Wichita State Physician Associate Program

Welcome Wichita State University Physician Associate Program Class of 2028! 🥼🩺💛🖤

Student Spotlight 🥼 Katie, Class of 2027

Undergraduate Degree: Nutrition and Health

Previous Healthcare Experience: Hospital CNA, Long-Term Care CNA, Oncology MA

Free Time Activities: I love spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, and traveling!

Why I chose Wichita State PA: WSU has a strong reputation for educating excellent Kansas PAs, and being close to my support system made it feel like the right fit for me.

Advice to future PA students: “Don’t compare yourself to others, be confident while remaining humble and ready to learn, and remember that the challenges along the way will help you grow. You’ve got this!“

KAPA members recently attended the annual AAPA Conference in New Orleans. Along with several students, Professor Lewia attended as a KAPA Delegate. Thank you to all our state delegates and members for your continued advocacy for the profession!

The good times rolled in NOLA 🎉 Thank you for another amazing conference. We are bringing back knowledge, new friendships and connections, and so many memories as we enter into Clinical Year!

Student Spotlight 🥼 Cody, Class of 2027

Undergraduate Degree: Microbiology

Previous Healthcare Experience: Firefighter/EMT and Cardiology Patient Care Tech

Free Time Activities: Traveling, SCUBA diving, hiking, and cooking

Why I chose Wichita State PA: I had always heard about the program’s reputation throughout the Midwest, but it was not until my interview day where I experienced the value of the curriculum accompanied by a profound sense of belonging.

Advice to future PA Students: “Don’t forget who you are while in school. Sometimes everything you’ve learned will start to blend together, and it can become overwhelming and ultimately discouraging. Just remember, you are here for a reason. Take it one disease at a time, keep pushing forward, and stop stressing so hard about remediating! You earned your spot, so trust yourself and the work you’ve put in. You will be a PA!”

Please join us in celebrating Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education, Stephen Lewia, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-EM, in the publication of the article he co-authored, “Institutional Accreditation: Perspectives on Transitioning to an Entry-Level Professional Doctoral Degree for Physician Assistants/Associates”. This article can be found in the newest journal. Congratulations Dr. Lewia!

Student Spotlight 🥼 Clare, Class of 2027

Undergraduate Degree: BS in Biology and BA in Spanish

Previous Healthcare Experience: CMA and CNA in a Skilled Nursing Facility

Free Time Activities: Spending time with friends and family, hiking, volleyball, and playing piano

Why you chose the Wichita State PA Program: I chose the WSU PA program because it is highly respected and there is an encouraging and supportive atmosphere!

Advice for future PA students: “Embrace every opportunity to learn. Keeping a positive mindset will not only carry you through the tough moments but will also allow you to grow into the provider you aspire to be!“

Congratulations to Paige Saenz, Class of 2026, as a finalist for Graduate Student of the Year! Paige was selected as one of five graduate students for this recognition. Each year this award celebrates students who have demonstrated scholarship, leadership, Wichita State involvement, and service to Wichita State and their community.

Paige’s leadership is deeply rooted in service to Wichita State and the surrounding community. She has focused heavily on ensuring that future Wichita State PA Program cohorts have the funds and resources necessary to be successful. By mobilizing her classmates to build a stronger foundation for the students that follow in their footsteps, and by directing the PA Student Society’s outreach efforts, she is leaving a lasting, positive impact that extends past our campus walls and into the local healthcare community.

The 2026 Master of Physician Associate Research Symposium was held today and we continue to be impressed with the work our students are putting into becoming highly qualified and compassionate PAs! The countless hours spent researching, all while completing clinical rotations, studying for exams, and job searching, was evident through their presentations. One step closer to getting their white coats!