Marshall University Physician Assistant Program

02/20/2026

GROWMED, the PA program's global, rural and wilderness medicine student interest group hosted its first official workshop and members went straight to the field.

Students focused on musculoskeletal injuries in austere environments, practicing improvised splinting with available materials. They also trained in water safety and basic rescue techniques, including patient protection against hypothermia and construction of a rope litter for transport.

Wilderness medicine challenges learners to think critically, adapt quickly, and work collaboratively when resources are limited. It was impressive to watch students translate classroom knowledge into practical, hands-on skills in real time.

The next GROWMED meeting will be held March 16 at 12:00 PM. MUPA students interested in joining are encouraged to attend. MUPA faculty, staff, and alumni who share an interest in global, rural, and wilderness medicine are also invited to participate.

02/20/2026

02/13/2026

If you're looking for a way to wear and share the MUPA Program pride, then we have a great opportunity for you. For the next two weeks, you can order MUPA Program merchandise using the link below. There are several options, from T-shirt, long sleeve, and sweat shirts with different designs and colors. Ordering is available through Friday Feb 27th at noon. Order processing and delivery is scheduled to take place 2-3 weeks after the order window ends.

https://glennssportinggoods.chipply.com/mupa26/store.aspx?action=viewall&apid=22990067&acid=2336052

02/11/2026

The Marshall University Physician Assistant Program is excited to spotlight GROWMED, our Global, Rural & Wilderness Medicine Student Interest Group, and share a throwback to the group’s very first meeting in November.

GROWMED is for students who are curious about practicing medicine outside of perfectly climate-controlled hospital hallways. The group explores global health, rural and frontier medicine, and wilderness and austere care; basically, how to take excellent care of patients when resources are limited, the environment is unpredictable, and a CT scanner is far away. Through hands-on workshops, simulations, outreach, and guest speakers, GROWMED helps students build adaptability, creativity, and confidence for real-world practice beyond the hospital walls.

The group also emphasizes mentorship, leadership development, ethical practice, and involvement in professional organizations related to global, rural, and wilderness medicine, while supporting the mission of the Marshall University PA Program and the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.

Faculty advisors include
• Kate Lee, PA-C
• Aaron Bailey, PA-C
Both advisors are experienced, practicing PAs and current Fellowship Candidates in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine, meaning they enjoy learning medicine in environments with less sleep and more dirt.

Membership is open to current PA students, PA faculty and staff, and MUPA alumni.

If you like problem-solving, practical skills, and the idea of medicine that sometimes happens without WiFi, air conditioning, or a rapid response team down the hall, GROWMED might be your kind of group.

Events and meetings coming soon!

02/09/2026

Rising above the challenges of weather and exams, the Class of 2028 celebrated their resilience with a well-deserved feast, courtesy of their inaugural potluck within the MUPA Program! The Class of 2027 hosted a Valentine's Day extravaganza, embracing the joy of connection and community 🎉. Here's to continue collaboration and sweet treats (and more to come).

01/12/2026

The Class of 2028 completed their orientation week with their first Marshall-themed casual day on Friday. They enjoyed meetings with upperclassman on the tips and tricks to navigate their student careers, representatives from the Marshall University and the Joan C Edwards School of Medicine to know they are included in something much bigger than themselves, rural health specialists to be introduced to the program's goals and initiatives to bring medical care to the rural and underserved areas in the state, and a dinner with the faculty and staff who will be there to support them throughout their tenure as PA students (and beyond).

To close the week, the Class of 2027 hosted a trivia night as a meet and greet with the new class at Rio Grande. Now that they are feeling a little more "at home," with the first full week of lecture starting this morning, the real work begins.

01/06/2026

With the New Year, the Marshall University Physician Assistant Program would like to welcome their New Class! Yesterday, the incoming Class of 2028, the 6th cohort in the MUPA legacy, were welcomed by the faculty, staff, and representatives from Marshall University, the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, and the Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center. This week, the class will be introduced to their home for the next 28 months before their lecture series begins. Join me in welcoming the newest additions to our program and stay tuned to see their progress!

10/21/2025

Whether it is inside the Clinical Skills lab, on their Rotations, or going out into the community, the MUPA Program cohorts are staying busy. Last week, we had guest lecturers promoting intubation and ventilator management, simulations for comprehensive case navigation, and students spreading the word of the PA career at Green and White Day.

Also, clinical student Enzo Lewis has found that some well timed PA week doughnuts can go a long way in showing our appreciation to those who take the time to teach our future graduates.