Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A group of young and enthusiastic Physicians Assistant (PA) students enjoyed for the first time, the taste of a typical Samoan feed, as part of the 18th annual Tisa’s Tattoo Festival in Alega on Sunday, October 29, 2023.  

Fresh from the umu, their plates were filled with servings of breadfruit, palusami —young taro leaves in coconut cream, faia’i fee — octopus in coconut cream, pork, lamb, fish in coconut cream, ripe pawpaw, ripe kings banana-soaa, turkey, and fish amongst love and welcoming smiles over from their hosts, Tisa Faamuli and Candyman.

The eight Physicians Assistant students from the US have been here for three weeks doing their practical experience at the LBJ Hospital. This is group nine, following earlier versions of this program, according to the LBJ Hospital Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. James Sunia. 

None of them have been here before and this is the first group to arrive after the COVID-19 pandemic.

They rotate with other PA students after up to three  months  at a time.  While here they are working under a Physician's supervision. 

Dr. Sunia says when a patient comes in PA’s see that patient, do their examination, just like they do in the states. 

"They'll present it to the Physicians, to double check their work to make sure it's appropriate and they will also give their recommendation." 

"It helps as doctors get to help them."

When they had those blood pressure and cardiac week awareness programs recently in American Samoa, these PA students were involved, says Dr. Sunia.  

One of them said, they've been here about three weeks ago, and would be spending Thanksgiving in Tutuila as well. 

When asked if American Samoa's PA students are part of this program, Dr. Sunia said, "Yes, some are doing it off island, but the problem with local PA students after the program, they'd rather stay in the US, and we don't blame them.”

In the meantime, the CEO of LBJ is negotiating for opportunities so local PA students can join this program. 

The group of PA students from the US have been exploring the historical sites in the territory, some have already climbed Mount Alava, saying that was an experience especially with the green rainforest, mountains and birds. They are planning to visit some of the National Park locations and their host Tisa suggested seeing the beaches on the western side of Tutuila, including Fagatele Bay Sanctuary.