learn from Kevin. • Kevin was one of my first preceptors, and he was so patient with me. I’m so grateful to him for building my confidence. He continues to give back to the Butler community and his patients. He is so knowledgeable and always willing to teach. • Kevin showed a genuine interest in me and my plans despite not having a rotation with him. I appreciate his willingness to spend time investing in my future. • Kevin is exceptionally smart and takes on a mentor role for each student he comes across. He is willing to assist in all aspects of the learning and continues to set an example for what my classmates and I hope to be someday.
PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR ANDREW CHASTAIN, MSPAS, PA-C Assistant Professor of PA Studies
A few of the sentiments shared by nominees: • Professor Chastain cares about his students. He was a great lab professor and always answered my many questions without judgment. He is so knowledgeable and was great at explaining complicated topics in lectures. • Professor Chastain is an outstanding educator who truly cares about his student’s success in and outside the classroom. His lectures show that he has dedicated considerable time and energy to lessons to help set us up for success. As a lab instructor, he was patient and always went out of his way to ensure we understood whatever topic we were covering. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from such a wonderful person, educator, and provider. • Professor Chastain has gone above and beyond to cheer me on and support me throughout this program. He’s always been available to listen, encourage, and offers resources when needed. He’s been one constant figure during this journey that I look up to and aspire to be. Thankful is an understatement for his time! 9
Faculty, Alumni, and Student Publications: Roman C, Neary S, Nettesheim E, Zorn J. PA licensure questions, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and seeking medical care. JAAPA. 2022;35(1):49-52. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000803628.10259.a9 Neary S, Ruggeri M, Roman C, Kamauf R, Chilton J, Martin A. Attitudes towards mental health among physician assistant students with shared living experiences through synchronous videoconferencing. J Physician Assist Educ. 2022;33(1):9-16. doi:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000410 Neary S, Ruggeri M, Roman C. Assessing trends in physician assistant student depression risk, suicidal ideation, and mental health help-seeking behavior. J Physician Assist Educ. 2021;32(3):138-142. doi:10.1097/ JPA.0000000000000369 Chastain AP, Rippe MM, Solh TM, Zorn JS. Vaccines. Physician Assist Clin. 2022;7(1):127-139. doi:10.1016/j. cpha.2021.08.004 Kristine Miller (CO 2022) provided illustrations for the recent 6th edition of McGraw-Hill’s text Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice, by Gee-Mascarello and Mayer. Quincy B, Snyder J, Brown D. An examination of the predictors of attrition. J Physician Assist Educ. 2022, accepted. Snyder J, Brown D, Quincy B. Prerequisites in PA Education. J Physician Assist Educ. 2022, in print. Quincy, B. Lutz, M. Infectious Diseases. In: Carlson R, Kempton D, McLeod I, McMullen B. (eds). Lange Q & A Physician Assistant Examination, 8th ed. McGraw-Hill; 2022:293-328. Brown D, Quincy B, Snyder J. Physician assistant education community assumptions about an entry-level doctoral degree. J Physician Assist Educ. 2021;32(4):207-224. doi:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000385 Quincy, B. Evidence-based medicine. In: Ritsema TS, Brown D, Vetrosky DT, et al., eds. Ballweg’s Physician Assistant: A Guide to Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2022:347-358. VanderMeulen S, Snyder JA, Kohlhepp W, et al. Pipeline to the physician assistant profession: a look to the future. J Physician Assist Educ. 2022;33(1):e1-e10. doi:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000414 Snyder, J. Optimal Team Practice. In: Ritsema TS, Brown D, Vetrosky DT, et al., eds. Ballweg’s Physician Assistant: A Guide to Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2022:29-33.
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WHITE COAT CEREMONY | AUGUST 26, 2022
SUPPORT THE PA PROGRAM TODAY
Make a lasting contribution to Butler University Physician Assistant (PA) students with a financial gift to the program. Your gift will support students through ongoing improvements to our academic programs and resources.
TO DONATE ONLINE
Go to butler.edu/gifts and click on “Give to Butler.” Fill in the form using “Select one or more designation(s),” and then select “Support a different area.” Importantly, in the Notes section, indicate that your gift is for “PA Program Gift Fund.” TO DONATE BY CHECK
Make your check payable to Butler University, indicating on the memo line that the gift is for “PA Program Gift Fund.” Mail to: Butler University • University Advancement • Jordan Hall • 4600 Sunset Avenue • Indianapolis, IN 46208
BECAUSE OF YOU, WE ARE BU.
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THE
DMS BRIDGE PROGRAM
In June 2021, Butler University expanded its PA doctoral options with the development of the Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) Bridge Program. The DMS Bridge Program was created as a unique opportunity for new graduate PAs to grow their knowledge and skills for the changing dynamics of PA practice.
The DMS Bridge Program differs from Butler University’s existing DMS Program by focusing on developing targeted research skills for clinically focused PAs. The DMS Bridge Program is designed for new PAs who have graduated within the past six months and are interested in expanding their understanding of clinical practice issues, developing research and leadership skills, and achieving the end point of earning a Doctor of Medical Science degree. All courses are online to allow students to complete coursework without a residential requirement. Designed to offer a unique experience, the DMS Bridge Program provides newly certified PAs an
opportunity to gain new skills while working through the job search, licensing, and credentialing process. In addition to developing enhanced decision-making skills and experiencing upward mobility in the workplace, graduates of the program will effectively demonstrate leadership skills and apply their knowledge by producing targeted clinical research. The program conferred its first degrees in December 2021. Those inaugural graduates celebrated their accomplishments alongside program graduates from May 2022 at the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Commencement Ceremony on May 7, 2022.
If you are interested in learning more about the DMS Bridge Program, please visit www.butler.edu/ pharmacy-health/doctor-medical-science/bridge-program/. If you have any questions about the program, please contact DMSBridgeInfo@butler.edu.
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The Butler DMS Bridge Program has recently welcomed new team members, including the program’s first full-time Program Director and the Admission and Marketing Coordinator.
CODY SASEK, PHD, PA-C
joined the DMS Bridge Program in January as Program Director. Dr. Sasek has served in multiple roles in PA education, including as Director of Clinical Education at the Creighton University PA Program and as Chair of the Physician Assistant Education Association’s Faculty Development Mission Advancement Commission. In addition to teaching and program leadership, he also serves as a site visitor for the ARC-PA.
ERIN CHOATE is the program’s newest addition, and serves as the
Admission and Marketing Coordinator of the DMS Bridge Program. She will support the program’s student admission, recruitment, and marketing efforts. Previously, Erin managed several communications projects at the IUPUI School of Health & Human Sciences.
BRENDA QUINCY, PHD, MPH, PA-C has served as a founding faculty
member of the DMS Bridge Program since its inception in 2021. Dr. Quincy brings extensive research expertise to the program as a course instructor and capstone advisor. She also serves as Department Chair for the COPHS Department of Medical Science and PA Studies. In this role, she leads faculty development across various department programs, including the PA and DMS programs. Dr. Quincy also serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Physician Assistant Education.
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AAPA 2O22 CONFERENCE
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
As part of the AAPA Forum in Indianapolis, the PA Foundation worked with the Indianapolis Colts Organization to create a partnership around their Kicking the Stigma campaign. Thanks to their efforts, the Butler PA Program, along with all the other PA programs in the state of Indiana, will have funding and training for a faculty member to become a trainer in Mental Health First Aid. The Colts grant will also provide both cohorts of PA students and medical learners in other disciplines access to the skills-based training for free in the hopes that they can join the movement to both provide Mental Health First Aid themselves and train others in the communities where they will be practicing to do the same. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a national program focused on identifying, understanding, and responding to signs mental health and substance-use issues. Started in 2001, the program empowers anyone—not just medical professionals—to offer initial help and support to those in crisis by providing tools to initiate conversation and action plans. To date more than 2.5 million people have been trained in MHFA with the hope of one day having MHFA certification being just as common as CPR certification. We are excited about the opportunity to provide another resource to students that will prepare them to care well for the whole patient.
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Jennifer Guthrie, Cheryl Pittsford, and Kathy Buchanan All from the Class of 2000.
Jennifer Guthrie, Elizabeth Schmidt, Jennifer Zorn
It was great to see many of you at the National AAPA Conference and the Butler University Alumni Event! We look forward to seeing you in Nashville, Tennessee, next year. Toby Brower, Bret Cornn, Danielle Kempton
Laura Marquez with Calvin Felt Sydney Williams, Ivanna Yu
Maria Barnes, Kelly Crecelius, Mia Kaehler, Rachel Metz, Maggie Fuhrman, Maggie Danicek, Jill Yager
Caitlyn McTague, Andrew Chastain, Hannah Sonner, Carol Sitzman, Katie Shelford, Makayla Hayes, Rachel Goedde 2022 AAPA Challenge Bowl Team Andrew Chastain, Dan Sturm, Karen Corby
Erika (Evers) Felt, Alex Felt with Calvin Felt
Amanda (Eckhardt) Abney, Becka Murphy, Megan Leech, Emily Yarman, Laura Marquez
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2OO2 Class of
HIGHLIGHTS It is always exciting to learn what our PA alumni have accomplished since graduation. We are pleased to highlight a few graduates of the Class of 2002 and where they are now.
WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM OTHER PA GRADS! What are you doing now? Contact us at PAprogram@butler.edu.
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UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
ELIZABETH ‘RENEE’ WITTENMYER (MURRY)
Since graduation, I have practiced in a few different specialties—Hematology for four yrs, Emergency Medicine in Louisiana for about four years, and now Cardiology for almost 10 years back in Indiana. I did some Internal Medicine/Hospitalist Medicine in between. Adventure travel has been a big love. Swimming the Grotto in Capri, Italy; running with the bulls (San Fermin Festival) in Pamplona, Spain; surfing in Tamarindo, Costa Rica; and surviving Jamaica. We love to keep in touch with our
alumni. Please help us keep you current on what is new in our
JENNIFER (PENSINGER) HOCKEMEYER
program byWayne, sharingIndiana, the following I have worked in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery in Fort since graduation. 15 years at Lutheran Hospital and five years and going at Parkview Regional information with us at Medical Center.
I have been married to Todd Hockemeyer for nearly 19PAProgram@butler.edu. years who is a high school science teacher. We have two boys, Hudson (12) and Graham (8). In my free time I enjoy running and fitness, golfing, snow skiing, flower gardening, learning to play piano with my boys, YOURtime NAME and serving others in the name of Jesus Christ. I also love spending with family and (maiden andBasketball. married) traveling together, cheering for my boys in their sports and for Butler
CLASS YEAR
KIMBER BLACKWELL, MPAS, PA-C
CURRENT EMPLOYER
Upon graduation, I worked in Emergency Medicine at St. Francis Hospital, Indianapolis. EMAIL Since 2004, I have been employed by the Indiana Hemophilia and ADDRESS Thrombosis Center. When my daughter was born in 2007, I was able to cut back to part-time within the same practice, PHONE and my son was born a couple of years later. In 2021,PREFERRED I resumed working full-time primarily NUMBER with adults with sickle cell disease. In addition to providing direct patient care, our team created an event called Sickle Cell-abration held every September (since 2009) during Sickle MAILING ADDRESS Cell Awareness month to raise awareness for this patient population. Recently, I served as camp director for Camp Silver Moon, a week-long summerYOUR camp for children NEWSwith Sickle Cell Disease. Since working in hematology, I have been diagnosed with Von Willebrand (professional and personal) disease (VWD) and work to provide education to medical providers and families about this disease. My daughter, who also has VWD, and I have attended an annual advocacy event in Washington, DC held by the National Hemophilia Foundation to bring awareness to the need for continued federal funding of programs that support those with bleeding disorders to help lessen the impact the bleeding disorder has on their day to day life.
LENNEA (MULL) COOMBS I have worked in hematology/oncology for the last 18 years and am currently part of the neuro-oncology team within the multidisciplinary Brain Tumor Center program at Norton Cancer Institute in Louisville, Kentucky. In September 2021 I was named as a Clinical Director for PA Specialty practice within Norton Healthcare’s Office of Advanced Practice. Norton Healthcare currently employs over 800 Advanced Practice Providers and I’m is excited to represent the PA profession in this new APP Leadership role! I currently reside in Charlestown, Indiana, with my husband Derek and our two daughters Kate and Caroline. We recently welcomed a new puppy to the family, a cockapoo named Ruby.
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COMPASSIONATE CARE
Preceptor Jyoti Zaveri, MPAS, PA-C, and MPAS2 Student Katherine Frede
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Gennesaret Free Clinics (GFC) bring compassionate and patient-centered healthcare directly to those that need it the most at no cost. The Butler PA Program is honored to be included in the effort to fulfill the mission of GFC. Students engage in various points of collaboration: First-year students volunteer and shadow in Gennesaret’s medical clinics, second-year students assist in the delivery of medical care during clinical rotations with Gennesaret providers, Butler students volunteer at Gennesaret flu vaccine clinics, and Gennesaret’s Medical Director, Dr. Hahn, and GFC staff periodically guest lecture at Butler.
BECOME A PRECEPTOR
PRECEPTING is a WAY of: Participating in the training of future physician assistants Giving back to the PA profession Supporting the Butler University PA Program Keeping abreast of current medications and treatment guidelines
Gennesaret is always looking for individuals who are interested in volunteering some of their time in their medical clinics and individuals or groups/organizations who are interested in partnering to build hygiene kits, donate snack packs, etc. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, go to https://www.gennesaret.org/
Attaining personal satisfaction and professional growth as a healthcare professional
DO YOU HAVE THE DESIRE TO BE A CLINICAL PRECEPTOR? Fill out our Preceptor Affiliation Form butler.edu/physician-assistant/preceptorinformation. Or, contact Karen Corby, kjfuller@butler.edu, 317-940-9507.
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NATIONAL PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT WEEK
PAs GO BEYOND
Listening with compassion.
PAs know the importance of making sure patients feel heard and respected. That’s why PAs advocate for patients: emphasizing patient-centered care while working collaboratively within the healthcare team, prioritizing patients’ individual needs, and ensuring they receive focused attention and thoughtful communication at every interaction.
OCTOBER 6–12, 2022 PAs Go Beyond every dayIt’sby: extremely rewarding to see a patient make
• Leading with experience and expertise • Listening with compassion
progress. they quit smoking, weight, • Empowering patients withWhether personalized, qualitylose care lower their blood sugar, or make some other • Strengthening the core of the healthcare positive change, I get to seesystem it and celebrate it
Empowering patients with personalized, quality care.
with them at follow-up appointments. –Amber Davis, PA-C
PAs are leaders in public health, providing essential preventive care that leads to improved health outcomes and stronger communities. They provide screenings, check-ups, and patient education in order to identify and treat problems early. They empower patients to make informed decisions about their health, communicating information plainly and ensuring no questions are left unanswered.
Amanda Burress, MS, PA-C APP Manager, UChicago Transplant Institute
Bridget McGrath, MPAS, PA-C FHM Director NP/PA Hospitalist Services Interprofessional Education Co-Lead UChicago- Section of Hospital Medicine
Strengthening the core of our healthcare system.
Jina Saltzman, MS, PA-C UChicago- Section of Infectious Disease & Global Health
31% more PAs by 2030 The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortage of physicians between 37,800 and 124,000 by 2034.
In celebration of National PA Week, UChicago Medicine instituted an Award for Excellence in a PA Meanwhile, PA employment continues to grow The healthcare system is strained beyond capacity, a problem faster than average all occupations—there are Role. Three of the eight PA professionals nominated for this first-of-its-kind award for were BU PA that will only get worse as the U.S. population grows and ages. 150,000 PAs in the United States today, and Program Alumni Amanda Burress ’11, Bridget McGrath ’14, and Jina Saltzman ’04
employment is projected to grow by 31% by 2030. As a rapidly growing workforce of rigorously trained clinicians (Sources: AAMC June 2021 Report; BLS Occupational who are valued members professionals of patient-centered, team-based care, 150 PA providers These dedicated were chosen from nearly in their health system Outlook Handbook 2020) PAs increase access to quality medical care for patients across because they demonstrate exemplary clinical skills, display compassion and devotion to the patients, the country.
families, and community they serve both at the bedside and at large, and are role models across the profession by utilizing evidenced based practice, staying up to date with evolving treatment modalities, engaging in and disseminating new and important research to their peers and colleagues, as well as participation with peer development such as preceptorship, mentoring, quality projects, department committees or local/national organizations.
PAs Go Beyond because they believe expanding access to quality care is more than just a job. It’s the idea that inspires them, and the call to service they never tire of answering. 20
Another talented graduate of the Butler PA Program, Chad Robertson, MPAS, PA-C ’19, was just presented with an award, PA of the Year for Ambulatory Services, at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, New York. After graduation, Chad first practiced at Mt. Sinai Beth Israel as a hospitalist and in inpatient Oncology and then stepped in to provide care to patients in a COVID unit. He has since transitioned to practicing in an outpatient multiple myeloma clinic, to which his compassion and complete care for patients have not gone unnoticed.
Congratulations Chad! 21
DOCTOR of MEDICAL SCIENCE
For more information about the Doctor of Medical Science program, go to: www.butler.edu/dms
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