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The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) doesn’t call it the National Medical Challenge Bowl for nothing. It is indeed a challenge, as a team from the Salus at Drexel University Physician Assistant (PA) Studies in the College of Medicine program recently found out.
But it wasn’t the questions about microbiology, anatomy, primary care, cardiology, pediatrics, OBGYN, emergency medicine, surgery, and every other specialty in between that was the biggest takeaway from the competition. It was something just as valuable.
“One of the most memorable aspects of the competition was meeting PA students from other programs across the country,” said Diana Sanchez Zevallos ‘26PA, who, along with Bora Feruku ‘26PA and Cara Murray ‘26PA competed for the Salus at Drexel team. Lynette Vo ‘26PA, was the alternate. “It was exciting to interact with peers who were at similar stages in their training and to participate in a fun, friendly competition while representing our program.”
Of course, the competition didn’t lack for other types of excitement as well. Even before it started, there was a countdown to when all the spectators charged into the ballroom to get to their seats and support their teams.
This year’s event, held May 18, 2026, at the national AAPA conference in New Orleans, drew 87 teams comprised of PA students from programs around the country, including the Drexel University PA program, which is in the College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) separate and different from the Salus at Drexel PA program. The competition consists of three preliminary rounds, featuring questions that span a wide range of medical topics. A final round determines the Challenge Bowl champion.
The Salus at Drexel team prepared for the competition by meeting with faculty advisors Cara Orr, MMS, PA-C, director of Didactic Education and associate professor in the Elkins Park campus-based PA program; Michelle Fischer, MMS ‘09, PA-C, assistant professor; and Jeanne-Marie Pucillo, DHSc, MAPAS, PA-C, clinical coordinator and associate professor, to practice Challenge Bowl-style questions and review material that could potentially be covered during the competition.
“These practice sessions helped us become more familiar with the format and improve our teamwork when answering questions under time pressure,” said Sanchez Zevallos.
The team’s preparation paid off, as they successfully answered questions correctly during the competition. While they did not earn enough points to advance beyond the first round, the experience provided a valuable opportunity to apply their knowledge in a highly competitive national setting.
“They had fun, and we were happy to have them represent our program, so it's a win in our book!” said Orr.
The students who participated said they were excited to represent one of Drexel’s two PA programs, as well as the University, on a national stage.
“Being a member of the Salus at Drexel Challenge Bowl team has strengthened my medical knowledge by encouraging me to review and retain information from a wide variety of specialties,” said Murray. “Preparing for the competition reinforced concepts learned in the classroom and exposed me to topics that may not be covered in depth during regular coursework.”
In addition to connecting with other students from across the nation and in the other Drexel University program, Sanchez Zevallos said the experience gave her a chance to challenge herself academically. “It was a fun and rewarding experience that allowed me to build confidence, strengthen teamwork skills, and create lasting memories with my classmates,” she said.
