UK PA Student Invited to Present at National Meeting

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 10, 2014) − Chlodys Johnstone, a University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Studies student, has been invited to present at the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) 2014 Forum.

Johnstone, UKPAS Class of 2014, will present at the forum, which will be held in Boston in late May. She is one of only a handful of physician assistant students across the nation whose academic projects were selected for presentation. Her work titled, "Provider Plan of Care Practices for the Obese Patient in the Primary Care Setting,” was selected for poster presentation at this year’s national AAPA forum, which is held annually and is considered one of two seminal conferences for the physician assistant profession.  

"I am excited not only to have the opportunity to present my research, but also to have the experience of going to the national AAPA conference," Johnstone said.

Kevin M. Schuer, who is an assistant professor for UK’s PA program, has been Johnstone’s faculty advisor on the project. Schuer said he has been impressed with her since her arrival as a new PA student in 2011.

“Chlodys has been a very high achieving student since day one," Schuer said. "Her work ethic, dedication and commitment to excellence on a daily basis are inspiring to both her peers, as well as to our faculty.  We are very proud of her accomplishments and are equally thrilled that Chlodys is being recognized nationally for her work.  She is a wonderful ambassador of our program and profession.”

Johnstone’s work analyzed primary care clinician’s plan of care and documentation of weight loss interventions for obese patients. Her examination reviewed whether or not providers who see obese patients utilize validated and evidence-based weight management interventions developed by the United States Preventive Services Task Force. Her study findings will help primary care providers understand what is currently being done to help patients manage weight loss, as well as identify areas of provider plan of care improvement. 

Media Contact:  Ann Blackford at 859-323-6442 or ann.blackford@uky.edu