Leading with Heart
UAF Department of Communication Graduate Student Teresa Lowe Recognized as 2024 Physician Assistant of the Year by the Alaska Academy of PAs (AKAPA).
In a remarkable achievement, Teresa Lowe, a graduate student in the UAF Department
of Communication, has been named the 2024 Physician Assistant of the Year by the Alaska
Academy of Physician Assistants (AKAPA). Recognized for her extensive contributions
to the PA profession, community service, and commitment to healthcare in Alaska, Lowe
accepted the award at the AKAPA annual membership meeting in Anchorage on October
8, 2024.
Lowe, who also serves as a faculty member and campus coordinator for MEDEX Northwest鈥檚 Anchorage campus, is currently pursuing her graduate studies while simultaneously conducting an influential research thesis on the hiring experiences of Native and Indigenous Alaskan Physician Assistants. Her work highlights challenges and opportunities within Alaska鈥檚 healthcare system, especially for Native populations. This study, the first of its kind, aims to bring to light the unique perspectives and experiences of Indigenous PAs in Alaska, providing critical insights that may lead to improved hiring practices and increased representation in healthcare roles.
Reflecting on the award, Lowe expressed deep gratitude, saying, 鈥淚 feel very honored to have been chosen for this award. When I think back on my career鈥 it feels like everything鈥檚 come full circle, because now I鈥檓 back here at the MEDEX Anchorage campus. And so, it鈥檚 such a great honor to feel like the hard work that I鈥檝e put into the PA profession over the course of鈥 well, of my life, basically鈥 is being recognized.鈥
Though Lowe鈥檚 career has been marked by success, her modesty remains firmly rooted in her Alaska Native values. 鈥淥ne of the things that is challenging for me, having grown up with the Alaska Native value of humility, is鈥 oh, how to describe it鈥 it鈥檚 something that is exciting, but it also makes me a little bit鈥 nervous, culturally speaking,鈥 she shared. 鈥淲hen I reflect on the things I鈥檝e done over the course of my career, I don鈥檛 really think of any of it as being extraordinary, right? It鈥檚 just what you do.鈥
Teresa鈥檚 journey with UAF began with an undergraduate degree in psychology, which she credits as instrumental in shaping her as a healthcare provider. 鈥淢y undergraduate degree in psychology has helped me to become a better healthcare provider as it helped me to understand that there are a wide variety of reasons that people do things,鈥 she noted. 鈥淢y time teaching and learning about all aspects of communication have helped me to become a more well-rounded professional鈥攁llowing me to develop more community engagement in our Anchorage campus.鈥
The Alaska PA of the Year award is presented annually by the AKAPA Board of Directors to an exemplary PA who demonstrates commitment to their profession, leadership, and community service. This prestigious honor underscores Lowe鈥檚 dedication and her impact on healthcare education and access in Alaska.
With almost 20 years of experience as a physician assistant, Lowe鈥檚 contributions to her community extend beyond her clinical and academic roles. At MEDEX Northwest鈥檚 Anchorage campus, she oversees the training of up to 24 PA students each year, a responsibility she takes great pride in, knowing the positive effect they will have on healthcare across the state. 鈥淭o know that I鈥檝e played an active part in that is鈥 well, it makes me feel good.鈥
Her journey from UAF undergraduate in psychology to award-winning PA and influential educator serves as an inspiring example to students and colleagues alike. UAF extends heartfelt congratulations to Teresa Lowe for this well-deserved honor and for her continuous contributions to healthcare and education in Alaska.