FSU program helping diversify field of physician assistants, one mentee at a time

Good morning. In the first month of his presidency, Donald Trump has ordered institutions across the country to purge diversity, equity and inclusion programs and initiatives, sending cascading effects on federal agencies, medical research, schools and universities.

While local university systems like UNC have rolled back diversity, equity and inclusion commitments (even predating Trump’s second presidency), the American Association of Physician Associates is piloting a program to increase racial diversity among physician assistants. Its PAthways program works with Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country, including Fayetteville State University, to pair working physician assistants with underrepresented racial minority students or recent graduates to help them apply to PA school.

Less than 10% of all PAs in North Carolina identify as Black, Hispanic or Indigenous, while over 35% of the state’s total population identify as one of the races. Health reporter Morgan Casey spoke with PAthways participants about the program’s impact, for PAs and patients. Read more in our lead story.

Welcome to CityView Today. In today’s newsletter: ahead of the inclement weather expected today, we compiled weather forecasts (currently a mix of snow and freezing rain), closings across the county and recommendations to stay safe. Read more below. In Hope Mills, commissioners heard a breakdown of two bond options to fund parks and recreation and street projects. The board will select one at the upcoming March budget retreat. And Senior Columnist Bill Kirby Jr. gives his take on the Fort Bragg renaming.

Thanks for reading,
Maydha Devarajan
Interim Editor-in-Chief