On September 28^th, 2024, The Mount's PA Program attended the 2024 Ohio Association of Physician Assistants OAPA Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Students and faculty members from the Mount's PA Program were in attendance. The main purpose of the OAPA Annual Conference is to "grow your network, expand your knowledge, and support the PA community in Ohio." Rachael Bauer (Class of '25) participated in the poster presentation and Joey Mullen represented the Class of '26. Teresa Groh, MPAS, PA-C and Jen Garrett, MPAS, PA-C shared an inspiring lecture on the impact of precepting. Also, a huge congratulations to Megan Pater, MPAS, MA, PA-C for being named the Jerry A. Greco, PA-C Memorial Educator of the Year!

"Please help me congratulate Megan for being named the 2024 Jerry A. Greco, PA-C Memorial PA Educator of the Year by OAPA!

This award is given annually to a person who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to PA education in the state of Ohio and nominees for this award should have provided significant dedication to the provision of PA education.

Megan's impact on the program has been tremendous since she started in July of 2019, through both her student instruction in the classroom as well as her administrative leadership. She has taught various courses in the curriculum (Principles of Medicine, EBM/Public Health, Behavioral Health) as well as guest lectures in ortho and other areas of expertise. She has taken on multiple leadership roles in the program including Admissions Chairperson and Academic Director, where both require exquisite attention to detail, a constant eye on the future, and strong communication. She also has taken over a large part of the assessment process in the PA program allowing us to review and analyze data more efficiently, resulting in our ability to make necessary change more effectively in the program.

Megan's personality is driven by high expectations, as she has a clear understanding of the implications of educating the next generation to care for patients as they deserve to be cared for. Her commitment to the students is unwavering - she is always available to meet with them, answer questions, and mentor them as they move into the career of their choosing.

As the Program Director for the past year, it has been incredibly apparent to me how vast the impact that Megan has made on the program in the five short years that she has been here…and is continuing to make for our current and future cohorts. She is highly deserving of recognition of her work ethic and dedication to our profession and future colleagues.

Congratulations Megan!" Jen Garrett, MPAS, PA-C, Chair and Program Director