Meet the class of 2023’s newly elected Presidents of the Katherine H. Anderson Society (KAS) of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). KAS is the official organization of the students of the Wake PA Program. Kate is the KAS President representing the Winston-Salem campus, and Samson is representing the Boone campus.
Kate Oldham
Hometown: I was born in Denver, Colorado, but spent most of my childhood living in Winston-Salem before leaving for boarding school. My parents and grandparents still live here. It’s exciting to see how much the city has grown over the past 10 years! Prior to starting PA school I was living in New York City and working in a dermatology office.
Family: I am really close with my family! Now that I live in Winston again, I see my parents all the time. I also have two younger brothers - one just graduated from UNC and is now living in Raleigh, and the other is a junior in high school. We love to play tennis, golf, pickle ball, paddle tennis, and ski as a family! Our family also just adopted a kitten. His name is Ringo and he is a ball of energy.
Undergraduate University/Degree: I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience.
Why I Chose Wake PA: I chose Wake PA because of the Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) format of learning! The process allows for problem-solving, teamwork, self-directed learning, and opportunities for reflection. I believe it will provide me with the tools I need to become the best PA I can be!
Favorite Thing/event in PA School So Far: A member of our class started a kickball team that meets weekly. Playing on the team has been a great stress reliever and a good way to meet people!
Fun/Interesting Fact: I have a side passion for art and any type of design! I almost majored in Art History, and while living in NYC, I visited art museums weekly. I also designed the interior of my new apartment, and help my mom regularly with picking out fabric, furniture, and paint colors for our family’s home.
Favorite Hobby: I have several hobbies that I love and engage in regularly! Specifically, I enjoy running, pilates, cooking, reading, and spending time with my family and friends.
Favorite Thing to Do in Winston-Salem: I have really enjoyed exploring downtown Winston! There are so many cool restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and outdoor spaces to visit. Mozelle’s is a favorite Winston restaurant of mine!
Samson Triantis
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Family: Mom and one sister who is 2 years younger than me
Undergraduate University/Degree: University of South Carolina and graduated with a B.S. in Biology and a Sociology minor
Why I Choose Wake PA: I chose Wake because of the IBL process, I thought it was extremely unique and thought that it would enhance my learning and make me stand out in rotations
Favorite Thing/event in PA School So Far: I have loved getting to know everyone in the class, we have all gotten close very quickly
Favorite Hobby: Eating and drinking my way through any place I travel to
Favorite Thing to Do in Boone: It has to have been tubing down the New South River