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Jeff Szymanski, clinical assistant professor and director of didactics in 51����’s Physician Assistant Studies program, has won the 2026 Community Impact Award from the New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA).

Szymanski, a Belfast, New York, native who now lives in Portville, is among a select group of NYSSPA members who have distinguished themselves through service to their communities, their profession, and the organization. The awards also recognize New York’s physician assistant education programs and their commitment to preparing future healthcare professionals.

Recipients will be honored at the NYSSPA Clara Vanderbilt Gala on Oct. 17 during the organization’s annual Continuing Medical Education Conference at the Albany Capital Center.

“Jeff is the kind of faculty member every program hopes to have,” said Dr. Keith Young, founding director of St. Bonaventure’s Physician Assistant Studies program. “He brings exceptional clinical expertise, proven leadership, and a genuine commitment to serving others. Our students don’t just learn medicine from him. They learn what it means to lead with integrity, humility and compassion.”

Beyond the classroom, Szymanski is deeply involved in mentoring students and expanding opportunities for service. He serves as faculty adviser for the university’s Military Aligned Student Program, supporting veteran wellness initiatives, and Students Without Borders, a student organization dedicated to providing health care services in underserved communities. 

Under his leadership, Students Without Borders received a 2026 Toulmin Foundation grant to establish a mobile clinic serving underserved communities in the Dominican Republic, creating new opportunities for students to apply their education while advancing access to care for vulnerable populations.

“Jeff’s work with Students Without Borders and his commitment to underserved communities, near and far, perfectly reflect the mission of our program. I couldn’t be prouder of what he has accomplished,” Young said.

Szymanski joined St. Bonaventure after an accomplished career in military and emergency medicine. A 13-year U.S. Army veteran, he served as an aeromedical physician assistant with the 10th Mountain Division and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning the Combat Medical Badge for his service.

After his military career, Szymanski practiced emergency medicine throughout Western New York and held leadership positions with TeamHealth, including serving as regional director of Advanced Practice Clinicians for the Northeast Group.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies through the Interservice Physician Assistant Program and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska School of Medicine.

St. Bonaventure’s Physician Assistant Studies program, part of the university’s Dennis R. DePerro School of Health Professions, prepares graduates to provide compassionate, evidence-based care while emphasizing service, leadership and the Franciscan values that define the university’s mission.