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Otsego clinician named Mentor of the YearSept. 15, 2005 KALAMAZOO--A physician assistant working in Otsego, Mich., has been named Mentor of the Year by physician assistant students at Western Michigan University. Patrick Dougherty, a physician assistant at the Allegan Medical Clinic in Otsego, was honored by physician assistant students in the Class of 2005 during a ceremony at graduation exercises on Aug. 12 at WMU. Dougherty was recognized for his contributions to WMU's physician assistant program, including his support of WMU graduates, classroom teaching, mentoring of first-year PA students in the clinic, leading a clinical year advisory committee and overseeing high school athletic physicals. Each year, students are asked to nominate their favorite mentor. One graduate described Dougherty as a "very, very, very good teacher, who gets students involved immediately. Patients respond well to him. He is the kind of PA I hope to be." Another said, "Spending time in the clinic with Patrick was the most beneficial time spent my entire semester. If anyone deserves to be recognized as being an exemplary mentor, Patrick Dougherty is one that I would strongly recommend." The mentoring program allows students to get out of the classroom and into the clinics during their first year in the PA program. It helps them to think clinically as they make their way through the instructional component of their education. Mentors volunteer their time and let students work with their patients. The experience is essential for transition from student to successful clinician. Media contact: Mark Schwerin, (269) 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu WMU News |
