2020 PA Program Update | Lenoir-Rhyne University

by Arien Stebbins, PA-S, Lenoir-Rhyne

Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies Class of 2021

After a refreshing winter break, Lenoir-Rhyne PA program classes resumed on January 13^th. The program welcomed 36 new students beginning their first semester, comprising the class of 2022. The class of 2021 returned to finish their last semester of didactic courses as they eagerly await the start of their clinical year, scheduled to begin this summer. The class of 2020 will complete their clinical rotations and graduate in May, becoming the third cohort to graduate from the program.

The Lenoir-Rhyne PA Program saw a change in leadership in 2019 as Dr. Richard Ball resigned as Program Director. The program has had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Sandra Keavey as the appointed Interim Program Director, as well as welcoming Dr. LoryKay Wheeler and Dr. Emmett Montgomery. Dr. Wheeler will be instructing the emergency medicine course and Dr. Montgomery will be instructing the history and physical course. Additionally, Dr. Montgomery supervises students volunteering at the local community clinic as they practice the patient care skills they have learned in the classroom.

Before the end of last fall’s semester, the class of 2021 was excited to be able to donate needed items to Cardinal Kids, which provides pediatric palliative care in the surrounding communities. The program hopes to continue its relationship with Cardinal Kids into the future, with each incoming class continuing to show support for the organization. Students also provided an information session at Hickory High School during PA week to promote the PA profession and engaged in a friendly kickball tournament with student members of the local Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter.

For more information on the Lenoir-Rhyne PA program, check out our initial program highlight here.