Sandy Narciso-Owen M.S., M.S.P.A.S., PA-C
Sandy Narciso-Owen has been a pediatric PA, for over 15 years in CT both inpatient and outpatient, and a ConnAPA member. As a dedicated and highly skilled Physician Associate, Mrs. Narciso-Owen has consistently exemplified excellence in clinical care, leadership, education, and advocacy for the PA profession. Mrs. Narciso-Owen’s unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, innovative problem-solving, and mentorship of colleagues has left an indelible mark on our healthcare community. This nomination reflects the profound impact Mrs. Narciso-Owen has made not only on the lives of countless patients but also on the future of our profession.
Mrs. Narciso-Owen’s dedication to advocacy and community service as a Physician Associate has had a profound impact locally, nationally, and internationally, particularly in the field of pediatrics. Her dedication to pediatrics led her to be the recipient for the 2024-25 Society for PAs in Pediatrics PA of the Year. Locally, she has addressed underserved populations by delivering multilingual lectures on adolescent health at the Connecticut Institute for Immigrants and Refugees, which provides education on physical, mental, and emotional well-being, along with local resources to parents and children. Nationally, she contributes as a Pediatrics Associate Editor for Aquifer, a nonprofit creating virtual clinical cases for healthcare education, ensuring accuracy and realism in pediatric content. She also serves as chair of the NCCPA Pediatrics CAQ, where she promotes DEI initiatives within the pediatric specialty exams, along with the PANCE and PANRE. Internationally, Mrs. Narciso-Owen participated in an interprofessional medical missionary trip, providing care and resources in Prune, India alongside other PTs, OTs, and other medical personnel to local community members in mobile medical camps, hospitals, and orphanages. These efforts reflect her tireless commitment to advancing pediatric healthcare and addressing inequities worldwide.
As an educator, Mrs. Narciso-Owen has played a vital role in shaping the next generation of physician associates. She transitioned from an adjunct clinical instructor to a full-time role as Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Didactic Education at Sacred Heart University in 2018, where she excelled in teaching and curriculum development. Her innovative approaches, including gamified learning and interprofessional collaboration, have been recognized at national conferences, including speaking at the 2023 AAPA National Conference on the student track, regarding gamification in the curriculum entitled, “Gamification in PA Education.” As she transition from education to full time clinical work, she has maintained her academia by being an adjunct instructor at multiple PA programs, including Mercy University, Yeshiva University, and Touro University teaching multiple modules and assisting in clinical grading. In addition, Mrs. Narciso-Owen precepts University of Bridgeport PA clinical year students for their pediatric rotations in a busy outpatient office.
She has also co-authored research on interprofessional education writing a book chapter on Interprofessional Education in Healthcare Education that discusses techniques, methods, and analysis on how to incorporate multiple healthcare specialties into higher education while focusing on being student-centered. In addition, she has been involved in pediatric research serving as a co-author and mentor resulting in impactful publications, with the most recent publication in the Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics entitled “Propranolol As a Treatment Option for Chylous Effusion and Chylous Ascites in Fetuses and Neonates.” Mrs. Narciso-Owen has been involved in numerous presentations, poster presentations, publications, and submissions for publications with the intent to help advance the pediatric field and the PA profession. Most recently she co-authored a chapter entitled “Intimate Partner Violence and Trauma-Informed Care” in the Physician Assistant Clinics Journal. .
As a bilingual clinician in a high-volume pediatric practice, Mrs. Narciso-Owen exemplifies clinical excellence, staying ahead of advancements to provide equitable, and evidence-based care. Her compassionate advocacy for underserved families and dedication to mentorship further underscore her invaluable contributions to pediatrics and the PA profession.
In conclusion, Sandy Narciso-Owen embodies the qualities and accomplishments that make her the ideal recipient of this year’s ConnAPA PA of the Year Award. Her unwavering commitment to advocacy, community service, and equitable healthcare has had a profound impact locally, nationally, and internationally. As an educator, mentor, and clinician, Mrs. Narciso-Owen has shaped the future of pediatrics and the PA field through her innovative teaching methods, research contributions, and dedication to evidence-based, patient-centered care. Her ability to bridge cultural and systemic barriers and her tireless advocacy for underserved families highlight her exceptional character and commitment to healthcare equity. For her remarkable achievements and profound impact on patients, students, and the PA profession, Sandy Narciso-Owen is truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.