Board Report
June 7, 2003

The students of the Wake Forest PA Program are making great strides this spring. The Class of 2004 has just completed their first year after a strenuous round of exams. The class is much relieved to have survived the rigors of the first year. There is a feeling of anticipation and a touch of sadness as everyone goes their separate ways to begin their clinical rotations in early June. The class of 2003 is winding down as well as they will finish their rotations in August. It has been great watching the progression of the second years as they mature into professional clinicians each time they visited. They have been wonderful role models that our class will strive to emulate during the next year. The class of 2005 will be arriving soon and begin their journey on June 2. I wish them the best of luck in their studies.

The WFU PA students are eagerly anticipating the AAPA conference in New Orleans. About 45 students from our school will attend. Our Challenge Bowl team roster has been set, and we are anticipating a strong showing from our students. Much effort has been placed recently on fund raising, and our student society is committed to reimbursement of some of the costs incurred during travel to the conference. Recent fund raising efforts include the sale of embroidered T-shirt sales, Entertainment coupon book sales, and the establishment of the first annual Flag Day 5K Fun Run. The 5K will take place on the Wake Forest Campus on June 14. Portions of the proceeds will be donated to the Financial Assistance Network which gives aid to people with exorbitant medical bills in an effort to reduce overall cost and improve the medical care of the individual. Our students have been scouring Winston-Salem in an effort to find sponsors and have done very well so far.

As usual, our community service efforts have far exceeded expectations. Several times a semester, the students have volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House to provide support to the families staying there. In April, we had a Red Cross Blood drive at our school. Students and community members alike donated blood and helped make that event successful. In total, 36 units of blood were collected and 108 usable products can be used from this donation. Food and toiletries were collected in participation with Treats for Troops. These items were sent to our troops in the Middle East to support and to show appreciation for their brave efforts. Finally, many of the students participated in the STATS (Students Teaching AIDS to Students) program. They were trained to go to local high schools and educate the students about the risk factors of HIV in an attempt to help curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases in the teenage population.

With the addition of total Problem Based Learning, a new Master’s Degree, and the rapid achievement of the students, it has been a spectacular year for the Wake Forest PA Program. Congratulations to all for a great year and good luck next year.

Respectfully Submitted,

Joshua F. Smith, PAS-2
Student Director, Wake Forest University