WHAT’S NOW Medical Magicians Jacqi Kernaghan, Physician Assistant Studies ‘04, M ‘06 The highly competitive PhilaU physician assistant program is ranked 18th in the nation and first in the state, and has a 95% PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) pass rate. Hearing this, it does not come as a surprise that our PA graduates are making tremendous contributions to medical care in our area and across the nation. One of our outstanding young alumni is Jacqi Kernaghan, who graduated with a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies in 2006, as well as a Bachelor’s in Physician Assistant Studies in 2004. Since graduating, Kernaghan has gained a wealth of various specialty skills, and found a specialty that truly pulls her heart and soul into her work—by helping patients with osteoporosis. After seven years working in primary care, Kernaghan was recruited by osteoporosis specialist Dr. Barry Jacobson to help begin one of the first osteoporosis programs 4 • SPRING 2014 in the area, to help diagnose and bring treatment plans and care to those suffering in our area—a hugely important initiative, considering the massive impact the disease has on people’s lives. Kernaghan provides indispensable care to those in need, and serves as a leader and mentor for other PAs with whom she works. At her previous position in a large primary care office in the suburbs of Philadelphia, she served as Chief PA. “I trained all of our PAs, and taught them to be confident and collected, and to stick up for themselves,” said Kernaghan. Kernaghan lectures nationally, serves as the Director at Large for the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants, is a Pennsylvania delegate to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and is a member in various other PA group committees. “There’s no way I could be where I am without my PA degree,” said Kernaghan. “My experience in extracurriculars and lacrosse at PhilaU also helped me learn key leadership skills, and how to market myself.” New Frontiers Scott Cramer, Finance ‘84 After answering a fateful Philadelphia Inquirer ad for a medical device sales job, Scott Cramer took his first step into a long and prosperous career leading various medical device companies and ventures to success. While he admittedly gravitated toward this specific industry because the position offered the highest commission of all the jobs listed, he stuck with it because he enjoyed it. “To be successful, you have to love what you do,” said Cramer. His typical plan of action when stepping into a new company: identify its problems, // In addition to her work with osteoporosis patients, Jacqi Kernaghan spends a lot of time giving back to her community. Above, she is working at a community health fair she organized. develop the best solutions, and put corrective actions into place. And this fullproof plan has led to success after success. “PhilaU helped me prepare for my career by combining real world experience with theoretical studies,” said Cramer. “I was taught by active professionals with a business enthusiasm, and they taught me how to pick up pearls of wisdom along my way.” He has led various medical companies, with his newest position as president and CEO of Accriva Diagnostics posing a new challenge altogether. “Just before I joined Accriva, the decision was made to move the entire company across the country. East Coast facilities are now being shut down, and everything has to move to San Diego by year end,” said Cramer. “PhilaU helped me prepare for my career by placing real world experience over theoretical studies.” Cramer looks forward to this challenge optimistically. He describes his career and as a journey, gaining new insights, knowledge and tools in each of his new positions, further preparing him for future endeavors.
Alumni Update Spring 2014
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