FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) by Army PA Students
I was informed that I will be going to Fort Bragg for Phase 2; what do I need do?
You should be receiving a welcome letter soon for instructions and you will be designated a sponsor.
Will I be on call?
PA students are required to take call during certain rotations (i.e. Orthopaedics, General Surgery, OB/GYN, Family Medicine). You must return all pages within 5 minutes and report to the ER within 30 minutes. Keep this in mind when searching for a place to live. Rule of thumb is if your preceptor takes call, so will you.
What can I expect during my rotations at WAMC?
You can expect to be precepted and mentored by highly qualified and subject-matter-expert physicians during your rotations.
You can expect to be mentored by Army Physician Assistants in your role as a future physician assistant, officer and leader.
You can expect to be surrounded by professionals at WAMC and the Fort Bragg, NC who support your success while you train to become a physician assistant and follow your growth in your military career and beyond.
What is expected of me during my rotations at WAMC?
You are expected to maintain your military professionalism by arriving on time, improving you clinical skills by studying, and developing relationships with your peers, leaders and subordinates. You are expected to adhere to the army values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless-service, Honor, Intergrity, Personal Courage).
Based on your master’s thesis topic, you are expected to select a mentor who will assist you and will be available to evaluate your presentation.
You are expected to communicate with the program coordinators in a timely manner regarding any professional or personal issues that affects your education and military service.
I have a family; will I have time to see them?
In contrast to Phase 1 where you had a set schedule of your classes, during Phase 2, you are given your clinical rotation schedule and you are expected to wisely manage your time independently. It is imperative that you include family time during your time management. However, this time should not impede on your clinical duties and requirements as a student. We highly encourage you to spend as much time possible with your family. Communication is the key.
What do I need to bring with me in order to be prepared for my clinical rotations?
You will need your own stethoscope upon arrival to WAMC. We also recommend that you have at a minimum the Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia and The Sanford Guide To Antimicrobial Therapy. You must also have pair of shoes/clogs dedicated for use at the hospital while wearing scrubs. You will be issued lab coats. Scrubs are available in all surgical areas. Personally owned scrubs are not authorized.
How am I graded during Phase 2?
Each course requires a minimum grade of 75%.
Clinical Grade:
You earn a clinical grade by your preceptor at the end of each rotation using the database in www.MyEvaluations.com*. Your clinical grade equates to 75% of the final rotation grade (passing grade is a minimum of 75%).
Examination Grade:
You will take an end-of-rotation examination through “UNMC Blackboard” in each of the following rotations: Surgery, Dermatology, OB/GYN, Orthopedics, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, ENT, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, Emergency Medicine and Family Practice/Long Term Care. Examination equates to 25% of the final rotation grade (passing grade is a minimum of 75%).
IPAP 712- Directed Study:
The IPAP 712 course includes evaluations in written and oral skills. These evaluations include your Master’s thesis paper (grade from Phase 1), three oral presentations and professional attributes.
Logs:
You are required to log your patient encounters (≥ 1200) and performed procedures (≥ 120) on www.MyEvaluations.com*. You are also required to perform and log your evening/weekend shifts in the ER (≥ 160 hours).
Is it stressful in Phase 2?
Yes. You will experience stress during your training but you should never be suffering from stress. Stress awareness, prevention and management are the key throughout your military career and your life. Take care of yourself and each other. Be aware of the warning signs and risk factors. Seek help from local medical treatment facility (MTF), chaplain, supervisor and each other. Here are a links for additional information:
HOOAH 4 Health
http://www.hooah4health.com/deployment/benefits/veterans_suicide_prevention_hotline.htm *
Military One Source
http://www.militaryonesource.com/home.aspx?MRole=&Branch=&Component *
Frequently asked Questions regarding PAs
How can I learn more about the Physician Assistant profession?
Please take an opportunity to learn more about PAs and the PA profession at the following link: http://www.aapa.org/ *
What is a Physician-PA Team?
Please read this brochure published by the AAPA:
http://aapa.org/images/stories/IssueBriefs/Professional%20Issues/Physician-PA%20Team%20-%202010.pdf *
What is a PA’s scope of practice?
Please read this brochure published by the AAPA:
http://aapa.org/images/stories/IssueBriefs/Professional%20Issues/PA%20Scope%20of%20Practice%20-%202010.pdf *
What is an Army PA?
Army PAs plan, organize, perform, and supervise troop medical care at Levels I and II (unit and division level); they direct services, teach and train enlisted medics, perform as medical platoon leader or officer-in-charge in designated units. They function as special staff officers to commanders, providing professional advice on medically-related matters pertinent to unit readiness and unit mission. Army PAs participate in the delivery of health care to all categories of eligible beneficiaries; prescribe courses of treatment and medication when required, consistent with their capabilities and privileges. Specialty trained Army PAs provide care in orthopedics, emergency medicine, occupational health, cardiac perfusion, and aviation medicine. In the absence of a physician, the PA is the primary source of advice to determine the medical necessity, priority, and requirements for patient evacuation, and initial emergency care and stabilization. Army PAs function as the medical staff officer at battalion, brigade, division, corps, and higher headquarters, and in joint commands, advising the surgeon and the commander of the respective command on medical matters relative to PA practice.
I’m interested in becoming an Army PA; where I can find information?
Check out this link regarding up-to-date information how to become an Army PA: http://www.usarec.army.mil/armypa/ *