Recent lawsuit spotlights mental health unease within Quinnipiac PA program
April 26, 2022
In light of a discrimination lawsuit against Quinnipiac University, former physician assistant students told The Chronicle that those in the program have been in an “unsupportive environment” that runs their mental health “into the ground.”
“I feel like Quinnipiac, the PA program specifically, has a really toxic environment, that I think (is) kind of emblematic of a core problem with a lot of medical training, which is very militaristic,” said a PA program graduate who agreed to speak with The Chronicle under an anonymity condition for fear of retaliation.
In March, former physician assistant student Alexandra Faulkner, who was clinically diagnosed with depression and anxiety, sued Quinnipiac for allegedly expelling her based upon her need for disability accommodations. She accused that the university’s “hostile and discriminatory environment” led to more severe mental distress.
The university did not comment on the pending litigation.
Another former PA student Seren Erol said she was “relieved” when she heard of the lawsuit and proud of her classmate for being able to put it in motion.
“It’s something I wanted to do as well, but I didn’t have the resources to or the mental-emotional capacity to do it,” said Erol, who was also dismissed from the program in fall 2019 after she failed her end-of-rotation exam.
Erol said what Faulkner described in the lawsuit is “very accurate,” noting that the PA program has “a very cutthroat environment.” Everyone down from faculty members to clinical preceptors could be very unprofessional, she said.
Part of what the two former students described as toxic included a setting that incentivizes students to keep problems they faced to themselves over fears of retaliation from the program and being unsuccessful in the medical field.
The anonymous PA graduate told The Chronicle their daily routine included being on campus from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on a daily basis with a “tremendous” amount of work on weekends, essentially isolating them from their social life.
“It was a common theme that if you did ask for help, you were essentially singled out and maybe not given a fair chance,” Erol said. “We would all just encourage each other to not ask for help after that.”
Multiple sources with knowledge or experience with the PA program confirmed the former students’ sentiment.
It was a common theme that if you did ask for help, you were essentially singled out and maybe not given a fair chance. We would all just encourage each other to not ask for help after that.
— Seren Erol, former PA student
In a statement to The Chronicle, Dean of School of Health Sciences Janelle Chiasera said she and Chair of PA Studies Tim Ferrarotti have an open-door policy and “always want to hear from students, whether it’s to share feedback, concerns or ideas on how to enhance their learning experience.”
“Quinnipiac’s PA program is committed to giving all of its students the support they need and delivering a high-quality academic experience and clinical training that will position them to be exemplary PAs and PA leaders upon successful completion of the program,” Chiasera said.
Ferrarotti did not respond to The Chronicle’s requests for comments. Former Chair of PA Studies Dennis Brown, who is now at the University of New England, declined to comment on the views toward the program and whether he was aware of such concerns during his time as a department chair, from 2012-21.
Another source who also asked for anonymity for fear of retaliation said they hope this lawsuit shines a light on concerns around mental health among health care students. They emphasized the need for more counseling resources because they had seen people breaking down and crying in classes, which they believed wouldn’t have happened with more appropriate support.
It’s something Erol agreed with. She said her dismissal, her unsuccessful appeal process and her time in the program worsened her anxiety and hindered her self-confidence.
“They definitely need a change in faculty, which would be the best place to start,” Erol said. “It should be part of the curriculum for (PA students) to go see the school psychologists or the counselor that’s on-site.”
Faulkner’s lawsuit is not the first time Quinnipiac has been accused of discrimination against students with disabilities.
Last year, former nurse anesthesia student Derrick Sutton sued Quinnipiac for failing to accommodate his disability, failing him despite his passing grade and ultimately dismissing him from the program in 2019. Sutton, an African American man, also alleged that he was subjected to “a hostile environment due to his race,” according to the initial complaint.
The lawsuit, filed in New York, was struck down in December 2021 due to the court’s lack of jurisdiction over Quinnipiac. As part of Quinnipiac’s motion to dismiss, the university challenged the factual allegations citing a lack of evidence of harassment or discrimination. Sutton filed an appeal with a higher court in January 2022.
In 2012, another former student filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice alleging the university dismissed them after they sought mental health counseling services and refusing to refund their tuition.
Even though Quinnipiac settled the case in December 2014, the DOJ found that the university discriminated against the student in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act by “placing her on mandatory medical leave because of her depression.”
“Specifically, Quinnipiac University failed to consider modifying its mandatory medical leave policy to permit the complainant to complete her coursework while living off campus by attending classes either online or in person,” the DOJ wrote.
The Chronicle has filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the DOJ seeking investigation files for the inquiry into the allegations.
As part of the settlement, Quinnipiac created a “non-discrimination policy,” addressing disabilities including mental ones. Said policy can be found in the university’s course catalog.
Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut Deirdre Daly, lead attorney for the 2012 complaint, did not comment on the lawsuit filed by Faulkner and whether she thinks the non-discrimination policy by Quinnipiac has been efficient. Daly referred The Chronicle to Michelle McConaghy, USAO-CT’s chief of the Civil Division’s Defensive Unit, whose office declined to comment.
Sydney Reynolds, special to The Chronicle, contributed to this report.
JT • Jan 20, 2024 at 9:03 pm
A little late to this conversation, but I am a former QU PA student from many years ago (approx 10 years or so). It’s such a huge weight off my shoulders to see these grievances against the QU PA program finally come to light, as I had a very similar experience all those years ago.
Although I would never wish these experiences on anyone, I can’t tell you how validating it is to know that I wasn’t the only one that this happened to.
It’s almost uncanny how similar these grievances echo my own. I, too, was targeted and singled out by the QU PA faculty because of my mental health struggles. Despite maintaining the required GPA average (I never failed a test) and passing all of my clinical rotations, I was still told I was not up to par and that I would fail as a provider. I can give many specific examples of the treatment I endured, but I will not go into details here.
This just goes to show you that this toxic, discriminatory behavior has been going on for a very, very long time, and I’m incredibly relieved that QU and the QU PA program are finally being held accountable.
Anon3 • May 6, 2022 at 2:33 pm
This program nor the faculty is as accommodating and understanding as they perceive themselves to be when you enter as a first year student. If any current student is able to speak about unexpected personal issues or anything dire happening that perhaps may be impeding on their ability to do well in the program and the faculty actually listens to you with open arms, consider yourselves lucky! This is not everyone’s experience. This is why allegations of discrimination about this program is finally coming to light, and as a former student, it’s about time QU is being exposed.
During my time as a student, one classmate in particular was dealing with some personal stuff and unfortunately could not continue the program at the time. This person was luckily granted permission to resume with the following PA class.
However, when other students are hit with wild curve balls as well, why isn’t the same treatment being applied to them? Yes, PA school is difficult. Yes, we know it is going to be challenging. Yes, we know it’s going to break us mentally. All of these things are expected. The problem is not every student is treated equally and fairly when needing any sort of accommodations.
Those APRC meetings are a total waste and only in place to instill fear into any student who falls short of the precious “83%.” You get summoned to sit in front of the staff and explain why you felt short on the exams, as if the faculty cares to help you in your weak areas. It’s all a facade. Unless you’re one of the lucky ones or favorites as some of these other comments have stated their helping hand from the program with their respective situations. TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY. We come from different backgrounds and cultures. We are not the same and the PA program at QU needs to recognize this.
Steph • May 3, 2022 at 10:09 pm
In response to the two QU PA students that wrote supportive comments advocating the virtuous PA faculty and Program, you are exactly right when two people do not have the exact same experience. This is very evident of the individuals that came forward for this article for the QU Chronicle. Most people that spoke to the journalists requested anonymity due to fears of retaliation. These individuals shared their VALID experiences in hopes to address the issues that they had while students in the PA Program, and to try and stop it from happening to others. There are examples in history where individuals that enjoy preferential treatment and privileged status will never complain about how the unfortunate are treated, and will also go to great lengths to deny it ever happening as well. I believe due to the recent comments that we know which group everyone belongs to now.
Discrimination is illegal. There is a reason for the current lawsuit that the QU PA Program now faces. I would challenge you to read the lawsuit again and ask specific faculty members if the allegations are true. There is also a reason for the two critical articles that the QU Chronicle has published, as there are problems with the Program. To deny this and make judgements based on your own limited experience shows a moral deficiency and an intolerance of the viewpoint of others. A lack of compassion does not make a good PA provider. Common sense will allow you to look at the PA handbooks and see that the PA Faculty is able to treat students unfairly by determining pass / fail at their discretion. This is just one example. The drop in Program rankings shows additional issues. In response to the negative publicity, the new Program Chair has indirectly agreed that PA Program has problems and has reassured students that new changes will be made with the Program in the coming months and years.
For the students that PA faculty have been an absolute blessing to throughout their PA experience, I know that you will be supported, assisted, helped, and will have nothing bad to say about QU. As with any classroom setting the PA Faculty will have their favorites and will go to great lengths to help them. You may think that students are not forced or pressured, but a good class president should never invalidate the feelings of her classmates no matter what your beliefs are. As you gain more life experience, you will realize that what you post as comments should never lead to the continued oppression of any minority group. A well balanced individual realizes that the treatment of people isn’t just when you are a provider as a PA, it’s in every area of life. Maybe the PA Faculty needs some help remembering that as well.
For the others, please know that you do have a voice and you do have resources available. Some of the QU Faculty agrees that the articles are valid and change is needed, so you aren’t alone.
QuPA-S • May 3, 2022 at 1:16 pm
While I understand that no two people have the exact same experience, I think that this article does not represent how a majority of us feel within this program.
Medicine is not meant to be easy. PA programs universally are not easy. Of course we are held to a high standard and there are many moments of stress and anxiety, but this is representative of the profession that we are choosing to go into, not a flaw with the program. Wouldn’t you want your provider to be the best of the best? What about the provider taking care of your family?
Nobody is saying that this program is perfect, but the recent articles posted about it are extremely misleading, and some of the comments are straight up inaccurate. Nobody is getting dismissed on a regular basis, in fact they give us every opportunity to continue our learning and do better. Nobody is not getting a preceptor. Nobody is being forced to sign thank you cards or “suck it up.”
The faculty has been an absolute blessing throughout the course of my education, and consistently goes above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and accommodated, especially given that our new program director has given ample opportunity for students to speak up or talk to him privately if they have concerns about the program and ideas for improvement. There have been times where faculty members have responded to my late night emails, or told me that if I need something I can call them personally, even on weekends. These professors are amazing providers, but also some of the most incredible and genuine people I have ever met, and reading the nasty things that have been said about them is truly saddening.
QUPAStudent2 • May 3, 2022 at 12:38 pm
As a current student in Quinnipiac’s PA program, I read this article and some of these comments and its hard not to be frustrated because some of these claims are just downright lies. We are not even close to being in class every day from 7:30 am – 9:30 pm, we are never dismissed when asking for help, no one does not have a preceptor and the majority of our faculty are extremely caring, dedicated and professional mentors. Some of our faculty members put in insane amount of hours to make sure we are provided with the information and tools we need to succeed both in didactic and clinical and I know some of them are available to us with an open door and heart at literally any time of day or night.
On another note, there is a reason that those who have graduated from Quinnipiac PA are highly regarded as great PAs. It is likely because of the hard work we put in, the amount of time we spend committed to understanding our material and the faculty who guide us to be a caring, educated provider. When you accept your admission to PA school, you are accepting 27 months of hard work. It is not supposed to be easy. Each and every one of us has struggled with anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation, etc at one point or another over this past year. Our staff, however, are not to blame, and should certainly not be called discriminatory or toxic. If anything, our faculty have been extremely accommodating to those struggling or going through something personal that is not school related. People are even offered the chance to take time off and come back with the next class, which, by the way, they do NOT have to do.
This program is not perfect and there are things to improve on. Communication, the use of some adjunct professors, access to some resources, etc. However, the quality of our education and especially our faculty, should not be questioned and to do so is so incredibly naive. I am proud to be a Quinnipiac PA student. I am proud of the hard work that my peers and I have been putting in and will continue to put in, and I recognize that this hard work is what will very soon make me a successful provider. I also recognize that everyones experience is different. This article and these comments, however, are certainly NOT representative of how a large majority of people feel.
To take care of patients one day and to have their lives in OUR hands is a privilege. It is not something anyone should take lightly. For those wanting to be a PA one day and perhaps go to this program, be assured that your education, as well as your mental health, is taken seriously and you have a large support group of both faculty and fellow students.
James Ford • Aug 7, 2022 at 5:02 pm
I’m sorry but the person that wrote this is a puppet for the school.
Anonthree • May 1, 2022 at 1:05 pm
http://www.arc-pa.org/faq-items/i-have-a-concern-about-a-program-what-do-i-do/
File a complaint with ARC-PA and let them investigate. The former ELMPA student that posted a comment that students of the current class were doing rotations without preceptors is a violation of the ARC-PA standards. This needs to be reported to ARC-PA immediately.
QUPAstudent • Apr 30, 2022 at 9:31 pm
Here’s the latest on the notorious QU PA Program from a current student who is upset and ashamed to be connected to QU at all.
Our class president now is forcing students (indirectly, since anyone who speaks up and says no or doesn’t sign it will be suspected of complaining about the program and perhaps be singled out by faculty) to sign a card of “gratitude” for the faculty. This program brainwashes many of their students to think it is normal to be in an abusive program that thinks students should either “suck it up” or be dismissed–afterall, lots of other applicants would loved a chance to get a seat at QU!
Despite experiencing discrimination and mistreatment from the faculty at this program, my classmates and I have been asked to sign a thank you card for the faculty to make them feel better after all those mistreated students have come forward to try to uncover the truth about what really goes on in this program. These students who have reported to the QU Chronicle want to make sure other students now and in the future aren’t mistreated. What does it say to the faculty members who continue the vicious cycle of mistreatment in medical education when they are given a class thank you card and pizza party? Forget what’s in the news.
Liz • Apr 30, 2022 at 7:48 am
Privileged snowflakes…life is tough and gives no quarter. Best to learn this now before you join the real world.
Thomas • Apr 28, 2022 at 12:16 pm
Let Alexandra Faulkner finish the PA Program! It would be the right thing to do. She was 87% done with everything, and then was dismissed. There are obviously a lot of issues with the program, and this is evident by the current lawsuit and the sentiment by graduates, dismissed students, and the current class (probably too scared to speak up). Also take a look at other dismissed and former students that were treated unfairly, and see how you can resolve what the Program did to them as well.
There are additional issues. There is evidence of students failing multiple exams and clinical rotations that are allowed to continue without any repercussions. The APRC hearings are more of a way to intimidate students and strike fear, as well as violate ADA privacy laws if students self-identify a disability by forcing them to disclose confidential details. Most, if not all, any appeals are denied and met with retaliation – but I feel that the APRC meetings lately may have changed drastically for “damage control.” It’s evident that the preceptors are biased and rotation evaluations are subjective – if they don’t like you, they will fail you. The PA faculty is toxic, abusive, retaliatory, and unsupportive. There seems to be a pattern with students that have accommodations and dismissals. Just because faculty has been with the Program and has “veteran” status doesn’t mean they are immune of any wrongdoing. A dismissed student can’t just “find another career path!” The power of the PA program, evident with the complacency and cooperation of the rest of the school is additionally concerning. When a school has students and former students that only come out with anonymity from fear of retaliation is so unfortunate. I believe the new program director will have his hands full with a problematic program that has drastically dropped in rankings.
If changes are made to address these issues, it does nothing to answer for the multiple lives (students and their families) that have been drastically and destructively affected by the awful decisions made by the PA Program. It’s a pity that the only response from the administration is more denial and deflection, and to hide behind lawyers with a “no comment.” This is a call for the executive portion of QU to do something, and provide answers to the graduates, dismissed students, and current students – they all deserved better!
Anontwo • Apr 27, 2022 at 8:48 pm
If you are a pre-PA student or ELMPA, run far away from this program. Please know that once you select a program, you are stuck in that program. You won’t be able to transfer to a different program and no other PA program will accept you if you’ve already started in a different PA program. Cross out QU from your list of schools!
You may think the QU PA faculty seemed genuinely student-centered during your interview, but don’t let these people deceive you. They only care about the QU PA school ranking and the numbers related to PANCE pass and job placement rates, not the welfare of their students. They haven’t figured out that when the students are satisfied with the program, their ranking and numbers will fall into place, too.
Wow, this program is disorganized! QU PA faculty members like to tell students that “PAs are adaptable” whenever faculty members lack the same preparedness and organization they expect from their students. What a lame excuse. Students pay a lot of money for PA training and education and many of then lose their identities and self-confidence as a result of attending this unsupportive, cold program.
Faculty also like to tell us “their doors are always open” and we can come to them with our concerns, but they don’t really mean that in any compassionate or supportive sense. Rather, it provides them with opportunities to weed out the “difficult” students with mental health issues and assess them for their “fitness to practice”. Our university mental health days are spent studying for exams the next day. Ultimately, students must either withstand their “rigorous” (i.e. abusive) education or give up their dreams to become a PA.
I regret the day I learned about QU’s PA program.
Anon • Apr 27, 2022 at 3:54 pm
I am a former PA student and I can vouch that this is all true. Over the course of my time in the program, I had a huge family crisis and at the time, it was taking over my life. When I told the program director about this, she basically shut me down and told me that it was because I had “testing anxiety”. I had testing anxiety because of her… I was also repeatedly told time and time again that I am not good enough for this program, that I should drop out, that I will fail out, that I should not be involved in any Greek life, that I am lazy and do not know how to work hard, and that I am not cut out for any of it. 90% of my professors have been rude, disrespectful, or were disrespectful of my situation and of COVID. I heard from a current student that we were one of the only programs that did not allow students to drop BIO 101/102 out of our science GPAs. The schedule itself is set you up to fail. They say they are prepping you for real life, but things do happen in real life, like COVID, while they remained strict in their guidelines. Furthermore, let’s not forget about every single PA student having issues with their preceptors this fall and several not even receiving preceptors, on top of the fact that the program itself is a money machine. I have asked several people at the graduate level if they make it in PA school and every last one of them said no because the program itself is a bait and switch and anyone who comes here for this program, I am sorry and good luck.
Yours sincerely,
An ex ELMPA.