{"id":11843,"date":"2025-01-21T09:48:45","date_gmt":"2025-01-21T15:48:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin-new\/?post_type=campus_story&p=11843"},"modified":"2025-01-21T09:48:45","modified_gmt":"2025-01-21T15:48:45","slug":"how-uw-platteville-is-committing-to-make-rural-healthcare-first-in-its-class","status":"publish","type":"campus_story","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/story\/how-uw-platteville-is-committing-to-make-rural-healthcare-first-in-its-class\/","title":{"rendered":"How UW-Platteville is committing to make rural healthcare first in its class"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Photo<\/a>
\u201cI take a lot of pride in being the first graduating class in the PA master\u2019s program here at UW-Platteville,\u201d said Quade Wiegel. (UW-Platteville)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As a new year begins, many people set resolutions to improve their health, often by scheduling a visit to their healthcare provider. But for those living in rural areas, like Southwest Wisconsin, finding a local provider can be a challenge. This is a reality the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is working to change. With the first class of physician assistant (PA) students set to graduate in 2025, the university is helping address this healthcare gap by preparing a new generation of providers who are likely to stay and practice in the region.<\/p>\n

“One of the biggest advantages of this program is that students get to stay close to home while earning their master\u2019s, particularly in a rural setting like this,\u201d said Dr. Rich Dhyanchand, chair of UW-Platteville\u2019s Biology Department and anatomy lecturer in the new PA program. \u201cWith fewer clinical learners compared to larger cities like Madison, there’s less competition for clinical rotation opportunities, which means more personalized, hands-on experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n

A PA is a mid-level healthcare provider trained to diagnose, treat and prescribe medications independently, though they work under the supervision of a collaborating physician. While PAs hold a master\u2019s degree rather than a doctoral degree, their scope of practice allows them to function autonomously in many clinical settings.<\/p>\n

UW-Madison Physician Assistant Master\u2019s Degree at UW-Platteville<\/h3>\n

Through an innovative partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, students at UW-Platteville pursue a\u00a0Master of Physician Assistant Studies<\/a>\u00a0from one of the nation’s most respected programs, while completing all coursework on the Platteville campus. Although the degree is awarded by UW-Madison, the program’s strong ties to Southwest Wisconsin ensures students receive a well-rounded education rooted in the needs of rural healthcare.<\/p>\n

“This is a unique and strategic collaboration providing increased access to healthcare education opportunities in Southwest Wisconsin and the tri-state area, growing the healthcare professional workforce in high-need rural areas in the region,” said Dr. Wayne Weber, dean of the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture.<\/p>\n

This alliance provides rural-focused clinical experiences and rotations, preparing graduates to deliver high-quality healthcare to individuals and families in underserved communities.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the core benefits of being a PA is that I will take on a larger, more active role in my patients\u2019 care,\u201d said Quade Wiegel, a member of the inaugural physician assistant class at UW-Platteville, set to graduate in May 2025. \u201cWe\u2019re trained to engage directly with patients, make clinical decisions and provide comprehensive care, which means I will have a deeper involvement in the healthcare process for my patients.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another benefit to the profession is that it offers remarkable flexibility and lateral mobility, making it an attractive career choice for many. Unlike physicians, who typically specialize in one area of medicine, or nurse practitioners, who often follow a more defined path, PAs are trained across a broad range of medical disciplines.<\/p>\n

\u201cPAs can work in various specialties throughout their careers, adapting to changes in their interests or personal circumstances,\u201d said Dhyanchand. \u201cThey might spend several years in family medicine and then transition into orthopedic surgery or dermatology without the need to return to school for an additional degree. This versatility is a significant draw for those seeking a dynamic, evolving career in healthcare.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two Ways to Earn<\/h3>\n

PA school is a rigorous two-year program, and while it\u2019s intense and year-round, it offers a faster track to becoming a healthcare provider.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had considered medical school, but the idea of spending a decade in school, especially in my 20s, didn\u2019t seem ideal for me,\u201d chuckled Wiegel. \u201cIn all seriousness, I wanted to get started with my career as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

The PA program at UW-Platteville also offers students an option to accomplish both a bachelor\u2019s and a master\u2019s degree within five years, making it the only program in the partnership to do so.<\/p>\n

“Our students can select from two academic pathways in pursuit of becoming a physician assistant designed to fast-track their careers,\u201d explained Weber. \u201cWe offer an accelerated five-year bachelor’s to master’s option or a traditional two-year track. Both provide access to a high-quality, affordable education with expert faculty from UW-Platteville and UW-Madison\u00a0leading to an incredible career in healthcare.”<\/p>\n

Why Rural Medicine<\/h3>\n

The profession attracts those who are interested in a medical career that will provide them the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on an individuals’ health and well-being.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to bridge the gap between those who don’t understand medicine or are afraid of it, by being a calming presence in the middle,\u201d said first year PA student Cheyenne Koeppen. “I want to practice rural medicine because I grew up in rural areas where my parents faced significant gaps in healthcare access. This experience has made the issue close to my heart, especially in places like Wisconsin.\u201d<\/p>\n

She envisions herself working in rural medicine, with a particular focus on emergency medicine. To enter the program, students are required to complete 1,000 hours of Patient Care Experience. Koeppen spent time in the emergency room and found she thrived in that fast-paced environment. Given her passion and skills, she expects to become a rural emergency medicine provider within a couple of years.<\/p>\n

“I know without a doubt that Cheyenne will become an outstanding PA,” explains Stephanie Sima, RN, Ascension All Saints Hospital. “She has the best bedside manner I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t ask for a better coworker\u2014she is always professional and knowledgeable. Cheyenne listens carefully to patients and treats them with kindness and dignity. I know she’ll accomplish great things.”<\/p>\n

Students are encouraged to spend as much of their rotation hours as possible in Southwest Wisconsin, in predominantly rural areas, to better understand the career path they have chosen.<\/p>\n

\u201cSouthwest Wisconsin has about five or six standalone hospitals, each playing its own unique role in the regional healthcare ecosystem,\u201d said Dhyanchand. \u201cWe aim to have our students complete as many of their rotations as possible locally, and the hospitals are eager to host them because they view these students as potential future providers for their system.\u201d<\/p>\n

That doesn\u2019t guarantee all students will stay within the region. While Weigel is from Darlington and plans to eventually settle in the area, he\u2019s looking forward to expanding his perspective after graduation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to end up in rural healthcare in Southwest Wisconsin,” explained Wiegel. “Growing up in Darlington, I\u2019d like to experience working in a slightly larger community to gain more experience. I want to learn in a bigger city and bring that knowledge back home, whether I pursue a specialty or primary care.\u201d<\/p>\n

Koeppen also advises students to carefully consider what rural medicine entails before enrolling in the program. She notes that while the rewards are great, it is a different experience compared to practicing in a big city.<\/p>\n

“Make sure you’re a good fit for the program,” Koeppen suggested. “A rural program like Platteville might not be right for everyone. Be honest with yourself. For instance, I wouldn’t feel comfortable in a program based in Chicago or any large city. It’s important to do some soul-searching. Take a moment to ask yourself, \u2018Is this the right fit for me as a person?\u2019”<\/p>\n

With sophisticated facilities that have been upgraded through a multi-million-dollar renovation on campus, students gain valuable experience in environments that closely resemble real-world healthcare settings, such as doctor\u2019s offices. By training the next generation of healthcare providers close to home, UW-Platteville is helping ensure that underserved communities have access to the care they need.<\/p>\n

\n

Written by Christine Bellport<\/p>\n

Link to original story: https:\/\/www.uwplatt.edu\/news\/how-uw-platteville-committing-make-rural-healthcare-first-its-class<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As a new year begins, many people set resolutions to improve their health, often by scheduling a visit to their healthcare provider. But for those living in rural areas, like Southwest Wisconsin, finding a local provider can be a challenge. This is a reality the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is working to change. With the first […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":11846,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","institution":[93],"story_category":[],"class_list":["post-11843","campus_story","type-campus_story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","institution-uw-platteville"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/campus_story\/11843","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/campus_story"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/campus_story"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11843"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11846"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11843"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"institution","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/institution?post=11843"},{"taxonomy":"story_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story_category?post=11843"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}