The University of Lynchburg Master of PA Medicine program has partnered with the Blue Ridge Medical Center to provide PA students with a new clinical rotation site.
According to its website, the Blue Ridge Medical Center “is a 501(c)3 non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to improving the health of the communities it serves.”
With locations in Amherst, Appomattox, and Arrington, Virginia, BRMC offers primary care, pediatrics, dentistry, X-ray, laboratory services, and behavioral health. Available services vary by location.
“By creating a partnership with Blue Ridge Medical Center, University of Lynchburg has embedded their physician assistant program directly into the community,” said CEO of BRMC Rodney Johnson. “This not only increases access to primary and specialty pediatric care in medically underserved areas, but also offers PA students early, immersive exposure to diverse patient populations, including children with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and social vulnerabilities.
“Such exposure cultivates cultural competence while filling care gaps in areas with physician shortages.”
Johnson explained that the partnership will bring significant benefits to BRMC’s patients by increasing clinic capacity, reducing wait times, and strengthening the continuity of care.
Amy Popko ʼ19 MPAM, ʼ20 DMSc will act as clinical preceptor for Lynchburg’s PA students.
“Being a faculty member at University of Lynchburg’s PA program and practicing clinically at Blue Ridge Medical Center gives me a unique opportunity to bridge patient care with education,” Popko said. “This partnership is an example of U of L’s innovative and cutting-edge approach when it comes to PA education.”
Popko added that her personal passion for pediatric medicine and PA education makes this new partnership especially meaningful. “[I] am excited for this partnership to continue to develop. Blue Ridge Medical Center has been a crucial access point in a rural area for many years, and being a part of providing high-quality patient care in conjunction with their dedicated team is truly a privilege!”
Jenna Rolfs ʼ20 DMSc, dean of Lynchburg’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences, will also serve as chief academic officer for BRMC, allowing for strategic collaboration between the leadership at Lynchburg and BRMC.
“The School of Medicine and Health Sciences’ vision is to continue to expand this partnership with BRMC across other healthcare disciplines such as public health, athletic training, counseling education, and Physical therapy students,” Rolfs said.
