Department of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Assistant Professor and interprofessional inspirer Kathryn Reed is a regular on the interprofessional research and training circuit. Reed leads by example in inspiring her peers and students to support community-engaged research in the interprofessional areas of health disparities and inequities, preventative care services and patient education in underrepresented groups. Earlier this month, she was awarded the 2024 PA Education Association Excellence Through Diversity Award recognizing her substantial contributions to PA education in diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
“Kathryn Reed is an interprofessional leader who consistently inspires both colleagues and students with her commitment to equity and inclusion. As the Vice Chair for Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement in the Department of PA Studies, Kathryn Reed sets a powerful example for all by leading community-engaged work and championing healthcare for all.”
– Christina Davis, Department of PA Studies Chair
“Professor Reed has done an outstanding job providing mentorship for underrepresented groups and increasing available resources for those interested in medicine. She also has matched PA students from different geographic locations and backgrounds in hopes of bridging the cultural gap. She truly wants us to succeed and we are thankful for having her!”
– Malachi Perez (PAS ‘24)
CuPID
Reed co-leads the Pitt Community, Partnership, Identity, and Dialogue (CuPID) course alongside colleague Susan Graff, assistant professor and director of the PA Studies on-campus program. CuPID is a free, self-paced asynchronous course that can be completed in 20 hours. The course explores identity and positionality through first person narrative storytelling and asks learners to consider their own identities and positionality within systems like higher education or healthcare as context for examining concepts such as oppression, equity, and community building. Although CuPID Summer 2024 data is pending, the first iteration of the course had participation from 20 SHRS faculty and students.
AI and Health Care
Reed is also a co-investigator on a Pitt Innovation in Education Award, “Gaining the E.D.G.E (Educational Development in the Growing Era) of AI” to begin the work of helping faculty and students be workforce-ready at the intersection of AI and health care. Her contributions include cohort survey tool development, a student-facing presentation on AI in Patient Education and Communication and a faculty-facing presentation on Ethical Considerations in AI Education alongside co-investigator, Associate Professor Carlos Gutiérrez.
Future Health Care Provider Outreach Program
As the Department of PA Studies’ Vice Chair for Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement, Reed leads by example in inspiring her students to not only support underserved communities alongside their interprofessional colleagues in their future practice, but also in their current role as PA students. In 2021, several on-campus program PA students wanted to engage with the community in a meaningful way and share information about the PA profession. They specifically wanted to encourage younger individuals from marginalized and underserved communities to become a part of the PA profession. This led to the creation of the Future Health Care Provider Outreach Program (FHCPOP).
With Reed as the faculty lead, the FHCPOP has grown into an interdisciplinary program providing experiential, career-oriented monthly events for middle and high school learners from underrepresented-in-medicine backgrounds. Faculty and students from a variety of SHRS disciplines including Emergency Medicine, Physician Assistant Studies, Communication Science and Disorders, Athletic Training, Dietetics and Nutrition, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy participate annually. The FHCPOP has partnered with Pittsburgh’s Neighborhood Academy and its students since programming began in 2022 and is currently starting its fourth cohort.
Multi-Cultural Pre-Health Panel
Reed also co-leads the Multi-Cultural Pre-Health Panel Series alongside the Pre-Health Resource Center team. During the panels, graduate students from diverse backgrounds share advice about their intended profession and the journey to their current program to ensure that minoritized undergraduate students have access to graduate students from the health science programs and professions who represent their identities and lived experiences. This event series was initially envisioned by PAS alumnus, Deionte Harrilla-Gray, who brought the idea to Reed.
“Professor Reed is an exceptional educator and provider who goes above and beyond for everyone she encounters. Throughout my time in the PA program at Pitt, I have consistently felt supported by her. Her passion for advancing the PA profession is truly inspiring, and I have been honored to serve alongside her on the Multi-Cultural Pre-Health Committee. Her willingness to embrace creativity, open-mindedness, and consistency has had a profound impact on me as a future PA. Her students, colleagues, and patients alike are fortunate to know her. She brings joy to every conversation and interaction, and her influence resonates deeply.”
– Kierra Smith (PAS ‘24)
