The West Coast University-Texas MPA student team recently achieved remarkable success at the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) National Medical Challenge Bowl, held during the annual conference. After a rigorous and competitive event, the team placed in the top 4 percent nationally. The team comprised students Victoria I., Taylor R., Emily A., and their faculty coach, Professor Askisha D.
The AAPA Challenge Bowl is a prestigious competition that showcases the skills and knowledge of physician associate (PA) students, fostering a sense of community and professional pride among future PAs. This year, the WCU-Texas MPA team demonstrated their exceptional abilities, further reinforcing the program’s reputation for excellence.
“The overall experience was electric and exhilarating! The first round was so nerve-racking because there was a steep cut-off from 96 initial teams to 24 teams moving forward to Round 2,” Team WCU’s Victoria I. said about the competition. “After that first round, though, the nerves mostly disappeared, and we were in game mode! We had a great time and were proud to represent our school and our MPA program.”
Reflecting on their preparation, Taylor R. noted, “We competed in the Texas medical knowledge bowl last year, so I feel like that helped us gain a little confidence and we already had a strategy for practicing. Since we are in clinical rotations now, we FaceTimed each other after our shifts and would each ask questions.”
Emily A. highlighted the extensive support the team received, explaining, “We received an immense amount of support from our classmates, faculty, and school. Our student executive board first offered us the opportunity to compete and funded our way there. Our professors helped us practice and encouraged us to be confident. Our classmates cheered us on at AAPA and made creative signs for the competition. Professor Akisha also made the drive to Houston, and even Dean Bronson was on FaceTime the whole time, cheering us on! They made the experience so much better and more fun, so thank you to all of these amazing people!”
The AAPA Challenge Bowl is an annual national medical quiz competition organized by the American Academy of Physician Associates. It is a highly anticipated event within the PA community, typically taking place during the AAPA’s annual conference. The competition pits teams of PA students from various programs against each other in a rigorous test of medical knowledge and clinical skills.
Structured similarly to a quiz bowl, the Challenge Bowl involves multiple rounds of questions covering a broad range of medical topics, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, clinical medicine, and medical ethics. Teams are eliminated based on their performance in each round until the final winner is determined.
Professor Akisha D., who coached the team, said she was “honored to witness their transformation from didactic learning to clinical practice.”
“Observing their remarkable growth and brilliant performance was an incredible experience. Our WCU MPA cheering section began at the back of the ballroom among 96 competing teams and gradually moved to the front as we advanced through each round,” she said.
The WCU-Texas MPA team’s outstanding performance at the AAPA National Medical Challenge Bowl is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of their faculty and peers.
Congratulations to Victoria, Taylor, Emily, and Professor Askisha D. for their remarkable achievement and for making the WCU community proud.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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