by Leslie Berger
The brand new Physician Assistant program at ӰAV recently received a $50,000 grant from the Presbyterian Health Foundation.
PHF recently awarded $3 million in medical education and research grants to organizations which the foundation identified as sharing the entity’s core values.
“We are grateful for this generous grant from our friends at the Presbyterian Health Foundation. These funds will boost our efforts to address the critical need for more highly trained medical providers throughout Oklahoma,” said ӰAV President Robert Henry.
ӰAV is only the second institution in the state to offer a PA program, joining OU Health Science Center programs in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. ӰAV’s program will focus on educating physician assistants with a strong emphasis on providing primary care in community hospitals and clinics. Classes are scheduled to begin in January, with an initial cohort of 36 students.
PHF’s stated priority is developing medical breakthroughs and expanding economic opportunities for medical professionals. The organization focuses largely on basic medical research, biotechnology and exemplary quality healthcare initiatives for Oklahomans. According to the foundation, its contributions to the medical community are designed to help propel Oklahoma to the forefront of research, breakthroughs and innovations.
“We are enthusiastic about the medical advances being made in Oklahoma and the positive impact these funds will have on the grantees,” said PHF President Tom R. Gray III.
For more information about the ӰAV Physician Assistant program, visit www.okcu.edu/physician-assistant, or call (405) 208-5094.