GEL Switzerland 2016 represented a course change for me in my life and career, and I found attending the World Health Assembly (WHA) 69 particularly humbling. I learned a great deal about how global health leaders interact and the processes that govern change. I had so many meaningful experiences in this trip that allowed me to not only network with global health leaders, but also those individuals on the forefront who are making the changes discussed at the highest levels on the international stage. At the conclusion of the trip, the strongest take-away for me was that education, preventative health, secure systems, government support, and funding are the keys to success in global health initiatives. It is essential to be proactive rather than reactive. As the message spreads, the hope is that public health will become a natural part of daily governance rather than an afterthought. It felt like a lot of progress was made this year, and it was an unforgettable honor to be invited to attend history in the making.”
— Judith Pascarella | PA-C '17
Physician Assistant Studies Facilities
Health Professions Building, Winchester
Our Winchester, VA location is on the campus of the Winchester Medical Center, a 445-bed regional referral hospital, which is part of Valley Health System. Winchester is located in the northern Shenandoah Valley, an area that offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking and camping at the nearby Shenandoah National Park.
Cecil Pruitt Jr. Health & Life Sciences Building
The Cecil Pruitt Jr. Health & Life Sciences Building on Winchester's main campus, provides a state-of-the-art facility for health care education - replete with active-learning classrooms, study and meeting spaces and lounges. It houses SU’s School of Health Professions 2,000 square-foot, 16-table cadaver lab; a nursing skills lab and simulation suite.
Loudoun
Our Loudoun location is on the campus of Loudoun Hospital, a 183-bed nationally recognized hospital which is part of the Inova Health System. Leesburg is part of the Northern Virginia metropolitan area; an area that offers access to the Dulles International Airport, Potomac River, restaurants, shopping and is 40 minutes northwest of Washington, DC.
Shenandoah University's Division of Physician Assistant Studies is an official supporter of education research at the PA History Society which preserves and promotes the rich history and legacy of the Physician Assistant profession.