Emily Pilachowski, a student in the third year of the dual degree program in Master of Public Health and Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant), won a $250 student scholarship from Physician Assistants for Global Health (PAGH), a non-profit organization working to meet the needs of PAs interested in working in medically under-served areas around the globe.

She received the award at the American Academy of Physician Assistants Annual Conference in Toronto, Canada, on May 28. She had to submit a written essay expressing her interest in PAGH and desire to work with under-served populations as a PA, as well as her educational objectives for going on such a trip and her future career goals.

Before enrolling at Arcadia, Pilachowski traveled extensively throughout the world. Now she prepares to embark on an eight-week clinical rotation in an under-served area of Thailand as part of her clinical phase training. “I’m excited to receive this scholarship, which will help me go to Thailand this winter,” says Pilachowski. “An important part of becoming a successful Physician Assistant means being able to work with and understand a diverse patient population. After graduation I hope to work with an under-served patient population in an area of medical need, and I’m sure I will draw on my experiences working with Thai patients and health care providers when providing care for my patients.”