Mission Statement

The University of Tampa Physician Assistant Medicine Program’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) committee works to ensure that every student, staff and faculty member feels that they are a vital member of our community regardless of ethnicity or cultural beliefs that may otherwise be depicted as different from the majority. We strive to develop cultural competency among all members of our community via programming designed to increase every individual’s exposure to learning experiences that demonstrate the commonality of all humans and an appreciation and understanding of all cultures, lifestyles and ethnicities.

Motto

"Diverse in culture, united in purpose"

We value diversity and insist on inclusion because we recognize the health benefits of a diverse and inclusive clinical workforce. Diversity encompasses all that we are, including our innate demographics and cumulative life experiences, creating resiliency, empathy, compassion, and maturity. Recruiting, matriculating, and graduating diverse physician assistants with these valuable characteristics contributes to a healthcare system that is better prepared to treat all patients with dignity and respect.

Click here to learn more about our Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.

Service, Scholarship and Diversity

Our commitment to diversity and service is manifest in a student population that is participating in several scholarship opportunities to provide care for the most vulnerable. We currently have five students participating in the Health Professions Scholarship Program. Upon completing their physician assistant training, they will either provide care for veterans through the VA system or to military service members as members of the military.

Learn more about these programs at https://va-ams-info.intelliworxit.com/hpsp/ and https://veteran.com/hpsp/.

Health Resources and Services Administration: National Health Service Corps (HRSA NHSC) Scholars

We have two students who are Health Resources and Services Administration: National Health Service Corps (HRSA NHSC) scholars. This program awards scholarships to students who are pursuing primary care careers in underserved areas. These scholarships are highly competitive and graduates are placed in areas of highest need of medical care upon graduation.

Learn more about the HRSA NHSC at https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/.

Vanessa M. Tomoah
Class of 2025

What motivated you to become a PA?

Throughout my life, I’ve come to value having a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about conditions and treatments and dedicated to educating patients and their families about their care plans. That, along with my Jamaican and Ghanaian heritage, plays a significant role in my motivation, as access to care in these regions has not always been seamless. Over time, I became inspired to be a provider who advocates for change within the healthcare system and contributes to access to care. My driving force is to be a resource for those in need in various specialties, which led me to pursue the Physician Assistant (PA) profession.

What motivated you to apply for a NHSC scholarship?

I’ve always been passionate about bridging the gap between healthcare and health equity, which motivated me to apply for the NHSC scholarship. The NHSC scholarship allows me to do just that and so much more. The financial support from this scholarship relieves the burden of educational expenses, allowing me to focus entirely on my training and future service. By accepting this scholarship, I’ve committed to supporting underserved communities across our nation, those same communities that have shaped me culturally and require my help. I couldn’t be more grateful.

Desire Namata
Class of 2025

What motivated you to become a PA?

My motivation to become a Physician Assistant is driven by a profound passion for joining a collaborative healthcare team prioritizing patient-centered care. I believe that the best healthcare outcomes emerge from diverse professionals' synergy, each offering unique skills and perspectives. As a PA, I will have the opportunity to build trust and foster understanding, combining my medical knowledge with a compassionate approach to ensure that my patients receive personalized care tailored to their needs. This position will also allow me to work alongside dedicated colleagues united in our shared mission to positively impact the lives of those we serve.

What motivated you to apply for a NHSC scholarship?

I applied for the National Health Service Corps scholarship because its mission aligns with my lifelong commitment, shaped by my firsthand experiences with inadequate healthcare in my home country of Uganda. Growing up in a community with limited access to healthcare, I developed a strong sense of responsibility to bridge that gap and make a meaningful impact in healthcare. The NHSC scholarship allows me to gain the education and training needed to serve underserved communities, becoming a source of healing and support. It is my way of giving back and honoring the communities that shaped me, ensuring that others receive the care they deserve.

Other scholarships UTampa PA students earned are the Navy Health Scholars Collegiate Program, the American Warriors Association, the Vietnamese Healthcare Professionals Association and the KML Foundation. In addition to this, over 30% of our students are using their GI Bill benefits to attend PA training.