At the University of Lynchburg, faculty members are not only educators but also leaders in the physician associate profession, advocating for the advancement of PAs at both state and national levels. Several faculty members are at the forefront of this movement, holding key positions in state PA organizations and working tirelessly to improve the profession.
Dr. Jenna Rolfs, dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Lynchburg, serves as president of the Virginia Association of PAs. In this role, she is deeply involved in legislative efforts and collaborations aimed at improving access to care across Virginia.
“We are committed to the advancement of our profession and to supporting legislative efforts which will allow PAs to practice to their fullest extent of training, education, and experience,” Rolfs said.
She is confident that her and other faculty’s involvement with VAPA compliments their work at Lynchburg in the PA Medicine and Doctor of Medical Science programs.
“A lot of the work our VAPA Board of Directors does aligns with our mission and vision: To continue to advance our profession through educating future health care providers and providing them with additional skills through the DMSc to be leaders in our health care industry,” Rolfs said.
Serving alongside Rolfs in VAPA are Dr. Melissa Shaffron and Dr. Blake Rogers. Shaffron, director of the Master of PA Medicine program at Lynchburg, serves as VAPA’s secretary, contributing to the organization’s efforts to support PAs across the state. Rogers, DMSc associate program director and VAPA’s treasurer, plays a crucial role in managing the organization’s resources to ensure it can continue advocating for the profession.
“We all bring so many skill sets to the board of directors table, but also to the PA Medicine and DMSc programs,” Rolfs said, reflecting on their contributions. “It’s imperative we are leading by example and showing our current students the importance of advocating for ourselves and our profession.”
Rolfs emphasized that involvement in organizations like VAPA is one way faculty can demonstrate to students how important leadership development is for personal and professional growth. All Lynchburg PA students are required to become members of VAPA, as well as the American Academy of Physician Associates. By being active leaders and members themselves, faculty also demonstrate their commitment to advocacy and advancement.
“It’s a way for us to get our students involved,” Rolfs said. “Then, they see us investing by our actions, which demonstrates the importance of getting involved and staying involved in both our state and national organizations.
“I would honestly encourage anyone who has an interest in volunteering for their profession to take that step. The opportunity to learn is invaluable.”
The University of Lynchburg’s leadership in VAPA is further strengthened by Dr. Jeremy Welsh, vice president for academics and strategic operations and chief academic officer, who previously served as president of VAPA.
Welsh’s tenure as president contributed to the ongoing efforts to advance the PA profession in Virginia, a legacy that continues through the work of current Lynchburg faculty members. Thanks to his legislative efforts while president, PAs practicing as medical examiners in the state of Virginia are no longer required to have a collaborating physician or practice agreement, truly signifying their independence.
In 2024, VAPA recognized several individuals with strong ties to the University of Lynchburg for their outstanding contributions to the PA profession:
Veronica Rigler ’19 DMSc — Preceptor of the Year
Sloane Kelly ’24 MPAM — Student of the Year
Michelle Gruver ’21 DMSc — Humanitarian of the Year
Joni Morcom ’17 MPAM, ’18 DMSc — Partnership of the Year
Lynchburg faculty are also making an impact in other U.S. states. Dr. Travis Kaufman, an adjunct faculty member in the DMSc program and the Emergency Medicine and Global Health concentration lead, is a director-at-large for the Colorado Association of PAs.
Kaufman, who is transitioning from a military career, has found his work in Colorado impactful and rewarding. “As I’m retiring from the military, I’ve worked a lot more recently with civilians and then the students here at [Lynchburg],” he said.
“I’m understanding that PA advocacy for our profession is so important, as we’re trying to look at collaborative and independent practice.”
His involvement in the Colorado Academy of PAs extends to working with its governmental affairs and public relations committees, where he collaborates with lobbyists and congressional members to advocate for PA practice rights. Kaufman’s efforts aim to support Colorado PAs in their practice and make improvements where possible.
“These are the positions we have to work in to help move our profession forward,” he said.
Kaufman’s experiences also allow him to bring real-world advocacy into the classroom at Lynchburg. “It helps broaden my horizons as a teacher,” he said. “So I can talk to future PAs, PA students, and also our doctoral students that are trained to be leaders in the field like, ‘Hey, this is what we’re doing in Colorado.’”
To further emphasize their dedication to advancing the PA profession, Rolfs and Kaufman highlighted the crucial role PAs will play in addressing the nation’s growing health care needs.
“There’s a study showing that patients can’t see their primary care provider for like 21 days, and PAs are the answer to that. We can fill that void,” Kaufman said.
Rolfs added, “If you look at all the stats, there already is and will continue to be a shortage of health care providers. PAs are a part of the solution. PAs complete rigorous academic training and deliver competent, compassionate health care. Scope limitations without supportive data hinder PAs from being a part of the solution to provide access to care.”
Recognizing the importance of leadership and advocacy in shaping the future of the PA profession, the University of Lynchburg offers a special incentive for VAPA members. Those who enroll in the Doctor of Medical Science program can receive a 10% discount on tuition.
The dedication of faculty like Rolfs, Shaffron, Rogers, Kaufman, Welsh, and the VAPA award-winning alumni who are advancing the PA profession exemplifies the University of Lynchburg’s commitment to leadership and advocacy in health care.
