Valparaiso University Physician Assistant Student Society

12/04/2025

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of one of our long-standing preceptors, Dr. Wayel Kaakaji. Dr. Kaakaji was a highly respected neurosurgeon who dedicated more than 25 years to serving the Northwest Indiana community.

A graduate of the University of Texas Medical School, he completed his neurosurgery residency at the Cleveland Clinic, followed by fellowship training at Oregon Health Sciences University. His expertise, humility, and passion for patient care made him an exceptional clinician—and an extraordinary teacher.

Many of our PA students had the privilege of learning from Dr. Kaakaji. His impact on our program, and on the future providers he helped shape, is immeasurable.

We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Kaakaji’s family, loved ones, colleagues, and all whose lives he touched.
We remain profoundly grateful for the years he devoted to educating and mentoring our students. His legacy lives on through the countless clinicians he inspired.

May he rest in peace. 🕊️

11/10/2025

Happy Nurse Practitioner Week!

This week, we celebrate the incredible Nurse Practitioners who provide compassionate, high-quality care in every corner of healthcare. NPs are advanced practice clinicians who diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic conditions — often serving as the primary provider for patients and families across the lifespan.

From all of us in the Valparaiso University Physician Assistant Program, thank you to our Nurse Practitioner colleagues for your dedication, collaboration, and the exceptional care you provide every day. 💛

11/08/2025

Congratulations to our Challenge Bowl Team! 🎉

We’re so proud of our Valparaiso University PA students who earned 3rd place at the Indiana Academy of Physician Assistants (IAPA) Student Challenge Bowl!

Our team showcased their incredible clinical knowledge, teamwork, and quick thinking while competing against other PA programs from across the state. Way to represent Valpo with excellence and PA pride! 💛

11/06/2025

11/01/2025

Honoring Our Loved Ones🕯️💐
The Physician Assistant Program at Valparaiso University has created a beautiful ofrenda in celebration of Día de los Mu***os (Day of the Dead) — a cherished tradition that honors and remembers loved ones who have passed.

Our ofrenda is decorated with marigolds, candles, photos, and traditional offerings symbolizing the joy and love shared with those who came before us. Día de los Mu***os, observed from November 1–2, is not a day of sadness, but a vibrant celebration of life — recognizing that our loved ones live on through memory, stories, and spirit.

***os

11/01/2025

Explore CONHP Day at Valpo! 🩺💛
We had an amazing time welcoming high school students to the Physician Assistant Program! Visitors toured our facilities, met our incredible faculty, and even had the chance to practice intubation—with guidance from our current PA students!

It was wonderful to see future healthcare professionals getting hands-on experience and learning what it’s like to be part of the PA community here at Valparaiso University.

10/29/2025

There’s no place like Valpo! 🌪️

The Physician Assistant Program joined the annual University Community Trick-or-Treat event once again—this time following the yellow brick road!

From Dorothy to the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and Scarecrow (and even a few unexpected Oz characters!), our faculty brought the Wizard of Oz to life for another magical and fun-filled evening!

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by—what a wonderful tradition to share each year! 💛

10/26/2025

Valpo University Homecoming 2025 💛

The Physician Assistant Program had a wonderful day celebrating Homecoming with our annual Open House! 🎉 We were thrilled to welcome prospective students, alumni, and their families to tour our facilities and learn more about what makes our program special.

Our students also took part in the Children’s Health & Wellness Fair, helping kids explore the world of medicine!

10/09/2025

🎉 Happy PA Week! 🎉

We’re proud to celebrate National Physician Assistant Week — a time to recognize the dedication, compassion, and impact of PAs in advancing quality patient care. 💛

A special thank you to Dean Gmitter for stopping by to celebrate and for her continued support of our students, faculty, and program initiatives. Your encouragement helps us continue to grow and serve our community with excellence!

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09/16/2025

The Valparaiso University Physician Assistant Program is excited to have our students volunteering with Vituity to bring healthcare directly to those who need it most.

This weekend, our students joined the very first pop-up clinic in Gary, IN — providing care and support to underserved members of the community. 💙

Through the Vituity Cares Foundation, free care is offered to underserved populations across the country. These pop-up clinics, along with services provided at community hospitals and urgent care centers, ensure that vital healthcare is accessible to all.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside Vituity and for the chance to help make a lasting impact in our community. 🙌

📸 Check out a few snapshots from this weekend’s event below!

09/06/2025

🎉🍿 Today, the College of Nursing and Health Professions proudly joined the Popcorn Fest Parade! Our Physician Assistant, Nursing, and Health Professions programs came together to celebrate our professions, represent Valparaiso University, and connect with the community.

07/28/2025

🎓Farewell to Our Graduating Class!

On Friday, we celebrated our 6th Annual White Coat Ceremony, a powerful tradition marking the transition from student to provider. Our students traded in their short white coats, worn through a year of intense study, growth, and perseverance, for the long white coat that signifies their official entry into clinical practice.

Each coat carries its own weight: one with the challenges they've overcome, the other with the responsibilities that lie ahead. We couldn't be prouder of the journey they've taken and the clinicians they are becoming.