BUFFALO, NY – The New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA) will recognize three members of Canisius University’s Physician Assistant Studies program during its October 18 conference. Two students will receive NYSSPA scholarships and a Canisius faculty member will be honored with the organization’s prestigious President’s Award.
NYSSPA selected Miya Carmichael and Scott Heldwein, both clinical-year PA students, for scholarships, which the organization awards annually to three outstanding PA students across New York State. In addition to academic funds, scholarship recipients receive mentorship from a current NYSSPA board member or committee chair.
Carmichael earned her bachelor’s degree in integrative neuroscience from Binghamton University and has been an active leader at Canisius, serving on NYSSPA's Pediatrics Special Interest Group, Leadership Committee and DEI Committee, as well as Community Service Chair for the Student PA Association. Prior to entering PA school, Carmichael gained diverse patient care experience across OBGYN, med/surg, and memory care settings. She also founded the first collegiate chapter of TOPSoccer, which works to enrich the lives of children with special needs through sports.
Carmichael has clinical interests in pediatrics, critical care and OBGYN, and is expected to graduate from Canisius University in May 2026. She hopes to combine a career in medicine with academic service.
Heldwein earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University at Buffalo in 2023. His healthcare background includes work as a medical assistant with Great Lakes Cancer Care and as a certified nursing assistant (CAN) at a rehabilitation facility. At Canisius, he is vice president of his cohort, organizing service and fundraising initiatives, while also volunteering with UBHeals, a street medicine program serving Buffalo's homeless population. He has also participated in international outreach through a medical trip to Peru.
With interests in oncology and PrEP/HIV advocacy, Heldwein plans to pursue a doctor of medical science (DMSc) degree after graduation to expand his impact beyond clinical practice.
NYSSPA will also honor Canisius faculty member Donna Anderson, MPAS, PA-C, with the organization’s President’s Award. The award recognizes exemplary PAs who have demonstrated dedication and leadership within NYSSPA and to the PA profession.
Anderson is a clinical associate professor and clinical education coordinator of the PA Studies Program at Canisius University. She has worked in the surgical field for more than 25 years, with 18 of those years for the Catholic Health System of Buffalo.
Anderson graduated from D'Youville University School of Nursing and the School of PA Studies and completed her master's degree in PA Studies from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 2016. She previously served as vice president of the Western New York PA Association (WNYPAA) and as board director for several terms for NYSSPA. She has also served as a clinical PA preceptor for several PA programs and has been instrumental in educating future PAs in Western New York.
"We are extremely proud of Miya and Scott for receiving this recognition from NYSSPA, and equally proud of Donna for her well-deserved President's Award," said Aimee Larson, DMSc, PA-C, director of the Canisius University Physician Assistant Studies program. "Their commitment to patient care, leadership and community service reflects the very best of our program and the PA profession."
NYSSPA's mission is to provide PAs a strong and collaborative voice through advocacy and the advancement of the environment for PA practice, focused on quality patient and healthcare outcomes.
The PA Studies program at Canisius University prepares students for advanced clinical practice with a strong focus on community engagement, ethical patient care and leadership in diverse healthcare settings. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted the Physician Assistant Studies program at Canisius University Accreditation-Continued status.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
