Two student teams from Canisius University’s Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program finished in the top third of all competing schools, nationwide, at the 2026 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) iScan Competition, held in New Orleans. The Canisius teams competed against 44 programs from across the country and placed 6th and 13th. This is the second consecutive year Canisius placed in the top tier of the national competition.
Hosted by the American Academy of Physician Associates, the AAPA iScan Competition is a highly competitive, gamified ultrasound challenge designed specifically for PA students. The event tests knowledge, speed and technical proficiency in point-of-care ultrasound through hands-on clinical scenarios and timed skill stations. The simulations are designed to mirror the high-pressure, real-world demands students will face in clinical practice.
“What you see in these results is what we build every day – confident, capable students who can perform under pressure and deliver excellent care,” added Aimee Larson, DMSc, PA-C, director of the PA Studies Program. “That’s exactly what the profession needs and it’s what our program is designed to produce.”
Point-of-care ultrasound has become one of the most valued diagnostic tools in modern healthcare, enabling providers to rapidly assess patients and make real-time decisions at their bedside. Competitions such as the AAPA iScan help the next generation of physician assistants develop the advanced skills and composure the profession demands.
The students weren’t the only ones who graduated this month. After 10 weeks of training, enrichment games and plenty of treats, the dogs of the Applied Dog Behavior course graduated with sharper skills, boosted confidence and tails wagging. Oh, and the students learned a lot too, gaining hands-on experience in humane, science-based animal training. Read the story HERE.
The Buffalo News interviewed Julie Anna Golebiewski, PhD, for a May 22 story about the Buffalo Niagara job market. The assistant professor of economics noted, “It’s promising that we haven’t seen job losses in the face of these economic headwinds,” referring to new data that shows the region’s employers are not hiring much but nor are they firing. Click here to read the full story.
We are fortunate to benefit from the continued generosity of our donors. To ensure all gifts are properly acknowledged and recorded, we ask that any donations received by your department be forwarded promptly to Advancement Services.
As we approach our fiscal year-end on May 31, 2026, it is especially important that all gifts are processed in a timely manner so donors can receive appropriate acknowledgment and tax documentation.
If your department is currently holding any donation checks—including those where the intended designation is unclear—please forward them as soon as possible to: Advancement Services George Martin, Attention: Sharon Federico
Canisius faculty and staff are invited to attend a Town Hall with the Senior Leadership Team on Wednesday, May 27 at 3:00 p.m. in the Regis Room of the Richard E. Winter ’43 Student Center. Please save the date by adding this event to your calendar. President Stoute will provide an update on the university’s strategic initiatives, celebrate key institutional wins, and recognize the dedication and years of service of members of the Canisius community. The format will then shift to a campus conversation and working session focused on the university’s path forward. Attendees are encouraged to come prepared with ideas, perspectives and questions that can help shape what comes next for Canisius. The conversation will explore opportunities for growth, approaches to addressing challenges and how we move Canisius forward, together. The session is designed to foster open dialogue and engagement across the campus community.
Canisius faculty and staff are invited to attend a Town Hall with the Senior Leadership Team on Wednesday, May 27 at 3:00 p.m. in the Regis Room of the Richard E. Winter ’43 Student Center. 