This month affords us the distinct privilege of honoring faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the School of Health Professions through two nationally recognized opportunities.
October 6 – 12 is recognized every year as PA Week, a weeklong celebration honoring the ways that physician assistants contribute to making a healthier community and the value that the profession brings to health care. PAs go beyond by working in a variety of settings and across all specialties, improving access to health care and working in a team-based model to transform the lives of patients.
With this year marking the 25th anniversary of HSC’s PA program, we are proud of the impact that our more than 1,000 alumni have had throughout Texas and beyond, living out our mission of creating solutions for healthier communities.
Additionally, the month of October marks National Physical Therapy Month, a time to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy and appreciate the dedication and significant contribution of those who teach, study, practice, and advocate in this field.
The work accomplished by our PA and Physical Therapy departments is immense and immeasurable. I would like to highlight just a few of the local and national achievements obtained throughout this past year:
-PA students achieved a 100% first-time pass rate for PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE)
-PT students achieved a 95% first time pass rate for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE)
-Our first three PA/MPH dual degree students graduated and are poised to improve the health of their community with a broad perspective and deep knowledge of health and health care
-Students and faculty have made significant contributions in the community through volunteerism. From school outreach, to conducting sports physicals and staffing first aid stations, to providing health education materials, our students have made a direct impact in improving the health of our community.
-Students and faculty are actively participating in HSC’s landmark partnership with TechStars Physical Health Accelerator
-2 DPT students used their voices and took the national stage, representing HSC’s DPT program in the APTA Advocacy in Washington, DC
-15 PA and PT faculty completed advanced Harvard Simulation training
These are just a few of the many accomplishments we’ve enjoyed through this past year and are indeed worthy of recognition and celebration through PA Week, PT Month and beyond.
J. Glenn Forister, PhD, PA-C
Dean & Professor
School of Health Professions