Physician Assistant Institute Mission

As a common thread that is woven through our curriculum, students are exposed to the importance of cultural sensitivity when caring for their patients. In courses such as History and Physical Exam, Medical Ethics and Professional Practice, Patient Education, Nutrition, and Counseling, and Correlative Medicine, students are presented with cases from diverse groups, allowing them appreciate the differing beliefs and circumstances. Students become more aware of cultural differences and barriers, thus increasing respect and awareness of those with cultural backgrounds different from our own.

During the first two terms, students learn how to practice patient-centered medical interviewing techniques and skills. Later in the curriculum, our Patient Education and Counseling course prepares students to provide personalized education to their patients. Students learn to address each individual’s unique situation, including their health literacy, knowledge, barriers to care, and comprehension of various medical situations. It is continually emphasized that students are learning to care for their patients, not for a disease.

In the research curriculum, students develop an understanding of the importance of evidence-based medicine and its continuous nature which will be ever-present in their careers as PAs. Our Bruce Fichandler scholarship award allows us to recognize students who demonstrate leadership ability, commitment to their field, extracurricular activities, community service and professional awareness. We also participate in the Challenge Bowl each year on the state and national level.

Our students learn the importance of upholding a high level of work ethic and excellence, as professionalism is central to demonstrating respect for the PA profession. The University of Bridgeport Career Center works with our students to instill strong professionalism skills. Further, the faculty provides students with individualized and detailed professionalism and behavior feedback twice during the curriculum. This allows students to become more self-aware and improve their skills before entering the healthcare field, representing the PA profession as a whole.

The Integrative Medicine course exposes students to many of the complementary and alternative treatment modalities and practitioners. Understanding the utilization of these modalities, including acupuncture, chiropractic and naturopathic medicine, can help expand resources for patients and their families. As a program, there is collaboration with faculty throughout our diverse professional offerings through the College of Health Science, enhancing the student experience. All students also have the opportunity for further exposure to these modalities in the on-campus UB clinics.

The Global Health and Preventive Medicine course introduces students to the factors that impact health and the prevention and treatment of disease from a global perspective.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, students were able to participate in an international program in Peru. During this elective experience, students were able to spend a week during term break gaining exposure to different cultures and promoting health education within the community. The program is continually evaluating opportunities to reintroduce similar experiences in the future.

Both the University as a whole and the Physician Assistant Institute include diversity as one of our core values, reflecting its utmost importance in education. As a program, we are proud to consistently welcome a large number of first generation college students. University of Bridgeport has been ranked by the U.S. News & World Report among the most ethnically diverse national universities. The program closely collaborates with the University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs to offer additional student and faculty opportunities for diversity trainings and involvement opportunities.