CHHS Teacher of the year – Tiffany Cooke
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare, and how did that evolve into teaching?
From an early age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, though I wasn’t certain in what capacity. In my first year of college, I took a nutrition course and immediately felt drawn to the field—it was clear that this was where I wanted to focus. After earning my degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, I completed a year-long internship and became a Registered Dietitian. While I loved the work, I felt the desire for a more direct role in patient care. After five years as a dietitian, I decided to go back to school to become a PA.
Throughout my career, I’ve always had a passion for educating both patients and students. I believed that, at some point, I would transition into PA education. That “some point” came after 18 years of clinical practice. The NAU PA program, with its mission and priorities, was the only program I wanted to work with, so when I saw a faculty position open, I applied—not expecting to land the job but hoping to make connections and perhaps pursue adjunct teaching opportunities in the future. To my surprise, I was offered a full-time faculty position, and I’ve been deeply grateful to be part of the team for the past three years.
What do you find most rewarding about preparing the next generation of healthcare providers?
Being a PA is about more than providing excellent patient care—it’s also about confronting and improving the healthcare system as a whole. Healthcare is facing significant challenges, and the next generation of providers will play a crucial role in reshaping the landscape and addressing what isn’t working. For me, the most rewarding part of being an educator is the privilege of helping prepare future PAs for that responsibility. Guiding them not just in clinical knowledge, but in leadership, adaptability, and advocacy, is both an honor and a vital investment in the future of healthcare
What advice would you give to someone just starting in the field?
My advice would be to always remember why you chose to become a PA. The journey will have its challenges, and there will be days when it feels overwhelming. When that happens, returning to the core reasons you entered the profession will help you navigate those tough moments. It’s also important not to get so focused on the technical aspects of being a provider that you lose sight of your patients’ humanity. Never underestimate the power of empathy, showing genuine care and understanding can strengthen the patient-provider relationship and have a lasting positive impact on patient outcomes.
What do you enjoy most about working with students?
What I enjoy most about working with students is their passion. I’m consistently impressed by their dedication to service and their eagerness to learn. Their enthusiasm not only motivates me but also inspires me to continuously strive to be a better provider. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them grow and develop into compassionate, skilled professionals
Are there any teaching moments or classroom experiences that have left a lasting impact on you?
One moment that left a lasting impact on me was during a clinical skills assessment. A student who had been quiet and somewhat unsure of themselves conducted a simulated interview with such empathy and clarity that our standardized patient was nearly moved to tears. It was a powerful reminder that beyond the medical knowledge and technical skills we teach, our role is also to cultivate compassion and human connection in future providers. That experience reaffirmed why I chose PA education—to help shape not only competent clinicians, but also truly caring professionals who will make a difference in patients’ lives
What does it mean to you to receive this award?
I can’t fully express what this award means to me. As someone who is relatively new to education, receiving this recognition still feels surreal. I’m incredibly fortunate to work alongside such talented and inspiring faculty. I believe this award is as much a reflection of the amazing people I collaborate with as it is of my own efforts. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from them and be part of such a supportive, dynamic team
What excites you the most about the future of your field?
What excites me most about the future of the PA profession is how far we’ve come—and how much potential still lies ahead. When I began my career over 20 years ago, I often had to explain to patients what a physician assistant was and clarify my role on the care team. Today, PAs are not only widely recognized and trusted by patients, but also increasingly seen as integral members of the healthcare system. We’re stepping into leadership roles, contributing to policy, and shaping the direction of patient care. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness this evolution, and I’m excited to see how our profession continues to grow and innovate in the years to come.
