PERSPECTIVES 25th Anniversary - Fall-Winter 2018

48 Nova Southeastern University By Charlene Couillard, M.P.A.S., PA-C, Assistant Professor Physician Assistant Fort Myers Rooted in NSU History, Student Grows into Valuable Preceptor MICHAEL DALE, PA-C, always knew he wanted to be in the medical field. From his beginnings in the Boy Scouts, to his adulthood in New York as a part-time firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT), Dale knew he wanted to help people. Then, 9/11 happened. He lost many friends and reflected on how he could make the world a better place with his skill set. In 2007, he chose Nova Southeastern University in Fort Myers, Florida, to pursue his physician assistant (PA) educa- tion. As an avid scuba diver, boater, and bicyclist, Dale was attracted to the water and weather of Southwest Florida, and left New York to embark on his new career. The PA Program, located in Naples, Florida, at that time, was operating out of temporary trailers while NSU sought a more permanent building in the area. Dale recalled a busy second year as a student in 2008–2009 when he was doing his clinical rotations and feeling good about returning to the new Fort Myers Campus for end-of-rotation activities. That clinical year brought him experiences with many great preceptors, who he found intelligent, easy to talk to, and talented. What Dale liked most, however, is that they all enjoyed teaching. When he graduated in 2009, he went into primary care and took on his own students as soon as he could. When asked if his experience with previous mentors compelled him to become a preceptor, Dale said, “Not necessarily. I have always enjoyed teaching, so I knew I would continue to do so as a PA.” Dale worked as a scuba instructor and EMT trainer and did some teaching at IBM at his first job as a semiconductor engineer. It is clear he is a lifelong educator based on the following comments from students who have him as a preceptor. “Mike Dale is one of the few preceptors I have had who genuinely cares about your education and what you are getting out of the rotation,” said second-year student Jon Cox. “He may force you out of your comfort zone at times, but he is always there to assist you or answer any questions you have.” “I find it helpful and unique that Mike Dale gathers the students at the end of the day for a moment of reflection,” said second-year student Michael Alexander. “He has each of us take turns stating one thing we learned that day.” Over the last seven years as a preceptor, it is estimated that Mike Dale’s office has educated more than 150 NSU students, taking up to 4 students at a time. He has found it a benefit to the practice to have students present year-round.