PC Professor Honored as Health Care Hero

(PHOENIX, Ariz., Aug. 19) – Phoenix College residential faculty member Julie Stiak, who created and innovated a unique Medical Laboratory Science program in partnership with Arizona State University to address the shortage of medical laboratory scientists, was named a Health Care Hero by the Phoenix Business Journal Thursday.

Stiak was recognized for her role in creating a pilot program that addresses the shortage by increasing the pipeline of MLS graduates with a four-year degree.

“This really puts Phoenix College in a different light,” said Stiak. “I had people approach me at the Health Care Heroes event and say how remarkable it is that PC and ASU could collaborate so collegially. The partnership program is having a great impact in the community."

The award “validates what our PC program has been doing in partnership with ASU to address the shortage of medical laboratory scientists,” she added.

The 16-month program provides opportunities for students to earn a Bachelor’s of Applied Science by taking the majority, if not all, of their courses at Phoenix College. Called the 90-30 program, students earn 90 credits from Phoenix College and 30 credits from Arizona State University. So not only can students save money by paying PC’s lower tuition for 90 credits, they can take university-level courses on the PC campus because ASU provides associate professors to teach those courses at PC.

The partnership program provides a seamless, convenient, and cost-effective transfer program for students and the hybrid program design optimizes student retention and success.

"Julie is always thinking about 10 steps ahead, and her tireless work and dedication are ever-present," said Jeff Wolz, director of ASU's Medical Laboratory Science program, who has worked closely with Stiak to develop the program. "She is a valuable asset to our health-care community."

Stiak was recognized in the nonphysician category. She was chosen among four finalists in that category for the award bestowed during a breakfast awards program at the Arizona Biltmore.

The nonphysician award was presented by Jon Bartlett, president of Abrazo Health Care.The 10th annual Health Care Heroes event celebrates and honors “unsung heroes” from the Valley’s medical community.

Way to go Julie!