Celebrating PA Week the TUC Way

How TUC Celebrates PA Week

While PA Week officially runs October 6–12 nationally, TUC’s celebrations extend throughout the month of October to accommodate fall break and Jewish holidays. Students lead the way with creative activities that foster community and professional pride, including:

• A pickleball tournament to promote wellness;
• Writing letters to their future selves, reflecting on their aspirations as future PAs; and
• Participation in the California Academy of PAs (CAPA) conference.

“PA Week is a celebration of who we are as a profession - collaborative, compassionate, and deeply committed to improving access to care,” said Dr. Joy Moverley, Program Director, Professor & Assistant Dean of TUC’s PA Program. “It’s also a time to honor the journey of our students, faculty, and alumni, who, through our mission, are advancing health equity and serving communities that need us most.”

Innovations Driving the PA Program Forward

TUC’s PA/Master of Public Health program continues to set itself apart through forward-thinking initiatives that integrate public health into clinical education. Recent highlights include:

• Behavioral Health Track: Launched to provide transformative experiences for students passionate about serving communities with health disparities; and
• Lifestyle Medicine Curriculum: Introduced with the Class of 2028 in partnership with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. This curriculum equips students to prevent and manage chronic diseases while promoting personal wellness and resilience.

“These innovations prepare our graduates to lead in patient care and population health,” Dr. Moverley explained. “They also help address burnout and empower students to model healthy behaviors.”

PA Los Angeles

TUC’s commitment to training exceptional PAs extends beyond Vallejo through the Physician Assistant Program campus in Los Angeles. This program mirrors TUC’s mission by serving communities in need and providing students with unique opportunities to address health disparities in Southern California. PA-LA students benefit from the same rigorous curriculum and public health integration, ensuring that graduates across both campuses are prepared to lead in patient care and community health.

The Future of the PA Profession

As healthcare evolves, PAs are stepping into leadership, research, and policy roles while maintaining their patient-centered roots. “We’re seeing more PAs run for elected offices. Did you know Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is a PA?”, Dr. Moverley noted. With technology reshaping care delivery, PAs are uniquely positioned to bridge gaps, advocate for patients, and drive innovation.

A Message for Future PAs

For those considering a PA career, Dr. Moverley offered this advice: “This is more than a profession, it’s a calling. If you’re passionate about teamwork, lifelong learning, and access to healthcare, there’s a place for you here. And learn a second language, especially Spanish, to better serve your patients.” 

PA Week reminds us that the profession is not just about treating illness but building healthier communities. At Touro University California, we’re proud to celebrate our students, faculty, and alumni who live that mission every day.