2020 NC PA Program Update | Gardner-Webb University

by Sarah Anderson, PA-S, Gardner-Webb University

The Gardner-Webb PA Program has recently welcomed three new faculty members, including Dr. Mark Reiber, the program’s Medical Director and associate professor, and assistant professors Mari Chadwick and Heather Diebler. The program has also recently welcomed it’s eighth cohort, the class of 2022, in January. Before they ever stepped foot on campus, each incoming student was paired with a mentor from the class of 2021. Mentors were available to help answer questions and provide support to the new students embarking on the PA school journey.

Gardner-Webb PA students love hands on skills practice, such as casting and cast removal.

The class of 2021 returned from a well-deserved break to finish their fourth and final didactic semester. They are excitedly preparing to begin clinical rotations in May. The class of 2021 recently had the opportunity to interact with guided patients from Clinical Skills USA. Through this organization, the class was able to practice breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and testicular/penile cancer screening. Several students from the class of 2020 have had the opportunity to complete rotations with CerviCusco in Cusco, Peru. The rotations were in women’s health, pediatrics, and underserved populations. The class of 2020 is busy completing final rotations, preparing for PACKRAT, graduation in May, the PANCE, and licensure.

Gardner-Webb PA Class of 2021 practicing sterile technique, gowning, and gloving.

The Gardner-Webb University PA Program emphasizes volunteering in the community. Some of these opportunities include health screenings at a local soup kitchen, collecting food and other supplies for children of Cleveland County through the Little Bulldog Backpack Program, and collecting gifts for a local family in need. Upcoming volunteer activities include participation in the “Everybody Knows Somebody 5k” to support eating disorder awareness, Beds for Kids, Hearts and Hooves Therapeutic Riding Center, and local blood drives.