Feb 09, 2024

Dr. Keith Young, founding director of the physician assistant studies program, and clinical assistant professors Nicole Ackley and Jeffrey Szymanski, recently attended the annual meeting of the New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA) in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Ackley, Szymanski and Young, a previous NYSSPA Educator of the Year awardee, had the opportunity to connect with and share best practices with PA clinicians and PA program faculty from across the state. As the program clinical director, Ackley was able to network with providers to continue expanding the footprint for clinical sites.

They plan to attend next year with a group of students to compete in the NYSSPA Student Challenge Bowl.

As always, a chance meeting with an SBU grad was most pleasing. Bruce Farley, class of '78, oversees the bookstore at the NYS Military Museum, a block from the conference site. Farley's niece Ciara is a sophomore at SBU.