Having earned a PhD in neuroscience, Kelly Conner embarked on a career in research. Then, driven by her husband's progressive neurologic disorder, she began to look for more clinically focused work.
Initially unfamiliar with the PA profession, she discovered its potential through guidance and shadowing opportunities provided by her husband's neurologist, a Wake Forest alum. This path allowed her to balance personal and financial challenges while raising small children.
Now a member of the National Professional Advisory Committee for the Epilepsy Alliance of America and a faculty member of the Wake Forest School of Medicine Department of PA Studies, Conner combines her passions for neurology, patient advocacy, and teaching. Her unique journey and commitment to the PA profession are matched by her dedication to improving healthcare and education.
Get to know Conner in her own words.
Did You Have Any Mentors Who Supported You Along Your Journey to Becoming a PA?
Yes, my husband’s friend from Wake Forest was instrumental. He answered my questions and provided opportunities for me to shadow him. He also connected me with other professionals, allowing me to shadow a couple of other PAs. Additionally, my husband’s neurologist, who first suggested the PA path to me, was a great source of encouragement.
How Did You End Up Teaching at Wake Forest?
Even as a student, I was vocal about my desire to join the faculty. My goal with my PhD was to teach, ideally at a small liberal arts college. After graduating, I started as adjunct faculty, served on committees, and gave lectures.
I’ve always enjoyed teaching, and Wake Forest’s inquiry-based learning approach is something I deeply appreciate. It’s very applicable to clinical practice and helps prepare students for real-world scenarios.
What Do You Enjoy About Teaching, Particularly at Wake Forest?
I love the inquiry-based learning curriculum because it mirrors the clinical environment where we often learn from specific cases and apply that knowledge to future patients. Watching students grow, challenge each other, and develop teamwork skills essential for PA roles is incredibly rewarding. It’s exciting to help shape the next generation of PAs.
What Is Your Role With the Epilepsy Alliance of America?
I serve on the National Professional Advisory Committee, the first PA to do so. The Epilepsy Alliance is close to my heart as I work in adult epilepsy. The organization focuses on patient advocacy, ensuring patients get their medications, and educating the community on seizure first aid. We also provide training to first responders, teachers, and school nurses, and offer resources to patients and families.
Why Is Epilepsy Particularly Important to You?
My background in neuroscience and my husband’s diagnosis with multiple sclerosis initially drew me to neurology. Although I aimed to work in MS, I was hired by the epilepsy team and fell in love with it. Working with epilepsy patients has been incredibly fulfilling, and it was a condition I became deeply passionate about.
You Received the Distinguished Service Award From the Epilepsy Alliance of North Carolina. What Did That Recognition Mean to You?
Receiving the Distinguished Service Award was a significant honor because it recognized my dedication to patient care. Many of my patients face social determinants of health issues, stigma, and a lack of understanding from others. Knowing I made a difference in their lives by listening to them and advocating for their needs means a lot to me.
Why Do You Believe the PA Profession Is So Important in Today’s Healthcare Landscape?
There is a significant shortage of neurologists, and many regions are neurology deserts. PAs can help bridge this gap, increasing access to care and spending more time with patients. We often have the chance to address critical issues that might be overlooked, such as sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP), in epilepsy patients. PAs aren’t trying to replace physicians but to provide essential care to those who need it.
What Is Your Vision for the Future of PAs, Especially in Your Roles as a Teacher and Practitioner?
I hope to see more PAs involved in research. Nursing has a strong presence in research, but PAs are just starting to make inroads. With our new Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program, I believe we can begin to demonstrate our quality through research. We’re making progress, but there’s still a long way to go.