The David J Keahey, PA-C, BUS, MSPH Endowed Scholarship in Physician Assistant Studies

David Keahey, PA-C, BUS, MSPH grew up in rural Idaho and graduated from UPAP in 1983 after serving three years as a decorated US Army DUSTOFF flight medic. He went on to graduate from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of University Studies (Primary Care Medicine) and a Master’s of Science in Public Health. David practiced family medicine for 24 years at the Salt Lake Community Health Centers (CHC, Inc.) where he served six years as associate medical director and medical director. He volunteered weekly at the Maliheh Free Clinic for many years caring for a diverse population of uninsured patients and precepting students. David has received numerous teaching and service awards including the 2004 Inner City PA of the Year PAragon Award from the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). In 2013, he was awarded the Maliheh Free Clinic Compassion and Service Award. Dave was only the second PA in 3 decades to be selected as a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellow. Dave served in Washington DC in this capacity for one year after which he became the Chief Policy & Research Officer for the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) where he works on health care policy related to the PA profession.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. The applicant must be a Physician Assistant Student enrolled in the Utah Physician Assistant Studies Program, in any year of study.
2. The applicant must be able to demonstrate financial need.
a. You must have a current FAFSA on file with the Financial Aid Office.
3. The applicant must be a first-generation college student.

Award Distribution:
One Scholarship in the amount of $500 will be awarded Summer Semester to a qualified applicant determined by the Physician Assistant Studies Scholarship Committee.
Disclaimer: Please note that a check will not be issued. This award will offset tuition costs for Summer Semester and will reduce financial aid eligibility by the amount of the scholarship.

Award
$500
Deadline
03/31/2024
Supplemental Questions
  1. David Keahey has successfully balanced his career between teaching students, volunteering, and serving underserved populations. How do you see your future after graduation? What things are you passionate about and how can that passion help you grow as a potential teacher, leader, volunteer, and clinician? Please write a 400 – 500 word essay on how you can follow Keahey’s example to achieve a successful, balanced career.