Miami-Dade Program Repeats as 2008 FAPA Challenge Bowl Champions

by Eric S. Smith, MMS, PA-C

Amidst a raucous capacity audience waving signs and school insignia, a déjà vu moment unveiled the victors of the 2^nd Annual FAPA Challenge Bowl standing tall as repeat champions… the 2008 Miami-Dade PA Program.  This year’s competition was witnessed by a record crowd at the FAPA Winter CME & Recertification Symposium in Orlando on February 9^th, and the scene looked more like a festive celebration than an actual tense competition.  Nonetheless, each team obviously came well prepared and to play their best to bring back the Challenge Bowl trophy.

 After 8 rounds to start the competition, there were 8 teams left to compete in the 3 semi-final rounds that followed.  As the rounds progressed, the questions became more difficult and the intensity rose.  Fortunately between rounds our judges and staff danced around aimlessly to lighten the tension, if not remind everyone why we are FAPA leaders and not extras for American Bandstand.  Once the smoke cleared, three teams were remaining to compete in the final round: two of which were teams representing the 2008 Miami-Dade Program, with the third being the 1^st Year Wonder Team of the 2009 Nova Southeastern-Naples Program. 

While each of the three teams in the Finals proved their worthiness to be in the last round, the 2008 Miami-Dade team of Jeffery Abucay, Oswaldo Franco, and Victor Quinones ended the suspense early by taking a commanding lead halfway through the round.  In the end, Miami-Dade emerged victorious in a scene reminiscent of the 1^st FAPA Challenge Bowl in 2007.  They hoisted the trophy and were joined onstage by jubilant classmates, program faculty and friends.  They were still seen celebrating at the Student Reception that followed, reminding the other teams that this had now become the program to beat in 2009. 

Nothing can be taken away from the other teams that competed.  Each team was well prepared and very impressive in their knowledge.  The 1^st year PA student participants were particularly impressive, as they were a year behind most of the other teams in their knowledge base, yet still hung right with their PAS-2 counterparts. 

FAPA is proud of everyone who took part in this year’s Challenge Bowl and we hope that we see some of these teams pushing forward in the national AAPA Challenge Bowl held this summer in San Antonio, Texas.  And again, Congratulations Miami-Dade Class of 2008… our 2008 FAPA Challenge Bowl Champions!