2024 Preceptor of the Year - Kenneth Gorney
Ken is deserving of this award as he is a valuable asset in PA education for PA programs. He has excellent feedback from students from our program and any student fortunate enough to rotate with him is very enthusiastic and appreciates the opportunity. For a provider in a field where there are limited resources, he continues to answer the call to serve. He has also served as a preceptor representative contact during a site visit by the ARC-PA. His consistent desire to serve as a preceptor combined with his dedication to advocate for our profession and his passion for the behavioral medicine profession make him a very well-deserving candidate.
Submitted by: Charles Regan
Ken's passion for teaching and psychiatry has profoundly impacted his students. One student expressed, "Ken has a great rhythm with his students and allows them to grow through patient interviewing and charting." Another shared, "I definitely left feeling more prepared to treat mental health and being excited to do just that."
Ken’s dedication to providing a comprehensive learning experience is evident, as students frequently praised his ability to balance hands-on practice with in-depth discussions. One student noted, "Ken pushed us to be better, giving the perfect balance of support and independence." Another added, "I learned how to be a gracious, caring, and empathetic provider from Ken, which is something I feel is vital in healthcare."
Ken's students have consistently praised his mentorship, with one saying, "Ken is a great preceptor, teacher, and mentor. His guidance has been invaluable." Ken is very actively working to change legislation to recognize PAs as mental health care providers in Michigan and showing current PA students how vital their voices are through MAPA. He brought PA students with him to Lansing to experience first hand how advocacy works.
Ken’s ability to foster a genuine interest in psychiatry and guide students with compassion and expertise has left a lasting impression. We are deeply grateful for his mentorship and the exceptional educational environment he creates for his students.
Submitted by: Abigail Meesseman
Ken has profoundly shaped my aspirations and growth as a physician assistant. His influence has been pivotal in guiding me towards becoming the provider I strive to be. Through his exemplary practice, Ken has shown me that despite the inherent frustrations and challenges associated with patient care, the commitment to go the extra mile is always worthwhile. During my final elective rotation in psychiatry, Ken served as my preceptor, and his impact on my professional development was significant and multifaceted.
From the very start of my rotation, Ken demonstrated an exceptional level of dedication and expertise. His daily efforts to teach and mentor were nothing short of inspiring. Ken didn’t just impart clinical knowledge; he embodied the principles of a compassionate and effective provider. He was meticulous in his approach to patient care, consistently utilizing evidence-based practices while remaining open to the latest advancements in treatment options. His approach was not merely academic; it was deeply rooted in a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of his patients.
The impact Ken has made on the Lansing community is immense. His extensive knowledge spans a wide array of medical disciplines, and his ability to integrate this knowledge into practical, patient-centered care is exemplary. Ken’s practice is a model of how we should all aim to provide care—combining rigorous scientific knowledge with a profound sense of empathy and compassion. His interactions with patients are characterized by a thorough and considerate approach, demonstrating his commitment to their well-being.
Ken is acutely aware of the challenges faced by students in the medical field. He understands the demands and pressures that come with medical education and training. Despite these challenges, Ken never misses an opportunity to educate and mentor his students. His dedication is evident in his willingness to take on learners from various institutions, including the University of Detroit Mercy, Michigan State University, and Central Michigan University. Ken’s willingness to engage with students from diverse educational backgrounds highlights his commitment to fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Ken’s excellence as a preceptor has not gone unnoticed. He has earned the Preceptor of the Year award from multiple universities, a testament to his exceptional qualities as an educator and mentor. His ability to inspire and guide students is reflected in the accolades he has received, and his contributions to the field of medical education are deeply appreciated by his peers and students alike.
Beyond his role as a preceptor, Ken’s involvement with the Michigan Academy of Physician Assistants (MAPA) and his advocacy for advancing the scope of practice in psychiatry further underscore his commitment to the profession. His efforts to push for legislative changes and expand the role of physician assistants in mental health care demonstrate a forward-thinking approach that benefits both the profession and the patients we serve. Ken’s advocacy work is instrumental in shaping the future of psychiatric care and expanding the impact of the PA profession.
Ken’s unwavering commitment to demonstrating the value and depth of knowledge that physician assistants bring to the field makes him an ideal candidate for this award. His exemplary practice, dedication to teaching, and advocacy for the profession reflect the highest standards of the PA field. Ken’s influence has been instrumental in my own professional development, and his contributions to both education and patient care are truly deserving of recognition.
Submitted by: Marlene Shaw-Gallagher