“I could see then that Quinnipiac was establishing itself as a leader in education and I was excited to be a part of that process,” she said.

In 20 years as a professor and Director of Clinical Education, Rossi has more than helped solidify the PA program as one of the best in the nation. She has overseen all components of the clinical curriculum, coordinates the second year clinical rotations, and has been responsible for securing many important partnerships at both the state and national levels.

For her impact, Rossi was honored with the program’s Didactic Instruction Award. She has also received the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Clinical Education Award, and is recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Rossi is always looking for ways to improve her instruction. She pours over feedback from students and preceptors, and reviews curriculums after each semester in order to keep the program at the forefront of changes in health care today.

“I always tell applicants that if they want to be educated at a program where the bar is always kept high and students are continuously pushed to excel, then this is the one for them,” Rossi said.