Spindt named PA of the Year

The Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants (WAPA) named A. Miranda Spindt, Carroll University clinical assistant professor and clinical coordinator of Physician Assistant Studies, its PA of the Year at the 2019 Great Midwestern Medical Conference in October.
 
Spindt joined the Carroll University faculty in August of 2018 after 23 years of clinical practice in family medicine. She now practices as a volunteer provider in Waukesha for St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic, the state’s oldest free clinic and university partner.
 
“I was very honored (to receive the award),” Spindt said. “To be recognized by your peers is pretty special and I’m grateful and humbled.”
 
When seeking its candidate for PA of the Year, WAPA evaluated nominees based on:
 
•             a demonstration of excellence in service to patients;
•             community involvement;
•             promotion of the role of PAs in healthcare;
•             bolstering workforce development by educating future PAs;
•             the support of Wisconsin PAs through a WAPA membership.
 
Spindt said her passion is mission medicine, which she's fulfilled by coordinating medical missions to Paita, Peru for the last six years. In doing so, she leads a team of physicians, PAs, nurses and laymen to serve for one week a year, serving an average of 700 patients while on mission. There, the team treats acute and chronic illnesses, as well as podiatric and chiropractic care, an eye clinic, a deworming clinic and patient education in wellness, hygiene and water safety.
 
“I love my profession and try to educate the public and our youth interested in health care,” she said. “I volunteer my time and give presentations to local high school about the PA profession and teach suturing workshops in hopes of sparking an interest in PA studies and create future PAs.”

Learn About Carroll's Physician Assistant Studies Program