With thousands of colleges and universities to choose from,
students may wonder why some professors prefer to teach at a
specific school. For Sandra Beysolow, M.S. Ed., RPA-C, Assistant
Professor in St. John’s University’s College of Pharmacy and Allied
Health Professions, it was the University’s emphasis and dedication
to serving the poor that drew her to the University.
“Throughout my entire career I have remained dedicated to serving
those most in need,” says Professor Beysolow. “Since my days as a
physician assistant at St. Mary’s Hospital in Brooklyn, I have
incorporated community outreach in my work. Being a professor at
St. John’s motivates you to find innovative ways to integrate
helping others into everything you teach.”
Already teaching several introductory courses in the Physician
Assistant program, including “Introduction to Healthcare,” “Medical
Assessment” and “General Surgery,” Professor Beysolow also
understands the challenges first-year students face and is
currently developing the program’s first peer mentoring
program.
“I myself am a product of mentoring and guidance,” she said. “I
feel it’s my duty to help students recognize their potential, carve
paths and help ease their journeys, as was done for me.”
The mentoring program will team a clinical year student with a
didactic year student to help foster peer relationships and
encourage those with more experience to provide support to students
just starting out in the program.
“I often run into program graduates at professional conferences and
organization events that express gratitude to the university for
showing them how to use their knowledge to make an impact not only
in their careers but within the community.”
Professor Beysolow understands why interest in the physician
assistant program at St. John’s continues to grow. “I am extremely
proud of each and every one of my St. John’s graduates who now join
me as fellow physician assistants and colleagues. Their success has
kept me energized and motivated throughout my 20 years in this
profession!”