By Student Representatives Courtney Litts, PA-S ’25 and Bridget Walsh, PA-S ’26
The Class of 2025 has completed their nine clinical rotations and are back on campus preparing to transition to clinical practice. They have submitted their thesis papers, and three students had the opportunity to present their work at the ConnAPA Charter Oak Conference. Two students also had the opportunity to participate in a CT AHEC/UCONN palliative care learning activity alongside students from the Class of 2027, where they explored how to incorporate palliative care into primary care. As graduation swiftly approaches, students are submitting job applications and preparing to take the PANCE, the final step in their PA student journey.
For the class of 2026, spring marked the last semester of the didactic phase. The focus in the classroom shifted to integrating knowledge as they completed population-based modules such as pediatrics and geriatrics. They embarked on a semester-long project to explore healthcare disparities, culminating in a presentation to peers and faculty. In the lab, they practiced important skills such as suturing and scrubbing. Most recently, they celebrated their completion of didactic year with friends, family, and faculty at their white coat ceremony. On to clinical rotations!
The Class of 2027 is close to completing their first semester of didactic year. They have covered topics such as hematology, oncology, endocrinology, infectious disease, nephrology, and urology. Students have also taken over the weekly service-learning opportunity introduced by the Class of 2026, working with Sister Beth Fischer at the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry to provide blood pressure and blood sugar screenings. The class was happy to attend the ConnAPA Charter Oak Conference, where they learned about the latest developments in the field, and broadened their understanding of PA clinical practice.
By Student Representative Maddie Villa, PA-S ’26
With QU’s second year students out on their clinical rotations, the first years eagerly welcomed the next cohort at admitted students’ day! QU students attended the Character Oak conference when multiple students presented posters and others graciously accepted PAF scholarships.
Over spring break, 3 students travel to Honduras on a medical mission trip to provide care to over 800 people in rural villages. They were able to work in a medical team with other students, PA-Cs, doctors, nurses, and interpreters to speak with patients, administer medications and antibiotics, and joint injections. One student described their experience as an “invaluable experience to my medical education, as it allowed for me to practice hands on skills, enhancing my medical education, while also fostering human connection and personal growth.”
On March 7th, some of our 1st and 2nd year students attended the Memorial Sloan Kettering’s annual cycle for survival to support rare cancer research. Under the team name of “PArtnering Together,” the students cycled for 4 hours and raised over $17,000 to support the amazing cause. Included is an image of the students who attended!
Unique to QU’s PA program, select students are engaged in the Urban Service Tract (UST) Program which aims to provide both education surrounding vulnerable populations and providing service communities. In early April, QU hosted a learning retreat to teach UConn and QU UST how to best support Veterans. At the end of April, we will be presenting our posters highlighting the various community service and outreach projects at the Justice-Involved Patients and Communities: A symposium on health and incarceration at the intersection.”
In the next few months, we are looking forward to attending PA Day and the AAPA conference, where about 15 students are giving poster presentations.
By Student Representative Leigh Paradis, PA-S ’26
The Class of 2026 continues to make great strides in their didactic year, with the conclusion of the spring semester approaching rapidly. Amidst their studies, students had the opportunity to step away from the classroom and attend the Charter Oak Conference, where they engaged with professionals in the field, gained valuable insights into the evolving landscape of healthcare, and enjoyed interactive sessions such as the trivia competition. Additionally, the class enthusiastically welcomed students from the Class of 2027 for Yale Experience, a special event designed to introduce incoming students to the Yale PA Program. This day-long immersion provided them with a chance to meet faculty, connect with current students, and familiarize themselves with the campus and curriculum before beginning their journey in the fall.
Meanwhile, the Class of 2025 is now officially halfway through their clinical rotations, marking a significant milestone in their PA school journey. With only eight months remaining, students are beginning to look toward the future. While some are homing in on their desired specialties, others are exploring different regions as they consider where they might want to establish their careers. Conversations surrounding CV preparation, letters of recommendation, and state licensing are becoming increasingly frequent, reflecting the excitement and anticipation of post-graduation opportunities. Many students have also begun their elective rotations, allowing them to gain deeper exposure to their fields of interest and develop specialized clinical skills. As graduation draws nearer, students are making the most of their remaining time together, cherishing friendships, and building lasting connections that will extend well beyond PA school.
