Chapman University PA Assistant Professor, Jennifer Cates was recognized last month, on her professional achievement, by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). She has been awarded the prestigious recognition of Distinguished Fellow by the AAPA. This means she has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the PA profession in at least three of the following areas:

-Distinction in medical practice, education, research or healthcare management

-Leadership in medicine and healthcare

-Professional involvement

-Commitment to lifelong service

-Community service

Jennifer Cates joined the Chapman University Physician Assistant Studies Program in January 2017. She brings with her 25 years of clinical experience with emphasis in Primary Care/Family Medicine, Urgent Care Services, Chronic Disease Management, Diet/Nutritional Counseling, and Obesity/Weight Loss with a focused interest in Women’s Health. During her clinical years, she enjoyed precepting Physician Assistant students and mentoring them during their clinical rotations. This lead to a keen desire to transition in to full time teaching and educating the next generation of Physician Assistants.

Professor Cates has directed courses in Evidence Based Medicine, Otolaryngology, Dermatology and Endocrinology and she has codirected the History and Physical Diagnosis course. She is an active participant in the Clinical Skills Workshops and IPE (Inter-professional Education) events. In addition to her teaching duties, Ms. Cates was appointed as the Director of Clinical Education in April 2017 and is responsible for managing the PA students clinical second year.

We congratulate Professor Cates on this incredible honor!