USJ Wins Competition Of Future Physician Associates

University of Saint Joseph

WEST HARTFORD/HAMDEN, CT — Future healthcare workers from a West Hartford-based university recently showed they knew their stuff at a statewide competition.

The University of Saint Joseph Physician Associates Studies Team June 1 won first place at the annual Connecticut Academy of Physician Associates (ConnAPA) State Medical Challenge Bowl held at Quinnipiac University in Hamden.

This was USJ’s first time winning the Medical Challenge Bowl, with a team from USJ coming in second place in 2023.

The event was part of the ConnAPA’s annual PA Student Day.

ConnAPA supports and advocates for the Connecticut PA profession, providing educational opportunities, networking opportunities, employment resources, and professional advocacy.

The competition featured PA programs from Yale School of Medicine, Sacred Heart University, Quinnipiac, and last year’s champions, the University of Bridgeport.

During the competition, students were tested on their knowledge of microbiology, anatomy, physical diagnosis, OB/GYN, pulmonary, cardiology, primary care, emergency medicine, and surgery.

The USJ team of Donna Eisner of West Hartford; Tori Hamilton of the Bronx, N.Y.; Liam O’Grady ’25, Goffstown, N.H.; and Alesha Ranger-Wilson ’25, New Britain, prevailed in front of almost 200 PA students from around the state.

“It was an exciting and thrilling experience competing amongst PAs from other universities in Connecticut. Our main goal was to break the University of Bridgeport’s winning streak,” said Hamilton.

“We had such a great time. My teammates and I are honored to bring the trophy home to USJ for the first time. We will be rooting to continue our streak next year.”

For the full announcement of USJ's victory, click on this link.