Buies Creek, N.C.—Carpenters, electricians, painters and building engineers are putting the finishing touches on Campbell University’s new Physician Assistant (P.A.) facility, formerly the site of the Carrie Rich Memorial Library. The $450,000 renovation was completed on budget and hasbeen approved for occupancy.
“The building is as modern as possible to support the latest educational technology while preserving the unique architectural design and features of the original construction,” said David Coniglio,MPA, PA-C, Academic Coordinator and associate professor for the P.A. program.
Maintaining the integrity of the classical 1920s architectural style, the facility features a domed ceiling and the original tile floor in the entryway. A spacious 40-seat classroom is located in the building’s left wing off the entryway, while student study areas and a granite topped reception desk are located off theright entryway. The building contains four smaller classrooms outfitted with Smart Boards for seminar or small group instruction. A physical diagnosis labis configured as an open space replete with 12 examination tables and related equipment and partitioned curtained examination areas. There are four clinical rooms set up to look like an actual physician’s office with examination tables, and related equipment and audio/visual capability for monitoring students’ performance. A large anatomy room, located in the rear of the building, is the center for anatomical study. Students will be able to train using two plastinated cadavers whose bodies have been treated with a silicon polymer.
Also highlighting the building floor plan are several student study areas, complete with Smart Boards, and faculty and administrative offices. The P.A. program is scheduled to launch in August 2011.
“Admissions interviews are being conducted at this time and we plan for a growth rate of approximately six new students per year for the next few years,” Coniglio said.
Thomas P. Colletti, MPAS, PA-C, is director of the P.A. program. Colletti also served as academic coordinator for the P.A. program at Duke University and has a background in orthopedics and hand surgery. Laura Gerstner, MSHS, PA-C, the clinical coordinator for the program, also has extensive experience in orthopedics.
The P.A. program at Campbell University was developed to meet the need for cost-efficient, accessible healthcare for an expanding population. It complements the University’s other health sciences professional degree programs under the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences—Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) and Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS).