PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Graduated in 2000
Director of Clinical Operations, Department of Surgery
Michigan Medicine
Palazzolo has been a member of the WSU Applebaum Board of Visitors since 2016 and currently serves as chair

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State University?

A:  I grew up Downriver, so proximity to home was nice. Wayne State has a great reputation at an affordable cost. I was originally thinking about medical school and Wayne State had a great program, but then I became interested in the PA program. Wayne State’s Physician Assistant Studies program provided an exceptional educational experience with fabulous instructors and clinical rotations at outstanding hospitals in Detroit.

Q: What inspired you to pursue becoming a PA?

A: When I was growing up, my mom suffered from frequent asthma attacks, and I would feel helpless during such episodes. I wanted to be able to help her as well as others, so I decided to pursue a career in medicine. Balancing my desire to practice medicine as well as have time for a family, I decided the PA profession was right for me. It’s the best decision I made! 

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor?

A: James Frick, PA. Jim helped establish the PA program with Dr. Howard Normile. Jim was someone you looked up to. He would push you to achieve your potential. Jim was someone who lived the early struggles of the PA profession but was also directly involved in improving the PA practice. 

Q: What was your most challenging class?

A: A challenging class doesn’t come to mind, but a challenging rotation does! I was the first PA to rotate through Detroit Receiving on the trauma service. The days and nights were very stimulating but also completely exhausting. Besides a typical 12-14 hour day, we would take night call every third night!

Q: Share some reflections about your college years.

A: My time at Wayne State was some of the most exciting times in my life. I had great exposure to culture and people. I still stay in touch with many of my instructors and classmates – in fact, I married the love of my life who was one of my classmates!

Q: In your opinion, what is one of the biggest changes that has occurred in your profession since graduating?

A: In the beginning, P’s were undervalued and underutilized — in some cases more like medical scribes. Everything they did had to be reviewed with minimal to no ability to practice independently or prescribe. Over the nearly 24 years I have been a PA, I have witnessed and experienced huge improvements in our ability to practice medicine as part of a care team. This was only made possible through the hard work and dedication of many people in and out of the profession. PAs are now able to practice at the top of their licensure which may include owning their own practice. 

Q:  What advice would you give to current physician assistant students?

A:  Always try. If you fail, it’s OK. Success is built off of failure. Don’t be afraid of failing.

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The Physician Assistant Studies master of science degree program at the Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is focused on the development of highly competent and passionate physician assistants who are deeply committed to practicing in urban and underserved health care settings. It is the highest ranking program in Michigan and among the top 50 programs in the nation, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report for 2023-24. The admission cycle runs from May 1-Sept. 1 for classes beginning the following May. Prospective students can get started by attending a WSU Applebaum information meeting at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. 

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.