CHCS - Perspectives Summer/Fall 2017

42 Nova Southeastern University Physician Assistant Jacksonville Meet and Greet Event Benefits Incoming Students By Chandra Griffith, M.Ed. , M.S.H.R.M., PA, Program Admissions Coordinator EACH SPRING, the incoming physician assistant (PA) students are invited to the NSU Jacksonville Campus for a weekend retention event called The Meet and Greet. This year’s event, held April 8, featured a collaboration between the admission’s office, the Tom Lemley Physician Assistant Student Society, and the Student Government Association. More than 75 percent of the incoming class participated. The event’s goals include creating a community among the incoming students, providing insight into the life of a PA student, introducing them to NSU Jacksonville Campus life, and assisting them in relocating to Jacksonville. The event culminates with an evening social. During The Meet and Greet, three student panels provided information and insight into the Physician Assistant program’s first, second, and third years. Stephanie Brighton, M.S., clinical director and professor, and class of 2018 students Anna Pfaff, Karlie Lotz, and Venice Wilkes led a panel discussion on the clinical rotation year. In addition, NSU alumna Stephanie Lamm (’16) shared her experiences as an NSU Jacksonville student and spoke about her current career as a physician assistant. To assist students in relocating and finding roommates, a housing session was coordinated. Local apartment vendors participated, allowing students to learn more about properties near the campus and to set up apartment tours. The event, now in its third year, has proven to be an added benefit to NSU Jacksonville in creating and preparing students for the PA program. The PA program coordinated a Day in the Life of a PA Student workshop, which was presented by Justin Juelich and the class of 2018.