Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Grad Program/Degree: Physician Assistant, MMS

Extracurriculars: I am the Constituent Chapter Student Representative for my PA school campus. Basically, I planned fun events for PA month (October) and organized PA Olympics (Website linked here) in the Spring. I also am on the ministry team for the non-profit, Youth Equipped to Serve. In my free time, I love anything active (recommend looking at the app ClassPass that gives discounts to workout classes), reading, painting, and dancing!

Favorite Arcadia Memory: One memory that stands out is taking a medical service trip to Lima, Peru with my PA school class! We traveled here with MEDLIFE to provide Primary, OBGYN, and dental care to rural communities and clean up a park for a local group. I was impressed with how MEDLIFE worked with local community members, including doctors and dentists, to learn what was most needed. In addition to the incredible experience learning from the people in Lima, this trip was great for bonding with my classmates and professors before we all scattered for our year of clinical rotations.

Post-grad Plans/Goals: I hope to work in in-patient pediatrics! Additionally, working in Peru and learning on an international rotation in Rurrenabaque, Bolivia strengthened my desire to work globally and locally. I also am interested in public health and hope to be involved in advocacy for policies addressing barriers to healthcare. For example, my capstone is on Produce Prescription Programs and their potential to improve health outcomes among patients who are food insecure.

Spencer received The Gretchen M. Paruch Humanitarian Service Award at this year’s Honors Convocation. “Anna Spencer is an exemplary candidate for the Gretchen M Paruch Humanitarian Award due to her unwavering commitment to both service and her academic excellence, evident in her impressive GPA of 3.749,” wrote the faculty who nominated her. “Her leadership skills shine through her role as the Constituent Chapter Student Representative (CCSR) in SAAAPA, demonstrating her ability to inspire and guide her peers. Anna’s dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she actively engages in fundraising for the Peru Medical Mission Trip and PA Olympics, showcasing her profound commitment to community service and her profession.”