Casey B. Nelson, a second-year physician assistant (PA) student at the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS), was selected to receive the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) Student Academy PAragon-Student award for her exemplary service as a PA student. The Paragon-Student award is given to only one PA student each year.
Nelson, who is also pursuing her Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), was nominated for the award by her program directors, faculty, and peers at SMHS. She was selected based on the strength of these recommendations, as well as the following criteria:
- Demonstrated exemplary service to the PA profession;
- Provided time and effort in service to his/her community;
- Exemplified the PA profession's philosophy of providing accessible and quality health care and/or health education;
- Demonstrated leadership skills and participated in leadership activities of student societies, local and state constituent chapters, and/or national PA organizations;
- Supported and participated in advocacy activities on local, state, and/or national levels for the PA profession; and
- Exemplified professionalism across all aspects of participation as a PA student.
Nelson has taken on a number of leadership roles during her time as a PA student, including serving on the steering committee for the GW Healing Clinic, the University’s student-run clinic, as well as acting as co-president for the GW Student Society. She also served as the representative for GW students pursuing the M.P.H./PA dual degree program and was an active member in GW’s interprofessional service organization. These roles allowed Nelson to act as a voice and representative for PA students.
Nelson also represented PA students in Haiti, where she participated in a medical mission organized in conjunction with Project Medishare. She used her expertise to help establish sustainable health programs and train Haitian health professionals throughout the Central Plateau — one of the country’s poorest regions.
Check out the AAPA site for more information regarding the organization and its awards.
