PAs Go Beyond

Onieta Stewart, DMSc, PA-C, is a critical care physician associate at UK St. Claire, a hospital that serves an expansive, rural area in eastern Kentucky. In addition to her work as the assistant director of the hospital’s residency program as well as a volunteer faculty for the University of Kentucky PA program, Stewart also visits other countries, such as Germany and the Netherlands, to educate medical professionals on evolving roles of PAs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, physician associate and engineer Bob Thomann set out to find a better way to sanitize medical equipment and hospital rooms. With innovation and patients in mind, he designed “BrightBots,” affordable and easy-to-use portable UVC lights that will kill germs and bacteria in a matter of minutes. His clients include hospitals, nursing homes, and dental offices.

A few months after graduating from her PA program, National Guardsman Makeda Tiye Young, PA-C, was assigned to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts for the Western Branch in North Carolina. The experience inspired her to take on similar leadership roles, both as an officer and a physician associate.

PA and preceptor Kara Szczomak gives back in both her personal and professional life. Each year, she and her family have a tradition of “adopting” two foster children and donating presents and essentials to give them a special holiday season.

In 2020, Austin Shinaberry met another veteran who introduced him to the health, disability, and education benefits that are available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Now, Shinaberry uses his experience with the VA system and his medical knowledge to help other veterans access the benefits they have earned through their service.