Metzger honored with New Faculty Award for Professional Excellence from PAEA

Document Type

News Article

Publication Date

10-26-2016

Campus Unit

School of Medicine & Health Sciences

Abstract

GRAND FORKS, N.D.—Assistant Professor Jay Metzger, MPAS, PA-C, in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, was honored with the New Faculty Award for Professional Excellence from the Physician Assistant Education Association on October 14 at the PAEA’s Education Forum in Minneapolis.

The New Faculty Award for Professional Excellence recognizes a program faculty member with three or fewer years of service who has made noteworthy contributions to PA education. Nominees must demonstrate outstanding contributions in teaching, scholarship, or administration.

“Though he is new to the PA education realm, Metzger has already made his mark on the University of North Dakota PA program,” said the PAEA in announcing Metzger’s award. “He has served as course director for classes from primary care to general surgery, plans all didactic schedules, and teaches a full week of trauma curriculum affectionately referred to by students and faculty as ‘Jay Week.’ He is also credited with identifying innovative teaching methods and taking the lead on test question revision and creation, making him indispensable to his colleagues.”

Metzger became a full-time faculty member at the UND SMHS in July of 2013. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Metzger has been practicing as a PA for more than 10 years and brings to the program clinical expertise in the areas of family practice, general surgery, and emergency medicine. His teaching and research focuses are emergency medicine and trauma.

He earned his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska, Omaha. Metzger has worked as a paramedic, and he served as a medical specialist while serving in the U.S. Army.

“I am honored to be recognized for this award by PAEA,” Metzger said. “Working with such great staff and faculty in the Department of PA Studies and the UND SMHS makes for an enjoyable and rewarding job. Educating our future healthcare providers is a daunting task, and it truly ‘takes a village’ to do so.”

"It is truly an honor to support Jay in the achievement of this national award," said Associate Professor Jeanie McHugo, PhD, PA-C, chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at the UND SMHS. "Jay’s energy, enthusiasm, quick study, and remarkable contributions have provided a definite positive impact on the success of student learning and thus the UND Department of PA Studies. In many ways, Jay has exceeded the challenges and expectations of PA education and has approached efforts with unique ambition, stellar talent, and exquisite professionalism. Noting these distinguished characteristics, Jay is certainly deserving of this honorable award."

Metzger is president-elect 2016 of the North Dakota Academy of Physician Assistants. He has served as a delegate to the American Academy of Physician Assistants since 2014.

“Thank you to everyone who nominated me for this award,” he said. “And thank you for the contributions you make to our students, our university, and our great state.”

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