Physician Assistants at Phoenix VA Celebrate PA Week

PAs have a special connection to our military and serving our Veterans in the VA underscores that bond.

The first PAs included three Vietnam-era Navy Corpsmen: Victor H. Germino, Kenneth F. Ferrell, and Richard J Scheele. They graduated from the first PA program at Duke University, on Oct. 6, 1967. The program was created by Dr. Eugene Stead Jr., who recognized the advanced skills of military medics. Dr. Stead wanted to create a training program that would translate their experiences to the civilian medical community, which was in desperate need of healthcare providers.

As PAs emerged in the civilian medical community, the Army investigated using them to provide general medical care. In 1971, the Army began its own PA training program. However, even before the Army started training and using PAs, as several of the first graduates from Duke University went to work for the Durham VA.

PAs are one of the fastest growing healthcare provider professions with more than 168,000 working in the United States. The PA profession has been rated as the #2 best healthcare job according to the US News & World Report in 2023.

“Our profession is highly ranked and always quickly growing because so many people want to help others by providing high quality, evidence-based medical care,” said Donna Seton, lead PA for the Phoenix VA Health Care System. “PA education is based in the medical model, and we are trained as generalists with a good base of primary care knowledge with a mandatory clinical rotation in surgery, which allows PAs to be like the ‘Swiss Army knives’ of medicine; we can, and do, work in every specialty in medicine.”

The VA is still the largest employer of PAs in the country with approximately 2,700 employed across the VA. Additionally, about 23 percent of PAs that work in the VA are Veterans themselves. There are currently 56 PAs serving Veterans at the Phoenix VA Health Care System, eight of whom are Veterans.

"I feel it is a natural extension of my military service that allows me to continue taking care of fellow Veterans,” said Mary Comer, PA-C, and organizer of this year’s National PA Week events.

Physician Assistants function as Health Care Providers with varying levels of autonomy and exercise independent decision making within their scopes of practice.  PA’s work in every medical setting and specialty, such as Primary Care, Mental Health, Emergency/Urgent Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Radiology, Infectious Disease, Surgical Subspecialties, Disaster Medicine, Research, and Preventative Medicine.

Physician Assistants believe communities flourish when people are healthy—when their care is personalized and effective, their concerns are heard, their questions are answered, and they are empowered to take charge of their long-term health and well-being.

PAs at the Carl T. Hayden VA are providing the right care, if you would like to write your appreciation, you are welcome to join other Veterans, colleagues, visitors, and staff in writing a message on the banner in the main hallway of the Phoenix 32nd Street VA Clinic, or by giving your PA colleagues a pen to continue “writing” great patient care.

Meet some of the PAs helping Veterans at the Phoenix VA

Kevin Kupferer PA-C

It is important to me as a Veteran to provide care from a place of understanding and compassion for the cultural experience of the DoD and how it affects each of us differently. I feel that the most important part of being a PA is providing personalized and patient centered care to those in need and to those in places where healthcare is limited. Some of my most memorable times as a PA have been while I was providing wellness exams to underserved elementary students. My advice to our Veterans is to take a moment to appreciate the good things around you, a friendly smile, a funny joke, a beautiful sunset; the world has plenty of awful, so try to recognize the good whenever possible.

Carrie Kunberger PA-C

Throughout my career, I have been blessed to have made huge impacts for patients, Veterans and families.  Hearing the phrase “you saved my life,” makes all the hard work worth it.  I’ve been told many times “that hug was the first one in years,” “I needed that,” and “thank you for listening.”  Being able to provide comfort and care is my passion and being a PA provides immeasurable rewards. Serving Veterans is important to me because my father served during the Korean War, one grandfather stormed Omaha Beach, the other was in Africa during WWI, my uncle and great uncles in Vietnam and WWII, and my nephew served during OEF/OIF. Working at the VA is how I honor my family’s heritage and continue my family’s service to our Country.

Carol Brennan PA-C

My husband generally says I work for the VA because I like old Veterans. Out of all the organizations I have worked for, the patients at the VA have been the most gracious. The times I remember most are when I can help patients though being able to understand, and intercede if needed, for family members and friends, and by translating from medical terminology to common language when needed. It is important for Veterans, and all patients, to be involved in their own health care. The primary care providers care for many people, but no one is more invested in your care than you are. 

Randy Hann PA-C

Some of my most memorable PA moments have been when Veterans thank me for having a warm and caring bedside manner, for actively listening, and for making a sincere effort to understand their situation. I’m honored to serve those that were willing to sacrifice for its cause and willing to defend the American way of life. We are indebted to them. My advice to all out Veterans is to please remember that VA is a healthcare system, and no system is perfect. However, we as providers love serving you and always want the absolute best for you.

Heidi Quist PA-C

I love being part of a healthcare community that serves those who have served. I have multiple wonderful memories of celebrating small victories with Veterans who have chronic conditions. I also remember the first time I assisted with an inpatient bedside procedure at the VA and my gloves were too small—getting them on was its own procedure. As a PA, it is important for use to have good listening skills and empathy. As a Veteran, it is important to remember that you are your best advocate.

Laura Fox PA-C

Serving Veterans as a PA gives me that ability to serve those who have served. There have been so many memorable moments that I have had with the Veterans and their families. I’m glad that I have the chance to provide comprehensive care to these Veterans, addressing all aspects of their health. It is important for the Veterans to remember that mental health is as important as physical health.

Karen Tabor PA-C

Our Veterans are the most deserved group of persons in this country. Many are very humble and selfless regarding the service they have provided, and they deserve the same in return. Veterans should not feel that they are imposing or asking for something they think they don’t deserve or that others deserve something more than they do. Being a “physician assistant” does not mean I am the person who takes the blood pressure before you see the doctor. One of my most memorable moments working as a PA was when a patient’s dad thanked me for saving his life. My advice to our Veterans is to get help looking into service-connected disabilities and other benefits and services that are available to you.

Donna Seton PA-C

In over 22 years of being a PA, I feel there have been so many rewarding, memorable moments that I would be hard pressed to choose only one. I have many Veterans in my family; my grandfather served in the Army during WWII. He landed at Normandy at D+3 and was in the Battle of the Bulge. He was also one of the Liberators. My great uncles also served during that time. My father served in the Navy during Vietnam. This is my way of showing my respect and giving back to those who served. It is an honor and a privilege. As a PA, the most important thing for me is to provide compassionate, high-quality care for our Veterans. I also encourage all Veterans to be an active member of their healthcare team.

Paul Lawrence PA-C

Giving Veterans the same level of care that I would expect my family to received is the most important thing to me as a PA. My grandfather, father and brother all served; this is my way of honoring them. I can still remember the day a Veteran told me he tore up his suicide letter because of the care I gave him. My advice to our Veterans is to be the water washing on the rock; be patient, but persistent.

Mary Comer PA-C

I feel that being a PA in a Veteran’s medical center is a natural extension of my military service that allows me to continue taking care of fellow Veterans. I feel that as a PA it is important to try to do your best for each patient and never stop learning. I remember when I was on a medical mission trip and I realized that not only are we fortunate to receive our healthcare in the U.S., but we are also able to provide healthcare here without all the barriers that so many providers face, especially in third world countries, where the people need the care the most. To my Veteran patients here I tell them to never hesitate to ask questions and be involved in your own health and healthcare. We are here to work with you to improve your quality of life; we are on the same team but all decisions are ultimately the patients.

Viet Truong PA-C

Serving Veterans as a PA is deeply important to me because it allows me to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Veterans often face unique healthcare challenges, and it's an honor to provide them with the care and support they deserve. Their dedication and sacrifice inspire me to work tirelessly to ensure they receive the best possible medical care and attention. As a PA, I strive to establish trust and effective communication with my patients, ensuring they receive the best medical attention and support tailored to their specific needs. I had the opportunity to assist in a complex surgery that had a life-changing impact on a patient. Witnessing the transformation in their health and seeing the gratitude in their eyes was an incredibly rewarding experience. It reaffirmed my passion for surgical medicine and the positive influence healthcare providers can have on patients' lives. My advice to all Veterans is to prioritize their health and well-being. Additionally, don't hesitate to seek assistance for any physical or mental health concerns, as there are many resources and support services available specifically for Veterans. Your health matters and taking proactive steps to maintain it is a way of honoring your service and ensuring a better quality of life.

Sayda Ramirez PA-C

The most important part of being a PA is to help those in need. As a Veteran myself, it is important to me to help my brothers and sisters who have served.  I honestly believe in the VA’s mission of offering quality service to Veterans through our commitment to quality care.  I am glad to be part of that quality team.

Nicole Barbaro PA-C

Coming from a military family for many generations, I never had the honor to serve, so I wanted to give the best care to those that did. I can remember on my very first day on my own as a “baby PA” at Maryvale Hospital- Lance Fisher and Dr. Michael Beck cut my wings and let me “fly.” My advice to the Veterans is to keep doing what they did in the service: Keep fighting the good fight.

Julia Gresham PA-C

These men and women represent the best humanity has to offer and deserve (like all people) our best care and kindness. I love being able to serve others. The opportunity to provide help to others. I love the opportunity to treat everyone with respect and kindness. My advice to my patients is to pursue joy through kindness and attention to self. Then practice that same kindness and attention on others. Let this practice direct your choices in food, exercise and self-care. If you can only do one thing, exercise. Most diseases can be prevented or helped through physical activity.