Students at the Cass Technical High School in Detroit learned more about the PA profession Nov. 5. when the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine’s PA Medicine students led an outreach event designed to introduce high schoolers to the PA profession and inspire them to consider a career in health care.
The idea to host the event at Cass Tech began in 2023, when PA Medicine students participated in Spartan Club, a program where they toured three Detroit high schools, including Cass Tech, and connected with students recently accepted into undergraduate programs at MSU. Those initial conversations left a lasting impression. Students felt a return visit would provide a valuable opportunity to reach young people even earlier in their career journeys, offering guidance about applying to PA programs and sharing skills used in health care.
“Cass Tech has become meaningful to our students because it’s a place where they can see their efforts spark possibility and potentially change the trajectory of a young person’s future,” said Stephanie Jalaba, PA Medicine community outreach coordinator. “The students there are always engaged, curious and thoughtful, which makes the connection even more rewarding.”
This year’s visit drew 40 high school students interested in medical careers. The MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine PA Medicine students led interactive sessions on the profession, gave advice on applying to PA school and provided hands-on clinical skills training in taking blood pressure.
Teaching tangible skills is a key part of the experience. “It may be the first time these students hear a heartbeat,” Jalaba explained. “Moments like that spark excitement and make the idea of working in health care real. It’s a way to plant a seed that could grow into a future career.”
The experience is also valuable for the PA students. “This outreach helps us enhance our communication skills and learn by teaching others about the PA profession and how to take someone’s blood pressure,” said first-year PA Medicine student Adriana Radjenovic. Leading these sessions encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and take ownership of their roles as future clinicians, strengthening both their confidence and their ability to connect meaningfully with others.
The event also supports the mission of the PA Education Association PA Student Success program, which aims to build a pipeline of future PAs from all backgrounds. By hosting events in the community, the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine PA Medicine Program and its students are broadening awareness of the profession for the next generation of health care professionals.
Looking ahead, Jalaba hopes the impact will be lasting. “For Cass Tech students, our hope is that we’ve ignited a sense of possibility — that becoming a PA is an attainable goal and a way to make a difference in their communities. For our PA students, these visits are equally transformative. They remind them of their ‘why’ for pursuing this career and strengthen their commitment to serving others.”
By Andrea Mackey
Students at the Cass Technical High School in Detroit learned more about the PA profession Nov. 5. when the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine’s PA Medicine students led an outreach event designed to introduce high schoolers to the PA profession and inspire them to consider a career in health care.
The idea to host the event at Cass Tech began in 2023, when PA Medicine students participated in Spartan Club, a program where they toured three Detroit high schools, including Cass Tech, and connected with students recently accepted into undergraduate programs at MSU. Those initial conversations left a lasting impression. Students felt a return visit would provide a valuable opportunity to reach young people even earlier in their career journeys, offering guidance about applying to PA programs and sharing skills used in health care.
“Cass Tech has become meaningful to our students because it’s a place where they can see their efforts spark possibility and potentially change the trajectory of a young person’s future,” said Stephanie Jalaba, PA Medicine community outreach coordinator. “The students there are always engaged, curious and thoughtful, which makes the connection even more rewarding.”
This year’s visit drew 40 high school students interested in medical careers. The MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine PA Medicine students led interactive sessions on the profession, gave advice on applying to PA school and provided hands-on clinical skills training in taking blood pressure.
Teaching tangible skills is a key part of the experience. “It may be the first time these students hear a heartbeat,” Jalaba explained. “Moments like that spark excitement and make the idea of working in health care real. It’s a way to plant a seed that could grow into a future career.”
The experience is also valuable for the PA students. “This outreach helps us enhance our communication skills and learn by teaching others about the PA profession and how to take someone’s blood pressure,” said first-year PA Medicine student Adriana Radjenovic. Leading these sessions encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and take ownership of their roles as future clinicians, strengthening both their confidence and their ability to connect meaningfully with others.
The event also supports the mission of the PA Education Association PA Student Success program, which aims to build a pipeline of future PAs from all backgrounds. By hosting events in the community, the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine PA Medicine Program and its students are broadening awareness of the profession for the next generation of health care professionals.
Looking ahead, Jalaba hopes the impact will be lasting. “For Cass Tech students, our hope is that we’ve ignited a sense of possibility — that becoming a PA is an attainable goal and a way to make a difference in their communities. For our PA students, these visits are equally transformative. They remind them of their ‘why’ for pursuing this career and strengthen their commitment to serving others.”
By Andrea Mackey