Happy PA Week 2024: Three UKPA Students Present at NCCPA REPRESENT! Summit

By Ella Rosner
CHS Contributor

Dalia Eloraby, Amani Miles, and Katie Chheang are current Physician Assistant Studies students in the College of Health Sciences who were selected last month to present at a national conference, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) REPRESENT! Summit. This conference highlighted the importance of increasing diversity and creating a more inclusive environment as a Physician Assistant.  

Across the nation, only 20 students were selected and funded to attend this conference. Dalia, Amani, and Katie were among those 20.  

The group presented their master’s research project which was titled, “Examining the qualities and behaviors of providers that contribute to an inclusive environment among Diverse and Underrepresented populations.” They also had the opportunity to listen to a variety of important presenters such as David Acosta, MD, from the Association of American Medical Colleges.  

“It is vital that we develop the next generation of leaders,” said Virginia Valentin, DrPH, PA-C, and Department Chair for the Department of Physician Assistant studies and the Program Director for the PA Academic Residency at UK. “This conference, the ability to meet national leaders, is a critical step in the development of these students who I know will go on to do great things when they graduate in June 2025.” 

Here is what each student has to say about their experience: 
 

Name: Amani Miles 

Hometown: Indianapolis

“To be chosen to attend the NCCPA Represent Summit was such an honor — only 20 students were selected, and I am so grateful for the opportunity. Knowing that I am a part of pioneering change that will affect the trajectory of the PA career has been such a challenging yet rewarding experience and journey. This conference allowed me to network with some of the lead individuals sponsoring such change within our career.”  

Name: Dalia Eloraby 

Hometown: Nicholasville, Ky. 

“I am honored and grateful to have been chosen to attend the NCCPA Represent Summit. Presenting our research among such passionate professionals was both inspiring and motivating. It was a privilege to share my dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the PA profession!” 

Name: Katie Chheang 

Hometown: Elizabethtown, Ky. 

“Getting chosen to attend and present at the NCCPA REPRESENT summit was an amazing experience. It wasn’t just about sharing our research — it was about being in a room where real, important conversations about making the PA profession more welcoming and supportive were happening. The energy in the room was incredible, and you could feel how committed everyone was to create a more welcoming environment across the board. Being part of those conversations showed me just how much of an impact we can have on the future of healthcare when we focus on making the profession more open and supportive for everyone involved. This experience left me with a profound sense of responsibility to continue advocating for inclusive practices in healthcare.” 

Every year from Oct. 6-12 is National PA Week, which recognizes the physician assistant profession and its contributions to the medical community. Happy PA Week 2024!