National Physician Assistant Day 2025 Remembered the Unsung Pillars of Modern Healthcare
The Apollo University, Chittoor, through its Division of Allied Health Sciences under the School of Health Sciences, celebrated National Physician Assistant (PA) Day – 2025 with dignity, intellect, and admiration for one of the most dynamic and obligatory professions in healthcare. The event stood as a shimmering acknowledgment to the Physician Assistants — the silent heroes who bridge the gap between patients and doctors, ensuring clinical excellence require compassion in every aspect of healing.
The ceremony was graced by Prof. M. Potharaju, Registrar, The Apollo University, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Alfred J. Augustine, Dean, AIMSR, as the Guest of Honour. The event also witnessed the presence of distinguished personalities, including Ms. Gomathi Sundar, President, Indian Association of Physician Assistants (IAPA) and Director of Right Research Academy, and Prof. Dr. D. Jagadeshwaran, Dean and Head, Allied & Healthcare Professions, Apollo Institute of Hospital Management and Allied Sciences, who served as Special Invitees and speakers for the day.
The program commenced with a formal inauguration and a warm welcome, followed by an address by Dr. Alfred J Augustine, Dean AIMSR, who emphasized that the strength of any healthcare system rests not only in its doctors and technologies but also in the committed Physician Assistants who act as the support and ladder of patient-centered care. In his keynote speech, Dr. Alfred delivered an articulate reflection on the evolving role of Physician Assistants in contemporary medicine. He underlined that PAs are not mere support staff but vital partners in ensuring patient safety, reducing the workload on doctors, and enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services. His words echoed deeply, igniting a renewed sense of conceit among the students and faculty present. He concluded by stating that the students should be proud about themselves as they embrace the profession and never underestimate the profession that they are stepping into.
Ms. Gomathi Sundar, India’s first Physician Assistant, shared her remarkable journey and the vision behind the IAPA, providing deep insights into the history where the course took root into a career prospect, current status, and emerging global opportunities for the PA profession. She highlighted the responsibilities of PAs in clinical practice, research, and administration, inspiring students to hold leadership roles responsibility without clinical errors in shaping the future of the career. She also stressed the need for interdisciplinary learning and innovation in healthcare delivery. He encouraged students to view their profession not merely as a career but as a calling — to heal, to serve, and to lead with empathy and excellence.
A poster presentation session showcased the scientific curiosity of PA students, who displayed innovative concepts related to patient safety, hospital management, and preventive healthcare. The interactive session between the students and the special invitees served as an enriching dialogue of ideas, mentorship, and motivation.
Post-lunch, the mood turned celebratory with an open-stage talent show, where students expressed their creativity through poetry, mimicry, and stand-up performances, and the event radiated with laughter and applause. The celebration culminated with the Prize Distribution and Valedictory Ceremony, where awards were presented to the winners of the Best Poster and Talent Show Competitions. The ceremony was attended by Dr. D Jagadeesan, Dean, School of Technology and Dr. Rammaiah Itumalla, Dean, School of Management.
The day’s success was due to the dedication and coordination of the organizing committee comprising Dr. Vani (Programme Coordinator), Dr. Dinesh Kanna (Lecturer), Ms. Sweetline Sophia R. (Lecturer, M.Sc. PA), and the guiding leadership of Dr. Sucharitha P., HoD, AHS under the mentorship of Prof. K. Bhaskar Reddy, Dean AIPS and SoHS. The event not only celebrated the past achievements of Physician Assistants but also illuminated the promising horizon of their indispensable role in India’s evolving healthcare landscape.