The Many Benefits of The Physician Assistant Program Leads to Expansion
The Godsend of a Layoff
Sissy Hinojos, MS, PA-C, (Health Professions '12) Illustrates the Benefits of Expanding the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program.
In 2009 Pfizer Inc. made national headlines, announcing the layoffs of 8,000 employees – including Sissy Hinojos. After 17 years with the company, Hinojos became part of a grim statistic with an unknown future that would soon lead to her becoming part of the solution to provider shortages in rural health care.
Hinojos dreamed of a medical career growing up. She gravitated toward science in her classes and reading material. However, she struggled in her schoolwork, especially mathematics, which made her think medical school wasn’t an option. Hinojos loved to serve others, so she opted instead for an education degree. Yet, she never truly let go of medicine.
After teaching for six years, Hinojos grew interested in the pharmaceutical industry. A friend who was a former coach at the school had become a drug representative, and, when Hinojos realized it was similar to teaching with an added medical component, she decided to make the switch and work for Pfizer. The two careers were similar in that she was helping people. The learning curve was in the medical knowledge needed to sell pharmaceuticals. Her time with Pfizer allowed her to gain confidence in the medical world.
"In the end, it was a godsend because it forced me to do what I always thought I couldn't," Hinojos said about the layoff. "I grew up in Odessa, Texas, and was already a graduate of Texas Tech University and I knew the PA (physician assistant) program in this area would be an amazing opportunity for me."
She was right; but it wasn't easy. Hiniojos spent a summer at El Paso Community College and one year at Odessa College earning the pre-requisite course credits needed to apply for TTUHSC’s physician assistant degree program. "I was fortunate that TTUHSC allows you to apply before you've completed all requisites; I was accepted a semester before graduation with the understanding that I would pass my remaining courses."
Hinojos graduated with her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2012. She works at Texas Oncology-Odessa West Texas Cancer Center. In an interview with Pulse, she answers questions about her career field.
Q: Where have you worked as a physician assistant?
A: I spent my first five years with Texas Tech Physicians in family medicine. My dad was diagnosed with cancer, so I became familiar with the Texas Oncology clinic here in Odessa and loved the care he received there. As a physician assistant you can work under any specialty and be trained by the physicians on staff instead of additional school. I moved over to Texas Oncology in 2017 — two days later, my dad passed away. I honor him by continuing to make a difference in cancer care. I also work in an urgent care during the evenings and weekends as my side hustle to pay off student loans.
Q: What are the advantages as a patient to seeing a physician assistant?
A: Physician assistants increase access to care while driving down actual health care costs. If a patient is ill and needs to come in to our facility, the physician will most likely be booked with new patients and administrative duties, so PAs provide that appointment opportunity. The physician could always treat over the phone, but most patients prefer to be seen by a provider; it's reassuring and gives them a personal connection with us. It also prevents them from having to go to the emergency room. They can come see a physician assistant at the urgent care or their doctor’s office and only pay a co-pay versus a more expensive emergency room bill.
Q: How has this been a rewarding experience for you?
A: Since I stayed in my hometown to practice, I often see people I know. I always felt better when I received care from a provider I personally knew, and I think my patients feel the same way. I've treated members of my church family, and that always feels good to provide service for them. And, really, I just feel better when I'm helping others. For me, the reward is in the service.
Q: Why do you feel it's important for TTUHSC to expand the physician assistant program in the Permian Basin?
A: I believe that increasing the number of physician assistant providers can greatly improve the health care shortage we're experiencing currently, especially in Midland and Odessa. In the Permian Basin, we have an influx of people because of the oil fields. Trying to see a primary care physician can take months, so more physician assistants in urgent care and in clinics can help with this issue. Our population has increased dramatically in recent years, and our providers need to increase with it.
More than three million Texans live in rural parts of the largest state in the continental U.S. Since 2010, 17 hospitals in Texas have closed — the most in any state. Access to primary care, dental care and mental health care are all steep challenges for the state. Lack of access in rural parts of the state can be attributed to the shortage of physicians in rural areas. The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates Texas ranks 41st in the U.S. in physicians to patient ratios with 219.4 physicians per 100,000 residents.
The bottom line: Texas could have a shortage of 3,375 primary care physicians by 2030. However, as Hinojos stated, increasing the number of physician assistants in rural areas could make a significant impact. More providers in less time is possible with the 27-month program, which is why the TTUHSC School of Health Professions Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program is seeking expansion.
The projected expansion would increase the current 60-student cohort to 72 over three admission cycles with a long-term goal of 120 students. Each year, the program receives approximately 1,700 qualified applicants. To support the student increase, a 32,500 square-foot partial renovation and building addition to the Dorothy and Todd Aaron Medical Sciences Building on Midland College campus has been proposed. The new addition will include clinical learning space as well as an anatomy lab designed for the increased class sizes. It is estimated that construction will be complete by summer 2022.
These significant infrastructure changes are supported by state and local funding. State Rep. Tom Craddick of Midland secured $20 million in state appropriations as part of the 2020-2022 budget. An additional $5 million gift from the Midland Development Corporation leaves TTUHSC just shy the funds needed for the $30 million expansion.
If you are interested in supporting the Physician Assistant program, please contact TTUHSC Office of External Relations Assistant Vice President in the Permian Basin, Jessica Zuniga.
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