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Leading with Heart

UAF Department of Communication Graduate Student Teresa Lowe Recognized as 2024 Physician Assistant of the Year by the �ֻ�ֱ�� Academy of PAs (AKAPA).

In a remarkable achievement, Teresa Lowe, a graduate student in the UAF Department of Communication, has been named the 2024 Physician Assistant of the Year by the �ֻ�ֱ�� Academy of Physician Assistants (AKAPA). Recognized for her extensive contributions to the PA profession, community service, and commitment to healthcare in �ֻ�ֱ��, Lowe accepted the award at the AKAPA annual membership meeting in Anchorage on October 8, 2024.

Lowe, who also serves as a faculty member and campus coordinator for MEDEX Northwest’s Anchorage campus, is currently pursuing her graduate studies while simultaneously conducting an influential research thesis on the hiring experiences of Native and Indigenous �ֻ�ֱ��n Physician Assistants. Her work highlights challenges and opportunities within �ֻ�ֱ��’s healthcare system, especially for Native populations. This study, the first of its kind, aims to bring to light the unique perspectives and experiences of Indigenous PAs in �ֻ�ֱ��, providing critical insights that may lead to improved hiring practices and increased representation in healthcare roles.

Reflecting on the award, Lowe expressed deep gratitude, saying, “I feel very honored to have been chosen for this award. When I think back on my career… it feels like everything’s come full circle, because now I’m back here at the MEDEX Anchorage campus. And so, it’s such a great honor to feel like the hard work that I’ve put into the PA profession over the course of… well, of my life, basically… is being recognized.”

Though Lowe’s career has been marked by success, her modesty remains firmly rooted in her �ֻ�ֱ�� Native values. “One of the things that is challenging for me, having grown up with the �ֻ�ֱ�� Native value of humility, is… oh, how to describe it… it’s something that is exciting, but it also makes me a little bit… nervous, culturally speaking,” she shared. “When I reflect on the things I’ve done over the course of my career, I don’t really think of any of it as being extraordinary, right? It’s just what you do.”

Teresa’s journey with UAF began with an undergraduate degree in psychology, which she credits as instrumental in shaping her as a healthcare provider. “My undergraduate degree in psychology has helped me to become a better healthcare provider as it helped me to understand that there are a wide variety of reasons that people do things,” she noted. “My time teaching and learning about all aspects of communication have helped me to become a more well-rounded professional—allowing me to develop more community engagement in our Anchorage campus.”

The �ֻ�ֱ�� PA of the Year award is presented annually by the AKAPA Board of Directors to an exemplary PA who demonstrates commitment to their profession, leadership, and community service. This prestigious honor underscores Lowe’s dedication and her impact on healthcare education and access in �ֻ�ֱ��.

With almost 20 years of experience as a physician assistant, Lowe’s contributions to her community extend beyond her clinical and academic roles. At MEDEX Northwest’s Anchorage campus, she oversees the training of up to 24 PA students each year, a responsibility she takes great pride in, knowing the positive effect they will have on healthcare across the state. “To know that I’ve played an active part in that is… well, it makes me feel good.”

Her journey from UAF undergraduate in psychology to award-winning PA and influential educator serves as an inspiring example to students and colleagues alike. UAF extends heartfelt congratulations to Teresa Lowe for this well-deserved honor and for her continuous contributions to healthcare and education in �ֻ�ֱ��.