Buffalo, NY – Canisius University announced today that its Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program is a recipient of a $4,000 health equity grant from Interfaith America (IA). The college will use the grant for curriculum development in the PA Studies program.
Specifically, the grant will fund the development of two courses, which emphasize the intersection of religion in the American healthcare systems, and focus on the variability of health outcomes across the world and the implications of religion in certain settings.
“The aim is to develop future healthcare workers who are culturally aware and able to adapt their care for patients based on their individual values, including a better understanding of our implicit bias and misunderstandings among and between different religious groups,” says PA Studies Program Director Aimee Larson, DMSc, PA-C. “Additionally, these new courses will place significant prominence on global and public health, and the impact faith can have on improving outcomes.”
Canisius University welcomed its first cohort of 30 students to the PA program in January 2021. New cohorts enter the 27-month master’s degree program each spring. The program builds on the strong foundation of the college’s pre-medical and general science programs, and leverages partnerships with local hospitals and health systems. The curriculum includes clinical assignments and service learning requirements in underserved communities to provide students with early exposure to vulnerable communities, and the social and medical issues that affect patient care and health outcomes of patients from diverse socioeconomic, religious and cultural backgrounds.
Canisius University was one of only 53 applicants awarded a grant from Interfaith America. The non-profit organization works to equip the next generation of citizens and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for leadership in a religiously diverse world by partnering higher education institutions and corporations.
To learn more about the master of science in Physician Assistant Studies or to apply, Email pastudies@canisius.edu, call 716-888-8550 or click here.
Canisius University is one of 27 Jesuit colleges in the nation and the premier private college in Western New York. Canisius prepares leaders – intelligent, caring, faithful individuals – able to pursue and promote excellence in their professions, their communities and their service to humanity.
