Partnership Spotlight: Shenandoah University's PA Program

Laura Smarsh, PA-S at Culmore Clinic

Culmore Clinic is thrilled to announce its new relationship with Shenandoah University. In 2024, a total of eight of their Physician Assistant students will be on rotation at The Clinic.

"We are very excited about partnering with Shenandoah University PA program. Having PA students in The Clinic throughout the year is a wonderful way to expand healthcare access and build knowledge of the role of free clinics in the healthcare ecosystem,” says Executive Director Lynette Sappe-Watkins.

We are pleased to welcome the first of these students, Laura Smarsh, PA-S, who has been with us over the last month and has been a valuable addition to the team. Laura is pursuing her Masters in PA Studies, a position which has consistently been ranked as a top job in healthcare for the last five years by U.S. News & World Report.  She speaks Spanish, which is of particular assistance for our patients.

"My experience at Culmore Clinic has been amazing! Not only am I learning how to work as a provider, but I am also learning what it means to care of each patient as a whole. It is a very rewarding place to be because you know you're making a difference in people's lives,” says Laura of her time at Culmore Clinic thus far. Her rotation cycle will end in mid-February.

“Laura has brought energy and the desire to serve the healthcare needs of our community,” says Lynette. While we are very sad to see Laura leave us, we know others in her class who rotate through The Clinic will be equally energetic and eager to serve while learning!