by Maria Kyllonen, PA-S
Class of 2009 FAPA Representative
University of Florida Physician Assistant Program

            The month of June ended with our first annual FAPA membership drive and picnic. Students were joined by faculty, family, and friends resulting in an attendance of over one hundred! Many enjoyed the casual atmosphere of Lake Wauburg in Gainesville, Florida by participating in a competitive game of sand volleyball. Others sought shelter from the summer heat at the on-site municipal center where a wide selection of food catered by the Publix Deli awaited. After a few hours of getting to know one another, new students had the opportunity to ask questions about FAPA as well as what the year ahead would be like.

            In addition to a successful membership drive, the senior class had the benefit of providing care for the community’s underserved at the Equal Access Clinic. Run by students in the College of Medicine at UF, this free clinic helps those without health insurance receive general medical care under the supervision of residents and attendings. Thanks to senior class member Nichole Fuller this is the first year the Physician Assistant students have been invited to volunteer. Nichole states, “This has been a great experience for me and all those who volunteered. It is a great learning tool as well as nice to give back to the community.”

            With great support from faculty member Robert Bobilin, PA-C, and nomination of new junior FAPA representative Beth Ennis, it looks to be a promising year for students at the University of Florida PA program. As always, we look forward to future volunteer opportunities and new ways of representing our profession!

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