The Sconi

The Aspirus Office of Medical Education (OME) has announced the recipient of its annual Joy Award, which recognizes the contributions of clinical teachers to medical students and advanced practice clinician (APC) students. This year, Ciara Zdroik, a certified physician assistant with Aspirus Riverview Behavioral Health, has been honored with the award.

Zdroik is noted for her dedication as a clinical teacher, demonstrating what it means to be a healer and emphasizing the privilege involved in patient care. Her approach to teaching and patient interaction has left a positive impact on her students.

A physician assistant student remarked on Zdroik's qualities, stating: “Ciara was an incredible preceptor, showing an immense amount of compassion and enthusiasm for her field of behavioral health. She easily created an environment of trust for her patients, who clearly were so thankful for her care. Ciara was an excellent teacher and role model for me as a future PA. She is very deserving of this award!”

This marks the sixth year that Aspirus OME has celebrated the efforts of its physicians and APCs in their roles as educators.