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Charles Regan, director of Lawrence Technological University’s Physician Assistant program, was recently recognized as a distinguished fellow by the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
“Being a PA means having the flexibility to follow your passion,” Regan said. It is the autonomy PAs possess in making medical decisions, the numerous career development opportunities, and the exploration that drew Regan to the field. Being a PA goes beyond medical care; PAs have the opportunity to do research, teach, be a medical liaison, and find many additional ways to contribute to the well-being of others. Regan has been a PA for 17 years and actively volunteers at a medical clinic to assist underserved patients.
Regan initially obtained a bachelor’s in sports medicine, and because of his love for orthopedics, he became an athletic trainer. “That passion and working in such an environment led me to meet a PA. After shadowing them, I loved the role, knowledge, collaboration among other physicians and specialties, the management of complex medical issues, and the autonomy when taking care of patients. It aligned with my love of being in a team-oriented environment where the focus is on patient health and providing patient-centered care.” After graduating from PA school, Regan worked at a hospital for three years before going into private practice. This experience was a valuable learning opportunity that taught him skills and concepts in addition to the ones he gained while in PA school; he actively shares what he learned and continues to learn with others to help them in their PA journey. Being involved in a patient’s health is fulfilling for Regan, but witnessing the impact PAs have on the lives of patients, the letters of thankfulness, and seeing the significant improvements in their health is rewarding.
The biggest change Regan has witnessed in the field is increased autonomy amongst PAs in providing care and offering medical decisions without a physician on site. “The biggest change I anticipate is changing the profession’s name to physician associates and the ongoing discussion of advancing the educational requirement to the doctorate level.” The name change, which has occurred within Michigan’s caucus, will demonstrate the expertise PAs hold and help bridge the gap between patients and physicians, especially during the current physician shortage. The additional education can also help in removing biased attitudes against PAs held by some within the medical profession and assist PAs with additional knowledge and leadership opportunities.
Five years ago, Regan decided to transition into teaching, and for the past year and nine months, he has been the director of LTU’s PA program. “Teaching 30 new students every year and then having those students take care of patients has more impact on patient outcomes than me alone. As educators, we’re impacting many more lives that way, then individually.” He looks forward to the ‘ah-ha’ moments of the students when their light bulb goes off and concepts are mastered, and such successes are celebrated in the PA program, which Regan describes as “a warm and friendly environment that is adaptable and supportive of students. We hope by the time students graduate from the program, they’ll be recognized by the community as compassionate providers.” He hopes PA students graduate from the program with confidence, passion, and compassion for patients, for the PA faculty are extremely passionate about making an impact on the professions’ future, educating patients, and serving the community.
“It’s important for me to help model future providers by taking the time and opportunity to be involved, just like the PAs who taught me.”
Charles Regan
Regan was recently recognized as a fellow by the American Academy of Physician Assistants. “It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be recognized and an accomplishment for the time and effort that I, along with others receiving this status, have put into clinical practice, serving the profession, and our patients. With it comes a responsibility to represent the academy in a positive and meaningful way that often models servant leadership and continued support for our profession.” Regan was recognized for three distinctions by the academy. The first was a distinction in medical practice, education, and research or healthcare management, which to Regan equates to being a lifelong learner, using evidence-based practice and a patient-centered approach, and collaborating amongst healthcare professionals for the betterment of patient care. The second was professional involvement, which Regan views as continual medical practice and ongoing support for the profession at the local and national levels. Lastly, he was recognized for community service, which to Regan represents continuous involvement in the mission and identification of actively serving as medical providers to those in need.
To Regan, this recognition is a testament to his commitment to clinical practice, volunteerism, scholarly research, and service. “It’s important for me to help model future providers by taking the time and opportunity to be involved, just like the PAs who taught me.”
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