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MUSC graduate named Physician Assistant of the Year

Charleston dermatology physician assistant (PA) Michael Overcash was named by the South Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (SCAPA) as the Physician Assistant of the Year.
 
The award is given annually to honor a PA who demonstrates exemplary service to the PA profession and the community. A ceremony was held Oct. 12 at the 2009 SCAPA  Conference at Wild Dunes Resort. 2008 PA of the Year Arnie Metz (MUSC's College of Health Professions and Department of Health Professions, Physician Assistant Studies) presented Overcash with the award.
 
Overcash graduated from the MUSC PA program in August 2002. Soon after graduating from MUSC and beginning his job at Trident Dermatology, he received his master's degree in dermatology from the University of Nebraska. He is the founder and immediate past president of the South Carolina Association of PAs in Dermatology. He successfully lobbied for the approval of dermatology PAs in South Carolina to legally start appropriating patients on Accutane. He serves as a preceptor in dermatology to numerous PAs and medical residents throughout the year.
 
Overcash serves on the board of Palmetto Medical Initiative, a non-profit organization that serves to take medical students and PA students overseas to participate in medical missions. They  established a training facility in Uganda along with a operating room. The students receive preparatory and mid-trip training, for which they receive course credit. As Overcash received his award he challenged all PAs to step out of their comfort zone and reach beyond what is expected of them, urging all PAs to get involved outside of their office or hospital and make a difference.
 
SCAPA will make a $500 contribution in his name to the Elizabeth Gouge Scholarship Fund. This scholarship is awarded to an MUSC PA student.



Friday, Nov. 13, 2009


The Catalyst Online is published weekly by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. The Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to The Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.