Kate West, MPAS, PA-C, recently joined our Division of Physician Assistant Education faculty. Here’s more about Kate in her own words:
I was born and raised in Mitchell, Nebraska. I developed a deep appreciation for medical providers while growing up in rural Nebraska. After attending Chadron State College in the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) physician assistant pathway, I graduated from PA school at UNMC in 2005. The education that I received at UNMC has enabled me to work in family medicine and pediatrics, hospitalist, and as an active duty Army PA. I have also taught in PA programs in Erie, PA, and Omaha over the past three years.
I greatly valued my training at UNMC, and I knew early in my career that I wanted to return to Omaha and teach. Teaching provides important opportunities for me to give back to Nebraska and my alma mater. Working in PA education has been some of the most challenging work of my career and reflects in my commitment to provide exceptional training to the next generation of PAs.
It has been over 10 years since I lived in Nebraska, and it is good to be back. My husband is a mechanical engineer and chemical officer in the Army and nearing retirement. We have a seven year-old son and four year-old daughter. My family continues to reside near Mitchell, and we enjoy traversing the state to visit as often as possible. The kids have learned to ride bikes, and we enjoy exploring the trails and pathways in the area.