Five graduate Physicians Assistant program through Eglin

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr.
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  "The challenges are many and varied, from taking exams and writing papers to learning how to suture and use a scalpel."

That's how newly commissioned 1st Lt. Nathan Stafford described the just-completed the Interservice Physicians Assistant Program here. He became an officer in the Air Force upon his graduation from the program, May 7, which earned him a Masters Degree in Physician Assistant Studies.

Lieutenant Stafford, along with one Army and three other Air Force PAs, completed Phase-2 of their course here. Currently, there are 432 PAs serving in the Air Force.

This two-year Armed Forces educational program is available to military members who qualify. Service specific application packages have to be submitted to be chosen for this prestigious program.

"I saw what my wife, an Air Force medical technician, was doing and that inspired me to become a med tech as well," said 1st Lt. Michael Shaw, on cross-training into the medical field prior to applying for the PA program. "I have always loved everything in the medical field and I wanted to take my knowledge and responsibility to the next level."

Upon selection, military members begin the course at Fort Sam Houston for an intensive first year of lecture and study. While in the program, military members are considered active-duty and move with their families to the designated locations for training.

"The first year was difficult due to the volume of exams," said Lieutenant Shaw. "(It was) around 102 exams over the year to include written and practical hands-on exams."

Upon completion of Phase 1, students move on to on-job-training at a new location for Phase 2. Currently, the other Air Force bases participating in the PA training program are Andrews, Offutt, Keesler, Travis, Langley and Nellis.

"The Eglin process is like an OJT process, but on top of that we have 12 end-of-rotation exams, three oral presentations and our Master's Thesis," said Lieutenant Shaw.

Lieutenant Stafford agreed it was hands-on training.

"We got a chance to work in almost every section of the hospital from primary care to ancillary services like lab and radiology to the operating room. "We are everywhere getting our hands on all kinds of patients that get seen here. This is what prepares us for the future."

While the students get the training they need, hospitals like Eglin's get the services of medical professionals. The students have strived to reach a higher level in their career and that dedication shows in how they perform their duties of conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting tests, assisting in surgery, prescribing medications, and counsel on preventative care, according to Maj. Desmond Biava, Physician Assistant coordinator.

The new graduates move on to a new base, job and new future in the Air Force medical field.

Click the link for more information about the Interservice Physician Assistant Program.

http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/ipap/