Celebrating our physician assistants: Leaders in collaborative, patient-centered care

During Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week, we honor the dedication and impact of our physician assistants (PAs), who play a vital role in delivering high-quality, compassionate care across UTHealth Houston. As highly trained medical professionals, PAs work alongside physicians and other health care team members to diagnose, treat, and manage patient care in a wide range of specialties.

What is a physician assistant?

Physician assistants are nationally certified and state-licensed clinicians who practice medicine in collaboration with physicians. They are trained to perform physical exams, order and interpret tests, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and assist in surgeries. Their versatility and depth of knowledge make them essential contributors to both inpatient and outpatient care.

At UTHealth Houston, PAs are more than providers. They are educators, leaders, and advocates for patient well-being. Their work reflects our commitment to excellence, innovation, and personalized care.

Choosing UTHealth Houston: A reputation that inspires

For many PAs, the decision to join UTHealth Houston is rooted in its reputation for clinical excellence and academic leadership. Physician Assistant Briana Park shares that she was drawn to UTHealth Houston for “its strong reputation and the chance to work with such a talented, collaborative team.” That reputation continues to attract top-tier talent from across the country.

Physician Assistant Rachel Lukose, who relocated from another state, recalls how UTHealth Houston was “talked about in high regard in the hospitals there.” When she visited, she immediately noticed the pride employees felt in being part of the institution, a pride she now shares when patients tell her they “can’t find another hospital or clinic that provides better care.”

Collaboration that feels like family

At UTHealth Houston, teamwork isn’t just a value, it’s a lived experience. Park describes her team as one that “truly feels like a family,” united by a shared mission to help patients improve every day. This sense of belonging and mutual respect strengthens the quality of care and fosters a supportive environment for providers and patients alike.

Lukose echoes this sentiment, noting that the personalized care UTHealth Houston delivers is made possible by the time and attention APPs are empowered to give. “We give patients the time they need to comprehend their treatment plans and ask questions,” she said, emphasizing the importance of patient education and trust.

Continuity of care through strong partnerships

One of the unique strengths of UTHealth Houston is its integration with partner institutions like Memorial Hermann Health System and Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. These connections enhance continuity of care and allow APPs to follow patients across different settings. Lukose highlights this as a key benefit, saying she values how these partnerships “help us with continuity of care for our patients.” It’s a model that ensures patients receive consistent, high-quality treatment throughout their health care journey.

Why we celebrate APP Week

APP Week is a time to recognize the skill, compassion, and leadership of our physician assistants. Through their clinical expertise, collaborative spirit, and commitment to patient-centered care, PAs like Park and Lukose exemplify the values that make UTHealth Houston a leader in health care. We are proud to celebrate their contributions, not just this week, but every day.