Dr. Lori E. Swanchak, program director of the physician assistant (PA) program , was recently honored when her article “The Effect of Early Geriatric Exposure upon Career Development and Subspecialty Selection Among Physician Assistant Students” was selected as the 2012 Research Article of the Year by the Physician Assistant Education Association. The article was published in the journal of Physician Assistant Education in 2012. The award was announced at the annual Forum for PA Educators in Seattle, Washington in November 2012.
Q: What exactly is the article, “The Effect of Early Geriatric Exposure upon Career Development and Subspecialty Selection Among Physician Assistant Students,” about?
A: The research project was to determine if early exposure to geriatric patients would influence PA students to enter geriatric practice after graduation. This was initiated, in part, due to the fact that we know the elderly population is increasing and so too is the demand for geriatric medical care. Currently, there are too few practitioners to meet the expanding need for geriatric health services.
Q: How long did it take you to conduct your research and what type of research did you conduct?
A: This was a descriptive, quantitative study assessing PA students of five regional PA programs and their level of geriatric training and subsequent career specialty selection. The study took approximately one year.
Q: Did you have any assistance with your research?A: Absolutely. This was a master’s thesis project involving two senior PA students, Kathleen Terry and Joyce George, who both graduated in 2011.Q: How did you feel when you won the award?A: I was surprised yet thrilled to have this project be selected. It is a great honor to be recognized by your peers for doing something you enjoy while also contributing to the profession.
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