Weber State’s first physician assistant graduates to join workforce
OGDEN, Utah — Weber State University graduated its first cohort of physician assistants last Friday, adding 19 new clinicians to the workforce.
The Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions launched the program in January 2023, aiming to fill healthcare shortages by placing qualified medical providers in the community. The PA program focuses on primary care and adult hospital medicine.
“I’m incredibly proud of this inaugural cohort and the program we’ve built together,” said Sandra Stennett, program director and chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine. “This group set a high standard of excellence, laying the foundation for a lasting legacy.”
Mariah Palter, a native of Kearns, completed her undergraduate degree in microbiology at Weber State, and was excited to continue her education in the new PA program.
“I absolutely fell in love with all the professors and the campus (during undergrad),” Palter said. Being part of the first PA cohort had its challenges, she added, but it was an incredible experience overall. “I’m so glad I chose Weber and would not have wanted to go anywhere else.”
Zachary Sink of Provo also earned a microbiology degree from WSU, and said his positive undergraduate experience influenced his decision to be a part of the first PA cohort.
“Not only did my professors know us by name, but they regularly checked in on us to see how things were going at home, too,” Sink said. “They were student-focused and determined to help us become the best we could be.”
Sink praised the department’s faculty for creating a “patient-focus, student-centered and innovative” program and listening to feedback from their students.
Stennett said the PA faculty and staff were dedicated to building a “truly impactful” program.
“Their hard work and commitment to excellence have ensured that the program prepares students to become outstanding medical providers, ready to provide quality patient care and make a difference in our community,” she said.
Graduates of the program are eligible for national board certification and, once certified, can apply for a license to practice medicine.
Palter will continue her training with a year-long fellowship at the University of Utah, completing rotations in internal medicine, cardiology, point-of-care and other areas. She said she’s excited to contribute to the medical field and start seeing patients.
Collin Stoker, another first cohort graduate, will start working in psychiatry at Numinus Clinic in Layton.
“While I carried many responsibilities as a student, I don’t think any will compare to the responsibility I will feel when I start working out in the real world,” he said. “I’m looking forward to finally feeling like a full-fledged provider.”
The PA program accepts 20 new students each year. A second full cohort started the program in January 2024 and will begin clinical rotations next month. A third full cohort will begin studying at WSU next month.
Jessica Kokesh, Marketing & Communications
801-626-7316, jessicakokesh@weber.edu- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu