Physician assistant students from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) showcased their clinical skills and teamwork on a national stage, advancing to the semifinal round at the 2026 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) annual iSCAN Ultrasound Competition in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Competing against more than 50 teams from programs across the country, Physician Assistant (PA) students from UNR Med navigated a rigorous three-hour competition that tested their knowledge and technical abilities across cardiac, lung, vascular, ocular, trauma, musculoskeletal and abdominal ultrasound. 

“Having the chance to represent UNR Med and the PA program was an incredible opportunity, and I felt an immense amount of pride,” said Broder Thurston, a first-year PA student. “The PA program has done a phenomenal job at creating a reputation of excellence in the iSCAN competition, and it was a great feeling to be carrying on the legacy.” 

The Physician Assistant Studies program at UNR Med was ranked No. 21 out of 206 programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report in 2025. Accredited-Continued by ARC-PA, the program — established in 2018 — is known for its rigorous, hands-on curriculum, preparing graduates to confidently enter clinical practice after passing their national board certification exam. 

Applying classroom learning in real time 

The iSCAN competition pushes students beyond traditional testing, requiring them to apply clinical reasoning and ultrasound skills in fast-paced, high-pressure scenarios. Teams rotate through stations where they must answer verbal questions, perform live scans, identify anatomy and interpret images in real time. 

For first-year PA student Jennifer Miller, the experience was both challenging and validating. “iSCAN really challenged us to think quickly and apply our ultrasound knowledge under pressure,” she said. “It pushed us to integrate anatomy, pathology, clinical reasoning and scanning technique all at once.” 

Students say the competition reflects how UNR Med’s curriculum prioritizes hands-on learning. “It was awesome to apply all the knowledge in a clinical setting,” Thurston said. “The competition felt like another day in the lab rather than a national competition.” 

This confidence stems in part from the program’s strong emphasis on ultrasound education. Students train extensively using handheld devices and participate in repeated hands-on labs, building both technical skill and clinical understanding. 

“Many of the ultrasound proctors commented on how well-prepared our team was,” Miller said. “That was really validating and showed how strong our ultrasound education is at UNR Med.” 

One of the biggest strengths of the PA program at UNR Med is how heavily it incorporates ultrasound into education early on.  

“Each student has their own Butterfly ultrasound probe, and we practice on each other frequently,” Miller said. “Our faculty also really encourages us to think critically while scanning, and I think that preparation really paid off in this competition.” 

Performing under pressure 

UNR Med fielded two teams at the competition, with one advancing to the semifinals and finishing fourth overall after a close matchup against Yale University, the eventual champion. 

Miller described the moment of advancing as both exciting and hard-earned. “We were so excited to hear that we had advanced to the top six teams,” she said. “We scored perfectly in every station except one.” 

In the semifinal round, the team went head-to-head with Yale and finished just seconds behind. “Yale narrowly beat us to advance,” she said. “I’m incredibly proud of how our team performed under pressure and how we collaborated.” 

That collaboration was a defining strength. Students emphasized that success depended not only on individual knowledge but also on communication and trust. “We were able to understand one another with respect and utilize each other’s strengths,” Thurston said. “That teamwork set us apart.” 

For second-year PA student Megan Clowers, competing for a second time highlighted just how far she and her classmates had come. “Last year, the competition felt very overwhelming; this year, I entered feeling much more confident,” she said. “It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come.” 

A program built for success 

UNR Med’s consistent success at iSCAN reflects a broader commitment to excellence in ultrasound education. For the past four years, teams have advanced to semifinal or final rounds, building a reputation recognized by programs nationwide. 

Janelle Kievit, a first-year PA student, said that recognition was evident throughout the conference. “It was rewarding to see how highly regarded the UNR Med PA program is nationally,” she said. “Other programs were familiar with our success in ultrasound education and competition.” 

Students credit faculty mentorship — especially from Associate Professor Megan Biagi, PA-C — for helping them achieve that level of preparedness. 

“Professor Biagi has built up the ultrasound curriculum so well that we were not surprised by any of the questions,” Thurston said. 

Clowers echoed that sentiment, adding that faculty support has been instrumental in the program’s success. “Her unwavering support and encouragement inspire so many students to pursue excellence,” she said. “We owe much of our success to her dedication, mentorship and belief in her students.” 

More than competition 

Beyond the technical challenge, students say the experience reinforced important professional skills they will carry into their careers. 

“The ability to collaborate in a high-stakes environment and perform well under pressure is a skill we will use every day as future PAs,” Miller said. 

The broader AAPA Conference also gave students opportunities to network, attend lectures and connect with PA professionals from across the country. Kievit described the event as both educational and energizing. “It was valuable to connect with PA professionals and learn how they are incorporating ultrasound into their clinical practice,” she said. 

For Miller, the experience also reinforced her long-term goals of practicing in rural medicine. “Ultrasound has shown me how powerful point-of-care imaging can be, especially in rural or underserved areas,” she said. “I’m excited to bring that back to communities like the one I grew up in.” 

Blending professionalism with personality  

Even amid intense competition, UNR Med students stood out for their creativity. Continuing a program tradition, they competed in Reno 911-themed costumes — complete with fake mustaches.

“Dressing up brings a lot of humor and team spirit into an otherwise intense environment,” Miller said. 

The tradition, which began several years ago, has become a hallmark of the program and a way to connect with others.  “It creates a lighthearted and memorable atmosphere that helps build connections,” Kievit added. 

Looking ahead 

While the team fell just short of the championship round this year, students say the experience only strengthened their enthusiasm for ultrasound and reinforced the value of hands-on learning. “I can honestly say that participating in the iSCAN competition is one of the best parts of PA school,” Clowers said. 

Students also encourage future cohorts to take advantage of the opportunity. “You are more prepared than you think,” Kievit said. “It’s an incredibly fun and rewarding experience.” 

For faculty, the true measure of success extends beyond competition results. “While winning the competition is a great goal, my ultimate measure of success is that our students can safely and effectively use the tools and resources available to provide the best possible care for their future patients,” Biagi said. 

The strong performance of UNR Med’s Physician Assistant Studies students at iSCAN reflects the quality of the program’s curriculum and training. Ultrasound is just one of many skills students develop throughout their education, and opportunities like iSCAN allow them to demonstrate the knowledge, critical thinking and clinical competencies they will carry into practice. Competing alongside larger and more established programs further highlights the preparation and dedication of UNR Med students as they work toward becoming skilled health care providers.