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Ever since the first physician assistant (PA) was hired at the Brigham in the early 1980s, PAs have played an important role on care teams here. Today, the Brigham is the fifth-largest employer of PAs in the country, with more than 400 PAs throughout 37 departments. On Oct. 11, PAs from across Brigham Health and Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center (DF/BWCC) were recognized for their many contributions during the annual Physician Assistant Services Week event and awards ceremony.

To kick off the event, Sunil “Sunny” Eappen, MD, MBA, chief medical officer and senior vice president for Medical Affairs of Brigham Health, highlighted the vital role of PAs in care delivery. Physician assistants conduct patient exams, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, assist in surgery and more.

Eappen noted PAs’ recent achievements, including advocating for rebranding our “Find a Doctor” directory as “Find a Provider” to include PAs and nurse practitioners. In addition, he applauded PA Services’ new peer-to-peer program, which connects new physician assistants with experienced PAs from other departments.

“These efforts have begun to pay dividends and have been very well-received,” said Eappen, adding that PA Services has earned two Partners in Excellence Awards, a Brigham Education Institute Inaugural Education Grant and the Employer of Excellence Award from the Academy of Physician Assistants’ Center for HealthCare Leadership and Management.

Jessica Logsdon, MHS, MHA, PA-C, senior director of PA Services, thanked physician assistants for their tremendous contributions to not only the Brigham but also their profession. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you to care for our patients,” she said. “I would also like to thank our colleagues across the organization, both administrative and clinical, for the continued support you have provided as we continue to find our place within the health care system.”

Brigham Health President Betsy Nabel, MD, reaffirmed the crucial role of PAs in multidisciplinary, team-based care: “Tonight, we celebrate our extraordinary PAs, who deliver personalized, passionate care with warmth, dignity and respect. Thanks to all of you, the Brigham continues to be a beacon of hope for people everywhere.”

Recognizing Excellence

During the event, several BWHers were honored for their commitment to excellence in patient care.

Kaitilin Mahoney, PA-C, and Ian Dunn, MD, of the Department of Neurosurgery, received the PA/MD Team Award for their exceptional interprofessional education and practice. In a letter of support, neurosurgeon Linda Bi, MD, PhD, wrote, “Their passion for clinical care constantly reignites their peers to refocus on the beauty of medicine that captured us.”

William Hung, PA-C, of the Division of Thoracic Surgery, received the Preceptor Award for exemplifying the attributes of a master educator and for being an outstanding model for PA students. In a nomination letter praising Hung’s extensive clinical knowledge and professionalism, Thoracic Surgery colleagues Jon Wee, MD, Namrata Patil, MD, MPH, and Evan Hall, PA-C, highlighted his passion for teaching and mentorship.

Adriana Penicaud, PA-C, of DF/BWCC, received the Distinguished PA Award, which recognizes a PA for excellence in patient care; dedication to the institutional mission, vision and core values; continued professional development; demonstrated leadership; and/or service in the community or profession.