As the Associate Program Director of the Boone campus and a resident of Western North Carolina for more than a decade, I call Appalachia my home. At present, the mountains are in the midst of spring – the leaves are green, the birds are chirping, and the wildlife is emerging from hibernation. The spurts of sunshine feel like a fresh start to the ruthless and unfortunate fall season that many locals experienced because of Hurricane Helene. To this day, some roads are still gone, and many remain littered with debris, a reminder of the devastation that we experienced at the end of September.
Yet, as I reflect back, the words proud and grateful are what come to mind. I take pride in my local community for banding together, sharing resources, and forging ahead. Everyone who had something pitched in. It didn’t matter if it was gas for a chainsaw or fresh vegetables to share with neighbors, we relied on each other.
I also take pride in the Wake PA community, both learners and faculty, who were impacted directly or indirectly. The faculty across both campuses stepped up, covered classes, donated food, found housing for displaced learners, and sent emails on behalf of those of us who didn’t have reliable internet. With significant fortitude, Boone students quickly re-focused on their studies and drive to become PAs, succeeding through a long and challenging unit.
But isn’t that who we are as PAs?
The mission of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine PA Program is “to educate highly capable and compassionate PAs who prioritize patient-centered care, contribute significantly to the healthcare community, and advance the PA profession.” Whether dealing with last-minute changes or finding solutions to unexpected obstacles, a good PA has strong problem-solving abilities, can think on their feet, and can work together in teams to accomplish large goals. PAs are quick to adapt to new tasks or shifting priorities without getting overwhelmed. PAs come together when people need it the most, showing compassion and empathy in every step. PAs are resilient, especially in the most difficult of situations.
So here we are, the following spring, with feelings of hope and optimism. In fact, two thirds of the didactic cohort of the Boone campus have elected to stay in Boone and the surrounding Appalachia region for their clinical year rotations. The Wake PA program strives to build trust with medically underserved communities. By placing students in underserved clinical sites, we expand awareness of the PA profession and demonstrate how team-based care can help communities where health disparities are common.
I am proud to be part of a leadership that embodies the brilliant characteristics of a PA. Part of Wake Forest University’s vision is “to be a catalyst for good in society.” Whether on the Winston-Salem or Boone campus, we continue to foster the development of lifelong learners whose care and dedication will benefit our communities, now and in the future.
Sarah Jane O’Neal MS, MPAS, PA-C
Associate Professor
Associate Program Director