 Alumni
Interviews:
Gina Glass, PA-C
Iowa's PA program is the right choice for many reasons
"We are in a huge period of transition right
now, but it's an exciting time. We are one of the premiere
medical centers in the country, we have secured a wonderful CEO
and Dean and our alumni are invested in the UI. We are on our way."
Gina Glass received her undergraduate degree from the University
of Iowa in 1978 and fell in love with Iowa City so much that she
decided to stay and receive her graduate training here.
"The UI is one of the top Physician Assistant schools in the country," Glass
said. "I knew the PA program was more for me, and I loved Iowa City so much,
that I wanted to stay because I knew I would receive an excellent education here."
Glass has remained at the UI since receiving her PA degree from
the program in 1982. One of the reasons she's stayed for so long is because she feels
that the UI PA program is unique.
"A lot of PA programs are independent from medical school.
Our program is unique in that we have an affiliation with the UI
Carver College of Medicine. Medical and
PA students are together for their first year, and I believe this makes
our program stronger."
The UI Physician Assistant program is very strong. Consistently
ranking in the top four of PA schools across the country, the UI
continually ranks
among
the
best in students' board scores. Glass believes that this is a strong selling
point for the program.
"I tell students that the UI PA program is the right choice
because they will receive a sound, well-rounded education here.
Having the UI Hospitals and
Clinics so accessible and being connected with the UI Carver College
of Medicine, the PA program here provides a wonderful basis for
learning."
Glass also suggests that students get involved in all areas of
the health sciences to better educate themselves and enhance their
learning.
"PA students need a lot of experience to get into the program here. Getting
involved in the community through working at free medical clinics and hooking
up with others in the field are great ways to pursue lifelong learning and are
also beneficial in the classroom as well."
As a close observer of the events of the past year within the
UI Carver College of Medicine and the University itself, Glass
is
excited about
the new changes
that are taking place.
"We are in a huge period of transition right now, but it's
an exciting time. We are one of the premiere medical centers in
the country, we have secured
a wonderful CEO and Dean, and our alumni are invested in the UI.
We are on our way."
Although she believes that alumni are involved, Glass feels that
there are resources that are limited for the PA program.
"Alumni can give back to the program by being preceptors, giving money for
scholarships for students, and participating in a mentoring program. These students
are the future of our profession and they need the mentoring, involvement and
experiences to succeed in this field. That's what alumni can give back
to our students."
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