Dr. Michele Jedlica has been a member of the HPU family for three years and is an assistant professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies. She also works on the team of course directors in Clinical Decision Making.
How do you contribute to HPU’s mission to ensure every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people?
I take the time to get to know every student. Our PA students are here to grow into providers that will succeed in today’s healthcare system. They are our future.
How do you help students develop life skills that they will use to achieve lives of success and significance after they graduate from HPU?
I constantly challenge students to picture how their newly acquired knowledge and skills will apply when they are practicing physician assistants. Our course is designed around problem-based learning. It is crucial for students to recognize gaps in knowledge, create learning issues and teach each other in a way that cement medical concepts. Since they will be part of a healthcare team when they graduate, we encourage students to work together for knowledge acquisition. This will translate into being an integral part of healthcare delivery. I have also been fortunate to have performed the business management part of my private practice. When fitting, I offer students examples of challenges in medical practice management and how to solve them.
What is a way that you provide students with experiential learning opportunities?
Our course incorporates the Center for Medical Simulation. We plan and execute clinical scenarios that our students work through. This is a low-stake, high-yield environment where they prepare before the simulation and debrief what went well and what could have gone better. This setting is a way I offer students a personal experience in patient cases that I have had over my 20 years in pediatric practice.
What are you looking forward to most for this academic year?
I am looking forward to this being our first year with our full cohort. Our new class is diverse and excited about entering into the intensity of medical education. It renews my excitement for the field.
What’s one thing you want students and parents to know about HPU?
At HPU, the faculty are dedicated to their roles as teachers and mentors. Student success is our success!
What’s one way you generate creativity or productivity?
Since our program is faculty intensive, we meet regularly to discuss our patient cases. We find ways to add new content and challenge students toward learning objectives. We utilize each other’s areas of expertise to make course content strong. With a state-of-the-art simulation center, it is inspiring to use the technology we have to maximize the student experience.
What is your favorite quote?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelo
What is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the Scarborough Butterfly Garden located behind the Wilson School of Commerce.
What do you love most about working at HPU?
Collaborating with my colleagues in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies!