Reflections and Milestones
Greetings Duke PA Alumni,
The start of a new semester offers a chance for reflection, gratitude, and hopefully a little rest. It has been a big year at Duke, filled with transitions, celebrations, milestones, and growth. We will highlight these events in our newsletter so you can read about what we’ve been up to this year.
On August 8, we launched 90 new PA graduates into clinical practice and celebrated their accomplishments at a beautiful ceremony in Duke Chapel. That same day Program Director Dr. Jacqueline Barnett retired after 10 years at Duke. Her service and advocacy left a lasting legacy, and we know she is enjoying her exciting next adventures. I am honored to have assumed the Division Chief and, Program Director role in October, 25 years after my own graduation ceremony at Duke. As I reflect on each of the program directors who have served before me, I am inspired by their steadfast commitment to our mission, visionary leadership, and shared passion for the PA profession. As I continue the next chapter of my own leadership journey here, I wonder which of my past or current students may lead this program in the future. I hope my work here offers as much inspiration to tomorrow’s leaders as our storied past leaders offer me.
The program celebrated its 60th anniversary in October, acknowledging the launch of the program in 1965 with four brave pioneers who paved the way for all who followed in their footsteps at Duke. We hosted several of those Pioneer graduates for a Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and our students enjoyed hearing their stories, snapping photos, and sharing their aspirations. It was a memorable event for all. If your class is nearing a milestone anniversary, we’d love to help you organize a reunion.
As always, our faculty were engaged in meaningful service and scholarship this year. They provided skilled leadership in state and national organizations, presented at state, national, and international conferences, and published numerous articles in clinical and educational journals. We also had several students present at AAPA and PAEA conferences, engage in research, and participate in incredible community service activities. Duke continues to be well represented in every corner of the PA community! We know you have been representing Duke well in your own endeavors, and we always love to hear your updates. Please connect with us to share your stories and accomplishments.
“My fellow alumni, we are proud of you and the work you are doing for your patients and communities. You are the living embodiment of the DPAP mission every day.”
— April Stouder EdD, MHS, PA-C, Division Chief and Program Director, Associate Professor in Family Medicine and Community Health