Congratulations to the 2024 PAEA Faculty and Staff Award Recipients
On the second day of the 2024 Education Forum in Washington, D.C., PAEA recognized the educators, trailblazers, and innovators who represent the best of the PA profession with the Faculty and Staff awards. Designed to promote and celebrate growth, commitment, and advocacy throughout PA education, the 11 awards spanned a range of categories from Administrative Support and Diversity to New Faculty, Research, and Lifetime Achievement. Each award recipient has made a significant, positive effect on their programs and communities.
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the 2024 PAEA Awards. Your nominations and letters of support make it possible for PAEA to elevate and recognize members who contribute so much to our profession.
Meet the 2024 Award Recipients
The award recipients include:
Administrative Support
Heidi Kennedy, Clerkship Coordinator, Des Moines University Master of Science PA Studies Program
Article of the Year
Accreditation in the Health Professions: Implications for Physician Assistant Education
by Gerald Kayingo, PhD, MMSc, PA-C, Executive Director, Assistant Dean and Professor, University of Maryland Baltimore, PA Leadership and Learning Academy
Clinical Education
Megan Verdoni, MPAS, PA-C, Clinical Education Director, Assistant Professor, Florida State University College of Medicine PA Practice
Excellence Through Diversity
Kathryn Reed, MS, PA-C, Vice Chair for EDI and Community Engagement, Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh PA Studies Hybrid Program
Leadership Development
Tracey Thurnes, EdD, MPAS, PA-C, Associate Professor, Director of Accelerated Pathways Program, Elon University Department of PA Studies
Lifetime Achievement
Richard (Rick) Dehn, MPA, PA-C, Emeritus Professor, Northern Arizona University College of Health and Human Services; Professor of Practice, University of Arizona College of Medicine
Master Faculty
Tami Ritsema, PhD, MPH, PA-C/R, Director of PA Professional Practice, Associate Professor of PA Studies, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
New Faculty
Marc Doobay, MPAS, PA-C, Clinical Assistant Professor, Director of Didactic Education, University of lowa PA Program
Partnership
The Society of Point of Care Ultrasound
Research Achievement
Shani Fleming, PhD, MSHS, MPH, PA-C, Associate Professor and Graduate School Chief EDI Officer, University of Maryland Baltimore
Rising Star
Marissa Liveris, MMS, PA-C, Assistant Professor, Director of Academic Education, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine PA Program
Special Recognitions
Lasting Legacy Award
Kim Cavanagh, DHSc, PA-C, for her outstanding service as PAEA’s Assessment Editor in Chief
Outgoing PAEA Board President
Nicole Burwell, PhD, MSHS, PA-C
2024 Brenda Jasper Project Access
Student-Led Competition Award
Lake Erie College PA Program Project Access Team
