Buffalo, NY - Canisius is set to admit the first cohort of students to its new physician assistant studies (PA) program. The 27-month master’s degree program launches in January 2021.
In a healthcare industry that has – and continues – to see constant change, the new PA program couples classroom learning with clinical training to develop skilled practitioners trained to follow the highest professional standards.
Students spend their first 12 months participating in seminars offered by program faculty and distinguished professionals in the field. They then move into a state-of-the-art lab in Science Hall, where simulation examination rooms, mannequins and multiple Anatomage virtual human anatomy tables allow students to put into practice such skills as patient interviews, physical exams and diagnostic testing and procedures.
As candidates move into the second phase of training, which consists of 15 months of clinical experience, they participate in eight-week clinical rotations in family medicine and inpatient internal medicine, and four-week clinical rotations in emergency medicine, general surgery, women’s health, pediatrics, outpatient internal medicine and behavioral health. Elective rotations are also available in orthopedics, critical care, neurology, cardiology and rheumatology.
Planning for a physician assistant program began back in 2018 when Canisius recruited Aimee Larson, MPAS, PA-C, to build and eventually direct the new area of study. She has extensive experience in the field of medicine, including eight years of active duty as a combat medic for the U.S. Air Force. Larson’s particular passion is in service to the underserved, with a focus on improved care of military veterans.
WEB EXTRA
Click here for a virtual look at the new simulation examination rooms and equipment.
