Professor Cindy Lord
Cynthia Lord, clinical associate professor and director of the physician assistant program, makes sure community service is as a much a part of the program's curriculum as learning how to diagnose an illness or administer an injection.
"A core value of our profession is giving to the community," Lord said. "That's the philosophy of every faculty member in our program. Community service gives students a purpose to their education."
Lord is a champion for volunteerism and engages her students in community service activities that illustrate the value of the work PAs do for underserved communities. Examples of her service activities range from fundraising for nonprofit organizations to caring for the homeless, promoting literacy in children and providing medical care for migrant farm workers.
Lord's dedication to her profession and her students hasn't gone unnoticed. She was named the 2012 Outstanding PA of the Year by the American Academy of Physician Assistants. In 2008, Lord received the Excellence in Teaching Award from the University's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Service to Students. Quinnipiac's PA program is ranked 11 out of 170 programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report.
"As a PA, I am committed to giving my best to my patients. I take pride in my ability to help people heal and avoid illness," said Lord. "As a PA educator, I have an obligation to guide the future of our profession on a path of compassion and advocacy for their patients. I hope this recognition will motivate the next generation of PAs to give their best to their patients."
Graduates of the program are well-trained and prepared for success in their profession.
"Cindy truly defines what it means to be an educator; she puts her heart and soul into preparing PA students to become the best health care providers possible," said Carly Arena '09, MHS '11, who graduated from the PA program and now teaches at Quinnipiac.
"Cindy always puts others first before herself. I have never met someone so passionate about giving back to her community and helping those who are in need."
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