Thirty-two men and women will graduate Monday, Aug. 26, from the Physician Associate Program at the School of Medicine. Renowned surgeon and author Dr. Richard Selzer is scheduled to address the graduating class.
Dr. Selzer was an assistant professor of surgery at the School of Medicine for more than 25 years and also taught creative writing at the University. He began writing medically influenced novels at age 40 "to search for some meaning in the ritual of surgery, which is at once murderous, painful, healing and full of love." His best-selling books include "Mortal Lessons," "Down from Troy: A Doctor Comes of Age" and "Lazarus Laughed: A Resurrection." Dr. Selzer was inspired to write the latter book after his own narrow escape from death in 1991.
Dr. Gerard N. Burrow, dean of the School of Medicine, will also be a guest speaker at the commencement ceremony.
The 3 p.m. ceremony will be held in the Mary S. Harkness Auditorium of Sterling Hall of Medicine, 333 Cedar St. A reception will follow in the courtyard.
Physician associates -- P.A.'s -- complete a 24-month educational program in the medical model. Responsible to their supervising physicians, they practice in hospitals, health maintenance organizations, clinics, and private and group practices throughout the United States. Their people-oriented health care complements physicians capabilities in diagnosing and treating patients. P.A.'s practice in all 50 states, as well as internationally. Currently, 38 states and Washington, D.C., have granted P.A.'s prescriptions rights, and prescriptive legislations is pending in several other states.