BWH and DFCI Recognize Physician Assistants- Clinical & Research News - For and about the Physicians and Researchers of Brigham and Women's HospitalBWH and DFCI Recognize Physician Assistants- Clinical & Research News - For and about the Physicians and Researchers of Brigham and Women's Hospital

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BWH and DFCI Recognize Physician Assistants


PA Recognition Award recipient Kristin Boyt, PA-C, and Jessica Kozaczka, PA-C, with Andy Whittemore, MD

Nearly 200 physician assistants, physicians, hospital leaders and colleagues gathered at the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center to celebrate National Physician Assistant Week—a time to recognize the dedication, leadership and commitment of all BWH and DFCI physician assistants (PAs).

“Under the care of physician assistants, our patients are in good hands,” said Andy Whittemore, MD, chief medical officer, at the annual dinner Oct. 8. “We are so thankful to all of our PAs who, with their work and dedication, make BWH a better place.”

The event honored the more than 140 PAs who contribute to almost 20 divisions throughout the hospital. Specifically, the event celebrated this year’s recipients of the Physician Assistant Recognition Award: Kristin Boyt, PA-C, chief PA of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Service, and Jessica Kozaczka, PA-C, Emergency Department Lead PA. Both thanked their colleagues for their recognition, but acknowledged the teamwork that allows them to give their best each day. Special recognition was given to Deb Yolin Raley, PA-C, director, PA Service at DFCI, for her continued hard work and commitment to the profession, promoting physician assistants nationally.

“I wouldn’t be able to do what I do everyday if it wasn’t for the support I receive from my fellow PAs and colleagues,” said Boyt, who is responsible for pacemaker and defibrillator implantation and catheter ablation procedures, as well as managing the interface between the PA program and the clinical electrophysiology fellowship program.

“Kristin has been a welcome instrument of growth while fostering an environment of collegiality, cooperation, and putting the patient first,” said William Stevenson, MD, who nominated Boyt for the award. “We are extremely fortunate to have her leading our PA program.”

Kozaczka has been strong advocate for each individual staff member as well as the ED PA program as a whole. “She leads by example in obtaining every possible qualification that will enhance her and the group’s practice,” said J. Stephen Bohan, MD.

“The collaboration and teamwork is what makes coming to work so rewarding,” said Kozaczka, who has been integral to the hiring and mentoring of new PAs in Emergency Medicine and in extensive programmatic improvements in the ED Observation Unit.