PA graduates face changing medical profession

A little more than two years ago, 38 students from 16 states came to the School of Medicine as the Physician Associate Class of 2016. Among them were a soldier in the U.S. Army, a biochemistry professor, a dietician, a professional ballerina, and 11 scientific researchers. The group also included a mother of two, and, during their time at Yale two would become fathers, 12 would become engaged, and four would tie the knot.

Also during their time at Yale the 38 students would take, collectively, 1,924 exams and serve on 518 rotations.

“We have rounded until we did not think it was humanly possible to round any more,” said Bridget Winterhalter, P.A., M.P.H. '16, M.Sc. ’16, in her student address at her class’s commencement in Woolsey Hall on December 12.

“Together we have learned a lot,” she said. “But in reality we have just skimmed the surface. … Thanks to our professors, mentors, doctors, and preceptors we have acquired just enough wisdom and knowledge to move forward professionally.”

Cognizant of how much they still have to learn, Winterhalter urged her classmates to let that be a catalyst to forging their own paths. “Do not hide in fear of making mistakes,” she said. “Instead, just have the courage to ask. … Do not let others talk you out of an idea or make you doubt your own decisions. Set your expectations high and do not settle.”

She concluded with a call to find a balance between work and life.

“It is possible to be a great PA and be a great person. It is possible to work hard and still be a great friend, mother, sister, brother, or father,” she said. “Find time for yourself. Your body is a gift—listen to it, treat it kindly. Surround yourself with people who listen to you, encourage you, and challenge you. Be that in return.”

In his commencement address, Mark R. Mercurio, M.D., professor of pediatrics, chief of neonatal-perinatal medicine, and director of the Program for Biomedical Ethics, reminded the graduates that they’re in for a lifetime of learning. “I still go through new textbooks and journal articles with my yellow highlighter,” he said.

He also cautioned that they’re starting their careers at a time of consequential changes in the medical profession, among them genetic technology that will transform the provision of care and an unsustainably high cost of medical care that will influence medical decisions. To be sure, he added, some changes are essential. As the medical profession marches on, he called on the graduates to reject those things that are outdated, disproven, unnecessary, or wasteful.

“The wise course is not to resist change, but to embrace it,” he said, urging the graduates to remain true to themselves and their values. “Don’t yield your professional integrity or your good name to the changes that will come.”

Mercurio went on to outline a vision of the graduates’ role in health care.

“You must be the advocates, the safety net, the human face and heart and brain of an increasingly complex system,” he said. “From the moment you say to someone, ‘I am your PA,’ you have established a relationship, and special relationships have special responsibilities.”

The graduates, he said, will be judged not just by their grand accomplishments, but by “a multitude of little things.” Kindness, he said, requires not just kind thoughts, but kind actions. “You will have a chance to be kind on Monday and you will miss it. … But Tuesday is another day.”

Two awards went to students at the commencement. Natalie Brim, P.A., M.Sc. ’16, received the Dr. John P. Hayslett Award for overall academic excellence. Kara Stencel, P.A., M.Sc. ’16, received the Leadership Award for her commitment to service and community involvement.

Faculty members were also honored for their service and dedication.

The Outstanding Didactic Course Award, for dedication and excellence in the classroom went to William B Stewart, Ph.D., associate professor of surgery (gross anatomy), and Shanta Kapadia, M.B.B.S., lecturer in surgery (gross anatomy).

The Outstanding Clinical Site Award, for a clinical rotation site that provides exemplary clinical teaching went to the Hospitalist Service at Yale New Haven Hospital.

The Outstanding Preceptor Award, for dedication and excellence on rotations went to Anita Dunn, M.S., P.A.-C. ’98, of the Hospitalist Service.

The Jack Cole Society Award, for significant contributions in support of the physician associate profession went to Rita Rienzo, M.Sc., assistant professor in the Yale Physician Associate Program.

The Class of 2016 Award, for support and dedication to the Yale PA program and the Class of 2016 went to Emile Boulpaep, M.D.. Professor Emeritus of and Senior Research Scientist in Cellular and Molecular Physiology.