Community Corner
Saint Elizabeth University Physician Assistant Students Place 5th Nationally at AAPA Challenge Bowl
SEU students earn national recognition after advancing through one of physician assistant education's premier competitions
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A team of Physician Assistant students from Saint Elizabeth University is earning national recognition after placing fifth in the nation at the 2026 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Challenge Bowl in New Orleans.
Competing against 87 PA programs from across the country, the Saint Elizabeth University team advanced through the nationally recognized academic competition and secured a Top 5 finish, marking a major achievement for both the students and the University’s growing Physician Assistant program.
The SEU Challenge Bowl team included students Sarah Luttenberger, Nick Torres, Andrei Brenich, and alternate Lena Acosta, who were accompanied to the conference by faculty member Amanda Cox.
The AAPA Challenge Bowl is one of the premier academic competitions within physician assistant education, testing students on a wide range of medical knowledge, clinical decision-making, diagnostics, pharmacology, patient care, and real-world healthcare scenarios. Programs from across the country compete in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment that mirrors the collaborative thinking and rapid problem-solving required in modern healthcare settings.
For students, participation extends far beyond competition itself. The national conference provides opportunities to connect with healthcare leaders, recruiters, educators, and fellow PA students from across the country while gaining exposure to the latest conversations shaping the future of medicine and patient care.
“We are incredibly proud of these students and what they accomplished on a national stage,” said Cox. “To compete against some of the top PA programs in the country and finish fifth overall speaks not only to their academic preparation, but also to their teamwork, determination, and passion for patient care.”
Beyond the competition itself, SEU students quickly became fan favorites among attendees, bringing enthusiasm, energy, and school spirit throughout the conference experience.
The annual AAPA Conference is one of the nation’s largest gatherings of Physician Associate students, educators, and healthcare professionals, bringing together thousands from across the country for advanced learning, networking, leadership development, and collaboration within the healthcare field.
Saint Elizabeth University’s Physician Assistant program has continued building momentum through a strong focus on academic support, student outcomes, clinical preparation, and personalized faculty mentorship. Faculty say the Challenge Bowl accomplishment reflects the culture of dedication and collaboration that defines the program.
The achievement also comes during a period of continued progress for the University’s graduate healthcare programs, including recent gains in PANCE performance and renewed efforts focused on student success and long-term program growth.
University leaders believe accomplishments like this not only spotlight the quality of SEU students, but also reinforce the University’s broader mission of preparing compassionate, highly skilled healthcare professionals ready to serve their communities.
“This was one of those moments that reminds everyone what our students are capable of,” said Cox. “We’re excited for what’s ahead.”
As healthcare workforce shortages continue nationwide, particularly in primary care and underserved communities, physician assistants remain one of the fastest-growing and most essential professions within healthcare. Programs like Saint Elizabeth University’s are helping prepare the next generation of providers to meet those evolving needs.
For the students who traveled to New Orleans, the experience represented more than just competition rankings. It was an opportunity to showcase Saint Elizabeth University on a national stage and demonstrate the talent, preparation, and heart of its future healthcare professionals.
To learn more about Saint Elizabeth University’s Physician Assistant program, visit SEU Physician Assistant Program.
To learn more about Saint Elizabeth University overall, visit Saint Elizabeth University.
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