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In This Issue:
BWH and DFCI physician assistants (PAs), medical staff, state Sen. Susan Fargo and others gathered last week at the Museum of Fine Arts to celebrate the contributions of PAs.
“This is a wonderful occasion to say thank you to our PAs and recognize the growing importance of your role in health care,” said Andy Whittemore, MD, chief medical officer, at the annual dinner during PA Recognition Week.
This year, for the first time, two PAs were singled out and awarded for their tremendous achievements and leadership. Barry Shopnick, PA-C, chief PA of Cardiac Surgery, and Deborah Yolin Raley, PA-C, chief PA of DFCI Medical Oncology, received the first PA awards.
Both have been instrumental in helping to develop career paths and growth for PAs. Yolin Raley worked with Sylvia McKean, MD, and others to develop PA Grand Rounds, and Shopnick recently was appointed a teaching assistant at Harvard Medical School.
“Barry has been a tireless advocate for PAs, and also for excellent patient care and education for medical students and faculty,” said R. Morton Bolman, III, MD, chief of Cardiac Surgery, in presenting the award to Shopnick. “He is a big part of the glue holding the Cardiac Surgery service together.”
Yolin Raley was commended for her dedication and leadership. “Deb sets a wonderful example in providing excellent patient care,” said Ted Alyea, MD, medical director of Inpatient Services at DFCI. “She also has been a strong advocate in helping to grow career paths for PAs.”
In addition to the awards, another highlight of the evening was a video tribute featuring PAs from many departments. To top off a wonderful event, state Rep. Peter Koutoujian passed a resolution proclaiming that the National PA Week of Oct. 6 – 12, as recognized by the Massachusetts Association of Physicians Assistants, will now be a Massachusetts recognized week as well. This resolution was presented at the dinner.