“I feel very privileged to be selected for the fellowship,” said Peyser. “The objective of this fellowship is to inspire and prepare fellows for lifelong grassroots advocacy — both in Washington and at home — that promotes the PA profession as an integral part of the health care profession. I am looking forward to the intensive workshop where I will learn about advocacy and policy-making processes, interact with fellow leaders, and meet with our representatives and staff on Capitol Hill.”

Dennis Brown, clinical associate professor and program director of physician assistant studies, said Peyser is an excellent student and role model.

“Being selected to this highly competitive fellowship is a true accomplishment and recognizes Bari’s passion for the profession and improving health care,” Brown said. “Policy is a driving force in decisions about the health care system and the forces that drive the health of America. By stepping up in leadership and advocacy as a student, Bari is setting the example for others to follow.”

Peyser was previously elected by student peers across the nation to serve for two terms as a member of the House of Delegates to the Student Academy of American Academy of Physician Assistants.

“The faculty and staff in the department of physician assistant studies are very proud of all of Bari’s accomplishments,” Brown said. “She represents the mission of Quinnipiac’s PA program in developing leaders in the profession and community as well as service to others.”

Peyser will take part in many activities as part of the Student Health Policy Fellowship cohort, including a virtual workshop from September 14-16 and the completion of an advocacy project.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to gain valuable skills necessary to serve as an effective leader on behalf of PA education and the PA profession,” Peyser said. “I am eager to leverage this experience for a future role in the representation of PAs in health policy debates at the local, state and national levels, and I am excited to further my knowledge and skills in the political process and health policy.

“My personal goal following this fellowship is to increase my involvement and leadership in advocacy and policymaking, specifically regarding health care,” she added. “I hope to use the insight that I gain throughout this process to raise awareness about pivotal issues and to educate my fellow PA students.”

School of Health Sciences

MHS in Physician Assistant