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Marywood Physician Assistant Program

Mission Awareness Committee

Marywood University's mission "roots itself in the Catholic intellectual tradition, the principle of justice, and the belief that education empowers people." In the Marywood Physician Assistant Program, we demonstrate these ideals each day within our welcoming campus setting and practice them in the broader community. This kind of collaborative culture composes the core of our program, strongly affirming the ARC-PA’s value that "all students and faculty are treated with respect," something that reflects the heart of our institutional mission. The Marywood Physician Assistant Program believes that a welcoming, civil, and respectful environment is, as ARC-PA attests, "considered essential to preparing PAs to provide service to others that is not exclusionary of any group, race, or culture."

At Marywood University, we strive to prepare future physician assistants who are culturally competent, empathetic, and equipped to provide high-quality care to all populations. The Committee remains steadfast in supporting these esteemed ideals, which flow from our university mission and core values. As such, we work continuously to ensure that all voices are heard, respected, and represented, throughout the program and beyond.

External Resources

AAPA Resource Center

PSPA IDEA Committee

PAEA EDI Group

AAPA Caucuses

AAPA Special Interest Groups

ARC-PA A1.11 Statement

Current Highlights

The Marywood University PA Program’s Mission Awareness Committee has developed a multifaceted approach with a range of mission-centric initiatives that are aimed at promoting inclusive values across all aspects of the program. The Committee serves as a platform for all students, faculty, and staff to engage in thoughtful dialogue, expand their understanding and awareness of meaningful issues that affect all populations, and gain practical knowledge to apply in their academic and professional lives. By creating a space for open conversation and learning, the Committee encourages a culture of respect, understanding, and continuous growth for all people, in keeping with Marywood University's own mission of "challenging individuals of all backgrounds to achieve their full potential" within "a welcoming and supportive community."

One of the core initiatives is the development of an Alumni Mentoring Program. This program aims to connect current students with alumni who have demonstrated a commitment to the inclusion and empowerment of all people within their own practice. Through mentorship, students will gain invaluable guidance from those who have navigated similar challenges and can offer advice on overcoming obstacles in their careers.

Marywood University’s Physician Assistant Program is proud to partner with Northeast Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center (AHEC) with our AHEC Scholars Track. AHEC Scholars is a two-year national program funded by HRSA, designed to better prepare health profession students for future practice in rural and urban underserved communities. Statewide collaboration between the Pennsylvania AHEC Program Office and Regional Centers, and academic and clinical partners provides a robust interprofessional experience for students.

Participating students earn a certificate of completion after gaining valuable experience at team-based rural and/or urban underserved clinical practice sites, and receive didactic training focused in eight core topic areas. Through this collaboration, enrolled students will complete a minimum of 3 clinical rotations spent in an underserved setting. 

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students pursuing an eligible training or degree program for a primary care health profession. In return, scholars commit to providing primary care health services in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).

Monica-Headshot

Marywood University’s PA Program is proud to have scholars from the Class of 2023, the Class of 2024 and the Class of 2026. Meet our newest recipient of this prestigious honor, Monica Michael!

Meet Monica Michael, PA-S1! Monica has been awarded the prestigious National Health Service Corps (NHSC) scholarship, which is awarded to students pursuing an eligible training or degree program for a primary care health profession. In return, scholars commit to providing primary care health services in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).

Below Monica shares why she chose to become a PA:

"I want to become a Physician Assistant because I am passionate about providing quality healthcare and making a tangible difference in patients’ lives. My experience working with vulnerable populations has strengthened my commitment to supporting individuals who face barriers to accessing care. The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) is a perfect fit for me because of its dedication to improving healthcare access and enhancing the overall health of communities, which aligns with my values and past work with underserved groups. I am excited to continue learning and growing at Marywood so that I can make a meaningful impact in primary care!" - Monica