Inside Education and Health Sciences

By Emily Clemenson

Jayla Treadwell had never heard of the physician assistant career field when she was in high school, so she's made it her mission to introduce it to as many young people as she can during her time in the PA program at the University of Dayton.

"I think a lot of people, especially if you are a minority, only think of nurses and doctors when thinking of careers in medicine," Treadwell said. "My goal was to expose children to what a PA was."

As part of her curriculum, Treadwell partnered with the Dayton Early College Academy (DECA) to introduce the students in that school system to the physician assistant profession through Project Access. Treadwell is a 2018 graduate of DECA High, so she had the connections with teachers and administrators to set up an afternoon of education around the dangers of vaping, as well as a basic introduction to what it means to be a PA. Through these connections, Treadwell was also able to set up an event at DECA Prep with elementary-aged children to introduce them to the profession as well.

Treadwell graduated with her master's in physician assistant practice on December 14 as part of the ninth cohort to complete UD's physician assistant program. Treadwell plans to stay in Dayton and serve the community she calls home.

"Dayton is home for me, and I'm definitely looking forward to practicing and being able to address health disparities in the community." Treadwell said. "One of the big things about PA is that you get a deeper patient-provider relationship. It makes a difference in the care. I aspire to take care of minority populations, especially in the community of Dayton."

Thanks to the groundwork and connections that Treadwell brought into the program, future cohorts are able to continue to partner with DECA to bring health profession education to that community. This year, the students brought Project Access back and invited DECA students to participate in six different stations, including CPR, taking vitals and the Hope in Motion bus. 

The 27-month master's program culminates with a graduation reception on December 13, where each of the graduates gets a few minutes to reminisce about their experience in the program. It is a special way to wrap up an intense but fulfilling educational experience and send the students off into the world to do good.

"I feel like I can do anything," Treadwell said.