Drew Morten Memorial Scholarship
The Joseph L. Kaplowe Memorial scholarship is awarded to a student who has proudly served our country and exemplifies overall excellence and dedication to the PA profession. Joe proudly served his country as a Medical Corpsman in the United States Army. He then continued on to PA school and began his long career as a surgical PA. Joe accomplished many great things throughout his career. He was the Founding President of the New Hampshire Academy of Physician Assistants, helped to institute and foster the concept of PAs serving as surgical and critical care providers, lectured at several PA schools and served on the Disciplinary Board of Medical Examiners for the State of Connecticut. However one of the things Joe loved the most throughout his career was precepting PA students and mentoring junior PAs. His remarkable intellect, clinical savviness and ‘street smarts’ made him a favorite preceptor for decades of PA learners. He had an unforgettable sense of humor, encouraged others to not take life too seriously, shared his love for sailing and taught many lessons about life and about caring for our patients.
He worked tirelessly on numerous committees on both the state and national level and served as ConnAPA’s Chairman of the Legislative Committee for many years. He spearheaded many of ConnAPA’s legislative initiatives. He was a true leader and advocate for our profession.
This scholarship is awarded to the student who most exemplifies legislative service and activism.