News
GVFaces: Patrick Smith
March 11, 2025
Patrick Smith's introduction to a health care career occurred when he was 16 and wearing a National Ski Patrol jacket at Crystal Mountain.
"I was entrusted with significant responsibility at a young age, practicing first aid, assisting injured skiers and snowboarders," he said. "Once stabilized, we would refer them to the emergency department at the local hospital. That department was staffed by a single physician assistant (PA). That introduced me to the profession and I’ve never looked back."
In January, Smith took on a new role as assistant professor and the new site director for the Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) program at the Traverse City Campus.
Smith has a long history with the Traverse City PAS program. He began working as an affiliate clinical faculty member and serving as a preceptor for students in the emergency department. When Grand Valley established a satellite PAS program in Traverse City, Smith took on an adjunct faculty role.
“Our students are eager to enter the health care field, and my passion is supporting them in maintaining that enthusiasm so they stay and practice medicine in Northern Michigan,” he said.
Last year, support for students included making a trip to Northwest Education Services’ agricultural and medical assistant programs to test a few pregnant sheep with ultrasound equipment in front of high school students.
“I told them I wasn’t a veterinarian but was excited for the opportunity. We brought the equipment and two PA students, allowing the high school students to observe the ewes and talk about the pathway to becoming a PA,” he said. “Anything that sparks student interest and encourages them to consider a health care career early on is a tremendous success.”
The satellite PAS program opened in Traverse City in 2015 with goals to educate, train and retain health care professionals in Northern Michigan. Smith emphasized that local employers recognize the program’s strong reputation and the high caliber of Grand Valley graduates. A key focus of his role is expanding clinical preceptor partnerships.
“In Northern Michigan, we are fortunate to have strong clinical partnerships with seven health care systems and numerous private clinics. The high retention rate of our graduates would not be possible without these invaluable collaborations," he said.
Next fall, Grand Valley's Traverse City Campus will relocate to Northwestern Michigan's College's Front Street Campus. The academic programs are now housed in NMC's University Center on Dendrinos Drive. Smith said the move will offer students more support and easier access to resources.
"The Front Street Campus offers a library, fitness facilities, and additional collaborative spaces, creating a more student-centered environment," he said. "This move will further strengthen Grand Valley’s partnership with NMC and its connection to the Northern Michigan community.”
By Michele Coffill