At a special presentation earlier this month, the 绿茶直播 Physician Assistant Studies Program received the Golisano Health Leadership Award from Special Olympics Minnesota.聽
For more than three years, Augsburg has proudly partnered with Special Olympics to integrate an inclusive curriculum for more than 100 PA students and faculty. What started as a classroom lecture has evolved into a multifaceted partnership, including:
- Panel presentations by Special Olympics Ambassadors, where students gain firsthand insights from athletes into the principle of “Nothing about me, without me!” in patient care.
- Immersive experiences, such as healthy athlete annual physical exam screenings.
- Hands-on training sessions with athletes during simulated clinic visits.
- More than 250 hours of Special Olympics volunteer work at the Community Health Fair, Polar Plunge, and sporting events.
鈥淭hese initiatives not only enrich our students鈥� education but also prepare them to meet the evolving needs of our communities,鈥� said Vanessa Bester, associate professor of PA studies and director of Augsburg鈥檚 School of Health. 鈥淲e are deeply honored to be recognized for this partnership and the impactful work we continue to do.鈥澛�
The Golisano Award recognizes health champions鈥攍eaders and organizations鈥攖hat are making a significant contribution to equal access to health, fitness, or wellness for people with intellectual disabilities. It is the highest Special Olympics honor for health partners and serves to promote awareness of the progress and extraordinary efforts toward fulfilling the goals, values, and mission of Special Olympics Health work.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really reassuring to know that the future generation of PAs are going to be more comfortable working with our athletes and they feel comfortable going to you,鈥� said Jeff Prendergast, senior health programs manager at Special Olympics Minnesota, who presented the award. 鈥淚 know that if I have an athlete or family looking for care and I find someone that has been educated and trained at Augsburg, I feel very comfortable referring them to you.鈥�
Learn more about Augsburg鈥檚 Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
In fall 2025, 绿茶直播 will welcome the initial students to a first-of-its-kind doctoral program in Minnesota. The Doctor of Medical Science program offers physician assistants/associates (PAs) a pathway to career advancement in health care leadership and administration, research, public policy, academia, and specialized clinical practice.聽
Augsburg鈥檚 Physician Assistant Studies program celebrated the 10th anniversary of its first graduating class on Saturday night. Several members of the graduating Class of 1997 as well as many other graduates and professors attended.