Metzger receives Physician Assistant of the Year award from NDAPA

GRAND FORKS, N.D.—The UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences is pleased to announce that an assistant professor in the School’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies, Jay Metzger, M.P.A.S., PA-C, was given the “PA of the Year” award by the North Dakota Academy of Physician Assistants (NDAPA). The award was presented to Jay at the Primary Care Seminar in Fargo, N.D., last week.

“Jay has accomplished so much for the PA profession and the North Dakota Academy of Physician Assistants,” noted one nominee. “He is a true ‘rockstar’ for our organization and the PA profession of North Dakota.”

According to Metzger’s nomination materials, in 2018 he “worked tirelessly on several legislative issues that will enhance the PA profession,” brought about a redesign of the NDAPA website, put together a very successful one-day primary care continuing medical education conference for PAs in western North Dakota, and has taken on more faculty responsibilities at the SMHS.

“It is a great honor to receive this award, but there are so many people that made all of these accomplishments possible,” said Metzger (right), who serves as president of the NDAPA and is co-chair of its legislative committee. “Without the hard work of the NDAPA Board and membership, Department of PA Studies faculty and staff, and the patience of my wife Shelley and sons Jack and Matthew none of this would be possible.”

“Throughout Jay's work at UND, he has exemplified extraordinary dedication, commitment and contribution to the benefit of PA students, the [SMHS] PA Program and the PA profession,” added Chair of the SMHS Department of Physician Assistant Studies Jeanie McHugo, Ph.D., PA-C, in her own supporting letter. “Jay approaches his daily tasks with optimism and eagerness and has multiple positive comments from students regarding his teaching. Within his first few years of academics, it was evident that Jay is a ‘natural’ at teaching and is a noteworthy contributor to PA education.”

Founded in 1970, UND’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies is the only professional physician assistant program in North Dakota and graduates an average of 35 new PAs for clinical practice each year. Combining on-campus and online coursework with clinical experiences to award a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree, the program features a dual-entry admission structure geared toward clinically practicing health professionals or applicants with an educational background in science and health care.

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Brian James Schill
Assistant Director, Office of Alumni & Community Relations
University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
701.777.2733 direct | 701.777.4305 office
brian.schill@med.und.edu  |  www.med.und.edu