Arcadia University’s Physician Assistant program has received grant funding from the Physician Associate Foundation to enhance healthcare in Peru using ultrasound technology. The announcement was made during the 2026 American Academy of Physician Associates conference in New Orleans, La.

The initiative is a partnership between Arcadia and MEDLIFE, a non-profit organization in the medical field. In addition to general diagnostic imaging, the project will intentionally expand the use of portable ultrasound technology, a critical diagnostic tool in settings where access to OB/GYN specialists, imaging centers, and hospital-based services is limited or nonexistent.

“Ultrasound will be integrated into designated women’s health and other relevant medical stations to enhance evaluation, screening, and ongoing care for individuals presenting with gynecologic, obstetric, and reproductive health concerns,” Dr. Erin Wolf, Physician Assistant program director, explained. “All activities will be integrated into MEDLIFE’s established clinics and community programs to ensure continuity of care, cultural appropriateness, and ethical service delivery.”

Assistant Professor Johanna Detwiler, Assistant Professor Jodi Freeman, and Associate Professor Michael Huber also played a vital role in securing the funding.

“By providing ultrasound technology screening for diagnostic support in the field,” Huber said, “MEDLIFE healthcare providers can quickly identify health concerns, guide appropriate medical decision-making to ensure community members receive timely follow-up care when necessary.”

“Our previous service trip to Ecuador was a meaningful reminder of why this work matters,” Freeman added. “Experiences like this reflect the mission of Arcadia’s PA Program to educate compassionate and highly-qualified medical professionals. We cannot wait to travel to Peru in May 2027 to continue this important work.”

Approximately 25-30 PA students and volunteers will travel with the faculty to the South American country in May 2027. Leading up to the trip, the group will focus heavily on education and culture readiness. According to Wolf, the preparation ensures care is being delivered with respect, awareness, and an understanding of local health beliefs, barriers, and priorities.

Support from the Physician Associate Foundation comes through the Robert K. Pedersen Global Outreach Endowment, which provides financial support to projects involving physician assistants and physician assistant students in humanitarian activities designed to improve the quality of life in underserved areas of developing countries and the United States. The Robert K. Pedersen Global Outreach Endowment has supported 52 projects operating in over 20 countries since its inception.