CHCS Perspectives Winter 2014

PERSPECTIVES • WINTER 2014 – Page 30 Physician Assistant FORT MYERS Nelson Anthony Guzman, D.H.Sc., is a graduate of two Nova Southeastern University programs. In August 2009, he graduated with honors from the Physician Assistant Program at the Southwest Florida Student Education Center with a Master of Medical Science degree. He subsequently enrolled in the Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc.) program at NSU, earning his degree in September 2013. In recognition of his achievements, Dr. Guzman has been inducted into the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants and the Alpha Eta Society for Allied Health Professionals. Originally from New York, Dr. Guzman worked as a paramedic in New York City until 2003, when he relocated to Florida. After moving to Florida, he continued to work full time as a paramedic in Pinellas and then Manatee County while completing his undergrad- uate studies in preparation for PA school. During his tenure in PA school, he served on the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA) Board of Directors as the student representative to the board. After graduating from PA school, Dr. Guzman, who has a three-year- old son, continued to serve on the FAPA Board of Directors as its secretary until July 2013, which is when he was elected and installed as president elect. Currently, Dr. Guzman works for Lee Memorial Health System as a physician assistant in the intensive care unit. In addition to his em- ployment at Lee Memorial, Dr. Guzman works as an adjunct profes- sor for Edison State College, teaching medical terminology. He also does guest lecturing for the NSU PA Program. Alumni Spotlight By Nelson Guzman, D.H.Sc. Physician Assistant Intensive Care Unit, Lee Memorial Health System, and Julia Keena, D.H.Sc., PA-C Physician Assistant Department Chair and Program Director – Fort Myers The College of Health Care Sciences extends a warm wel- come to Nicole Outten, M.M.S., who recently joined the college as an assistant professor. A native of the area, Outten graduated from a Fort Myers high school before obtaining her undergrad- uate degree from the University of South Florida. After spending time teaching at the junior- and high-school level, she decided to pursue a career in medicine as a physician assistant. She is a proud graduate of the inaugural class at NSU’s Southwest Florida PA Program in 2007 and has practiced in both internal and emergency medicine in the ensuing years. Because of her Fort Myers roots, Outten feels strongly about giving back to her community and feels her ability to teach in a professional program that will produce competent physician as- sistants that will serve her hometown community is one of her greatest accomplishments. Outten, who is a member of the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Acad- emy of Physician Assistants, is dedicated to the PA profession and the growth of all physician assistants, which explains why she has joined the NSU team that helped establish her career. As the proud mother of four beautiful children, Outten be- lieves that family members and their support are extremely im- portant in life and are a huge part of her professional success. She also believes that when family members are educated and actively involved in a patient’s health, both compliance and out- comes are improved. Resultantly, she focuses her practice of medicine and academic professorship with her strong sense of family in mind. Outten is honored to be a full-time professor and is currently co-directing courses such as Clinical Medicine and Surgery and Clinical Laboratory Medicine. She is a member of the college’s Faculty Development Committee and the Committee on Admis- sions and has a strong interest in community health and public health issues. Through her academic tenure and experience as a physician assistant, she will be able to help her students have a positive impact on their local communities. She is excited about embarking on her journey through academia and continuing to provide current clinical experiences to her students. DR. ANTHONY GUZMAN By Julia Keena, D.H.Sc., PA-C, Physician Assistant Department Chair and Program Director – Fort Myers New Faculty Member NICOLE OUTTEN