The Duke PA Program Celebrates PA Week

The week of October 6-12 marks National PA Week, a time to honor and celebrate all of the physician assistants across the nation for their dedication to patient care and the communities they serve. Each year, PA Week begins on the birthday of Dr. Eugene A. Stead Jr., founder of the PA profession and Duke’s first PA educational program.  

Here at the Duke PA Program, this week is an opportunity to honor the legacy of Dr. Stead, whose vision and innovation helped shape healthcare. We also celebrate the numerous contributions of our alumni, students, faculty and preceptors who continue to carry that legacy forward. 

“This week is a special one for PAs and PA students around the country, as we celebrate National PA Week and reflect on the progress of the profession over nearly 60 years since the first three graduates emerged into the healthcare landscape,” said Division Chief and Program Director April Stouder, EdD, MHS, PA-C. 

“Duke PAs have been leaders in this profession since day one, and we take seriously our role in training the next generation of PA leaders. We know that our graduates go on to become excellent clinicians, team leads, administrators, educators, researchers, advocates, and collaborators.”