On Oct. 6, 2025, we observe National PA Day and extend celebrations throughout the week of every year, recognizing the meaningful contributions and vital role that PAs play in our health care system.

In 2021, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) made a historic decision to transition the profession's title from "Physician Assistant" to "Physician Associate." This pivotal change acknowledges the contemporary reality of PA practice: PAs are highly skilled medical professionals who conduct comprehensive physical examinations, develop and implement treatment strategies, prescribe medications, perform medical procedures, and frequently operate with significant autonomy within collaborative health care teams. The updated title more accurately reflects the depth of knowledge, clinical independence, and leadership capabilities that PAs contribute to patient care.

The College of Health Sciences' Department of Physician Assistant Education stands at the forefront of this professional evolution. While we celebrate this designated day, our commitment extends far beyond a single observance. We continuously honor the PA profession and celebrate WesternU's Physician Associates who create meaningful change in their patients' lives and strengthen the health care systems they serve. Their unwavering dedication to excellence elevates care standards and expands access to quality health care for all communities.

Pictured above: Recognition by Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis celebrating PA Day and honoring WesternU's PA program.

The WesternU Health Eye Care Institute, a leader in eye health education and patient care, will soon offer new FDA-approved spectacle lenses to help slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. This advancement marks a significant step in addressing the growing prevalence of childhood myopia while offering families a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment option.

Childhood myopia has become a global health concern, with more children developing the condition at younger ages. Early onset often progresses rapidly, raising the risk of high myopia in adolescence or adulthood. High myopia significantly increases the likelihood of developing serious eye diseases such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy—all of which can cause permanent vision loss.

“We are seeing more children develop myopia at younger ages, and that puts them at greater risk for serious eye conditions later in life,” said Dr. John Tassinari, Chief of Pediatrics at the WesternU Health Eye Care Institute. “At WesternU Health, we are committed to providing treatments that not only correct vision but also help slow the progression of myopia to protect long-term eye health.”

Read the full story: WesternU Health Eye Care Institute to offer lenses designed to slow childhood myopia | WesternU News

Congratulations to College of Graduate Nursing Associate Dean and Professor Dr. Rodney Hicks on the following publications:

Jackson, K. J., & Hicks, R. W. (2025). The brushstrokes of scholarship. Special emphasis on writing with references.

Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 37(10), 527-528. Doi:10.1097/JXX.0000000000001175

Article link.

Hicks, R. W. (2025). The eloquence of appropriate citation practices. AORN Journal, 122(4), 271-274. Article link.

Dr. Devendra K. Agrawal, Professor and Director, COMP Department of Translational Research, was recently recognized and honored by the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences at its 12^th annual meeting, held Sept. 18-20, 2025 in Las Vegas, with the Exemplary Service Award for Promoting Heart Health.

WesternU COMP students Raneem Alaraj, Parth Bhargava, Aleena Dost, Justine How, Chang Kon (Peter) Kim, Sean Kinkaid, Rabeeya Mayet, Shaanali Mukadam, Jaylan Patel, and Iris Shim, worked with Dr. Devendra K. Agrawal, contributed to science, and recently published the following peer-reviewed Pubmed indexed research articles.

We recognize and congratulate our COMP students for their exceptional endeavors in research and scholarship. Their efforts have been instrumental in scientific progress and the dissemination of actionable knowledge to enhance patient diagnosis, treatment, and management.

Kincaid S, How J, Agrawal DK. Multimodal Analgesia in the Perioperative Period of Major Surgeries: An In-depth Analysis. Anesth Crit Care. 2025;7(3):68-76. Epub 2025 Sep 8.PMID: 41019311. Free PMC article.

Dost A, Alaraj R, Mayet R, Agrawal DK. Reshaping Anesthesia with Artificial Intelligence: From Concept to Reality. Anesth Crit Care. 2025;7(3):77-90. Epub 2025 Sep 8.PMID: 41019310. Free PMC article.

Bhargava P, Agrawal DK. CAR T-Cell Therapy in Cancer: Balancing Efficacy with Cardiac Toxicity Concerns. J Cancer Sci Clin Ther. 2025;9(3):140-153. Epub 2025 Sep 8.PMID: 41018125. Free PMC article.

Patel J, Shim I, Agrawal DK. Interventions for Neural Plasticity in Stroke Recovery. Arch Intern Med Res. 2025;8(3):246-258. doi: 10.26502/aimr.0217. Epub 2025 Aug 25.PMID: 40969674. Free PMC article.

Kim CK, Mukadam S, Agrawal DK. Differential Effects of Brain Death and Circulatory Death on Myocardial Integrity and Transplant Outcomes. J Surg Res (Houst). 2025;8(3):416-435. doi: 10.26502/jsr.10020466. Epub 2025 Aug 20.PMID: 40951917. Free PMC article.

October is shaping up to be an exciting month at the Harriet K. and Philip Pumerantz Library! We are celebrating National Medical Librarians Month and American Archives Month with a series of events and activities. Join us in recognizing the hard work, expertise, and allyship of our medical librarians and university archivists.

What’s Happening This Month:

Game Night

6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 & Oct. 29 in the Library Lobby. 

Take a break from studying and enjoy some board and card games with friends.

Coffee and Conversations

11:30 a.m. to 1 pm. Thursday, Oct. 16 in the Library Lobby.

Get to know the library staff, members of the Office of the Provost, & your fellow WesternU community members with tea provided by Boba Tea Planet and sponsored by The Office of The Provost. The first 75 participants will receive a 20 oz tea that may include: Classic Milk Tea, Taro Milk Tea, Peach Fruit Green Tea, and Lychee Fruit Green Tea.

Craft Night

6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 in the Library Lobby.

Get creative with the library team by making buttons from recycled medical books.

Pumpkin Painting Contest

Monday-Friday, Oct. 20-31.

Pick up a mini pumpkin at the front desk and paint it scary, cute, or quirky, your choice! Pumpkins and paints will be provided while supplies last.

WesternU in Media

Available in the Library Lobby throughout October.

Explore WesternU’s history through archival video clips curated by University Archives, showcasing how our University has been featured in the media over the years.