RVU PA Program Participates in 65th Annual Frontiers of Science Institute
Faculty from the PA program recently participated in the 65th Annual Frontiers of Science Institute (FSI) at the University of Northern Colorado. FSI is a 6-week program that aims to provide high school students with authentic STEM experiences in a collegiate learning environment, fostering their passion and knowledge in science. The program includes students entering grades 9-12 from all over the country.
As part of the program, Professor Cassidy Punt organized and conducted an engaging two-part wilderness medicine workshop. Day 1 was spent in the classroom teaching the students some of the basic differences between clinical medicine and wilderness medicine as well as how to safely perform a basic patient assessment in the wild. Day 2 was a 2-hour hands-on session where the students practiced improvised wound care and splinting techniques, as well as wilderness patient litters and carries, providing students with critical skills in managing injuries in remote environments.
Additionally, Professor Carrie Chanos, an alumnus of the FSI class of 1995, delivered an informative presentation on the PA profession, sparking interest and answering questions about the dynamic role of PAs in healthcare. This interactive session highlighted the diverse responsibilities and career paths available to PAs. These are just a few examples of the RVU faculty’s dedication to inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals and promoting the mission and vision of RVU in the mountain west region.