Faculty Spotlight: Teresa Lowe Honored as PA of the Year

by Jessica Degnan  |   

Teresa Lowe, a Lecturer for the MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program, a partnership between UAA and the University of Washington School of Medicine, has been recognized as PA of the Year by the Alaska Academy of Physician Assistants. Teresa shares what this award means to her, "I am incredibly honored and grateful to my wonderful PA colleagues. Their respect and hard work towards this profession is so apparent in all that they do. Next year will be 20 years since I began practicing as a PA and it has been such a humbling, fun and rewarding experience. I think about all the patients I've seen over the years, and all the patients that I hope to help in the future. It really does require a village to work together and I'm so happy to have my fellow colleagues around me to help improve the health in this great state. I look forward to another 20 years of work ahead."  UAA's College of Health is proud to shine a light on Teresa and her accomplishments— congratulations!  

Attendees at the Be The Match event
Teresa Lowe at the 2023 UAA graduation ceremony for MEDEX students wearing a quspak she made as a ceremonial outfit in honor of the accomplishments of the students. (Photo by Denny Wells)

Name: Teresa Lowe

Title: MEDEX Lecturer & MEDEX Distant Campus Coordinator (Anchorage Campus)

Hometown: Mountain Village, AK

How long have you worked at UAA/in this position?:

I've worked in this position for almost 3 years. I've taught for MEDEX in the past and remembered how much I love teaching. When I was moving out of Utqiagvik, teaching was one of the reasons I had about moving to Anchorage.

Tell us about your job. What do you do? What makes it unique?:

As a Lecturer for the Anchorage campus of MEDEX, i'm able to help guide the next generations of PAs for our state. As a lifelong Alaskan it is so important to have providers who understand some of the complexities of providing care whether you are in Dutch, Bethel, Utqiagvik, Fairbanks or Anchorage. As the Distant Campus Coordinator, i'm able to help connect the communities together- from outreach to help guide the youth, young adults and other healthcare professionals into the PA profession. Outreach within the different departments of UAA to help us all work together- Nursing, WWAMI, PT, OT, Surgical Tech, MA programs. Outreach to the impressive community of medical professionals in the state- MDs, DOs, NPs, and PAs. The ability to provide healthcare relies upon teamwork and safe hand offs. This position has given me the opportunity to help connect our communities.

What do you love the most about your work?:

When I first thought about becoming a PA, I was excited about the possibility of being paid to talk to people all day long. Since then, I have really been able to appreciate the privilege of working with people from all walks of life. It is a great honor to work with patients to help them get and stay healthy.

How do you contribute to student success?:

I try to be very open and supportive of our students. Every year we have a new cohort of students, and they are just so amazing. The experiences, knowledge and life skills really helps them to shine during the years they are training to become a PA.

What is the most common question you receive at work?:

What does one need to do to become a PA? I always say- you have to really really really want to become a PA. Its generally a long process to get there. But for those who are determined to become a PA, it is a great field to get into.

What was your personal and/or professional journey that led you to working at UAA?:

I was born and raised here in Alaska. I worked in Bethel, Fairbanks, Anchorage and Utiqiagvik. I was trying to decide what area of AK I wanted to live in next. With Anchorage being the hub of the state, I knew I would be able to see family and friends from all over. With all my healthcare experience, I thought it would be great to be able to influence the future generations of PAs in our state.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment while working here at UAA?:

I feel that my greatest accomplishment is to continue to build the community here in Alaska. Having the University of Washington MEDEX and UAA in connection helps make more connections throughout the state. Relying up on my long history of working in healthcare over the past 20+ years has really helped to create additional connections to grow our own for future generations.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?:

As a child, I remember telling my grandparents and parents that I was going to be a teacher. I really thought i'd be an elementary school teacher. I never thought i'd be teaching at the University Level.

What advice would you give to youth interested in pursuing a career in your field?:

I would say that it is important to have a variety of experiences in healthcare. The opportunities in healthcare are so vast, one could focus on paperwork or as far to the other side as direct patient care. I would recommend working as an MA or CNA in family practice.

What is your favorite Alaska activity or other hobbies? What do you love about them?:

My favorite Alaska activity is working with traditional activities as I am able to. I love the idea of continuing the traditions of my heritage but also making new traditions with my son, nieces and nephews. Our cultural background is so important for future success.

Who inspired or continues to inspire you and why?:

The inspiration for me is to see more Alaska Native/American Indians in higher education and as healthcare providers. I feel that in so many ways, we have had so many genocidal attempts against us, and yet, we are still here and growing. Seeing the next generations grow and succeed is so important.

What has been your biggest challenge, personal or professional, and how did you overcome it?:

My biggest challenge is when I was told that I didn't need to try so hard because I was just a native. That I would never amount to anything in life. I worked hard to overcome so many things in my life- so many people judged me on what they perceived me to be. I just kept the teachings of my elders near me- always try your best, be kind, be firm and work towards your goals. The blood of my ancestors flows through my veins, so does the strength they needed to survive.

What is your favorite quote? Why?:

"It takes a village". Its my favorite because for so long people were told that they can succeed by individualism. However, people cannot succeed alone- there has to be people around making sure the water flows, the food is stocked in the stores, the electricity and now internet are always on as well as those around us helping through the difficult times. No man is an island. It takes a lot of people to ensure people succeed in their goals.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.:

I like to play bingo with my parents. This way I can see old friends and elders who happen to be in Anchorage.

Is there anything else you would like to share?:

Just because someone tells you that you can't do something doesn't make it true. It is just one person's opinion. If you don't regularly go to that person for advice, why are you taking their criticism to heart? You are the only one who knows what you are truly capable of achieving.

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