Physician assistant students usually have to wait for the second year in their program to get hands-on education in a medical office. James Kreter, M.D., a part-time instructor in Moreno Valley College’s PA program and practicing ophthalmologist at Riverside Medical Clinic, routinely shortcuts that process.

 “It’s important that the students understand what it really means to provide health services to their patients.  This impacts a person’s life, their vision, their sight.  The classroom is not the same as coming into the clinic,” Dr. Kreter said.

During ophthalmology week in the PA program, Dr. Kreter spends a morning lecturing at the Moreno Valley College campus, followed by an afternoon field trip to his medical offices at RMC where students learn how to use the specialized equipment by practicing on each other.

First-year PA students were excited to get hands-on training usually reserved for their second-year colleagues. Randy Bonds, 44 and a former EMT in Orange County, said, “This program came highly recommended by the PA’s I worked with at hospitals as an EMT. Now I know why.” 

On this afternoon, Dr. Kreter rotated among the examination rooms, working with students and explaining how the equipment functioned, his energy and enthusiasm showing why he is a favorite among students and staff.  Watching him interact with students, Program Director and Associate Professor Delores Middleton stated, “We are fortunate to have Dr. Kreter. He is one of four adjunct faculty who assist in the PA program, teaching a particular specialty module .  He is one of the assets that makes our PA program unique in the state.”

Slowing Dr. Kreter down to be interviewed proved difficult.  “This story is not just about me, it’s about mentoring students and reaching out to give back to the community.  That is a commitment the Clinic embraces, not just me,” Kreter said. 

The intensive MVC PA program is recognized as one of the best in California.  Students attend classes five days a week for 24 months, with no breaks. Of the hundreds of applications received each year, only 33 students are selected.  Under RCCD Board Policy, qualified Moreno Valley residents receive first priority, followed by applicants from Riverside County and then outside the county.  A recent HRSA grant will allow Dr. Middleton to expand the program and accept seven more students a year.

At the end of the day, PA students Heather Morse and Bill Sullivan presented Dr. Kreter with a plaque and gift basket to express the class’s appreciation.

 

 

Class President Heather Morse and Vice President Bill Sullivan are pictured with Dr. Kreter, Dr. Delores Middleton, Program Director and Paula Stafford, Assistant Professor.