A series of required clinical rotations for 54 students in the Campbell University Physician Assistant program begin this summer.
But the process got off to a unique start.
The students gathered recently in a room on the Health Sciences campus, where Kim Stabingas talked about their journey. When she finished, the students were called to the front of the room and received an envelope containing their destination.
The countdown began — 10, nine, eight …
“You are all getting phenomenal rotations that are two things,” said Stabingas, director of Experiential Education and an assistant professor for the Physician Assistant Program in College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences at Campbell.
“One, you’ll be safe. Two, they will meet the learning outcomes.”
She said students should be cognizant of what they can control during their rotations, including attire, effort and attitude. Many things, such as provider personalities and teaching methods, the students can’t control.
But, Stabingas said, she is excited for them.
The Physician Assistant Program at Campbell, the university says, focuses on a patient-centered, clinically practical, evidence-based curriculum, which will prepare students for the opportunity to enter one of the fastest growing health care professions.
Stabingas and her team said they’ve spent some 500 hours working on the rotation schedule since November. Each second-year student is assigned 11 rotations, starting in July. Each rotation lasts four weeks.
PA student Claritza Rodriguez of New York City will do her first rotation in internal medicine at Harnett Health Central in Lillington.
“I’m excited, I wasn’t expecting it. It’s going to be interesting for my first rotation,” she said.
Rodriguez had specific reasons for choosing Campbell.
“I just felt like I would be taken care of … not just academically, but that they look out for you.”
That’s a familiar theme at Campbell.
“And it’s the truth,” Rodriquez said.
Lobsang Lobsang, also a PA student, sat next to Rodriquez as they tore open their envelopes. Lobsang, who, too, is from New York City, will do his first rotation with WakeMed MyCare 365 Primary and Urgent Care on Ten-Ten Road in Raleigh.
“Primary care is something I’m looking forward to,” Lobsang said. “Being in the first rotation is definitely exciting.”
Megan Matthews of Florida entered the PA program after playing lacrosse for four years as an undergrad at Campbell. She’ll do her first rotation at North Carolina Surgery.
“I’m just excited about starting clinical rotations, new challenges, new friends . …” Matthews said.
