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Physician assistant studies students provided health screenings to attendees of a March 25 open house at The University of Texas Education and Research Center at Laredo.

Students performed Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure and glucose screenings, said Leticia Bland, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C, assistant professor/clinical and admissions chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies.

“The students had an opportunity to engage in education about the results and how to promote health and  prevent long term chronic conditions,” Bland said. “Our students impressed everyone with their incredible show of skill in providing BMI, blood pressure and glucose screenings and education on health promotion, a genuine credit to their diligence as future physician assistants.”

Students also provided information about the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, which the School of Health Professions expanded to Laredo in 2021, and demonstrated an Anatomage Table, a digital dissection table used to learn anatomy. The tables allow users to zoom in and out to view anatomical structures such as muscles, arteries, and veins.

First-year PA Studies student Ashereena Tanedo appreciated the opportunity to provide important health checks and information to the public.

“It was so fulfilling to be able to give back to the community I grew up in and provide some resources for individuals who may not have access to basic medical care,” she said. “We really emphasized the importance of diet and exercise through all the health tests and how being proactive is the best thing they can do for their health.”

Providing key health information to open house attendees was the most meaningful part of the open house to first-year student Mark Galvan. 

“Having to give the most information to them in a short period of time — that is probably the most important part of the interaction,” he said. "Our preventative health class stresses the importance of our interaction due to the short patient education window." 

is a multi-institution teaching center that supports University of Texas institutions in the delivery of academic, research, clinical and community engagement activities in Laredo and surrounding South Texas region.

The application for the next cohort of Physician Assistant Studies students will open on April 30. For more information on the PA Studies program in Laredo, visit