Physician Assistant Program Classroom Named in Honor of Dr. H. Bruce Vogt
The naming of the classroom is in gratitude to an endowment given to the physician assistant (PA) program from H. Bruce Vogt, M.D., the program’s medical director and professor emeritus of the USD Sanford School of Medicine, and his wife, Judy.
The Vogts have supported the PA program for decades. Dr. Vogt has been the program’s medical director since 1996 and he says it’s important to the couple that they support the program financially as well.
“I have been proud to be a part of this important program,” said Dr. Vogt. “Given the shortage of health care providers in many parts of our state, it is critical that we produce well-trained physician assistants to help address this need. This is particularly true for our rural communities where the need is greatest and is important to not only the health, but welfare in general, of our citizens. Judy and I are hopeful that the additional resources provided by the endowment will further enrich the program.”
Wade Nilson, chair of the physician assistant program, said, “It is truly a privilege to have our new classroom named after the Vogts for all current and future generations of PA students to see. Dr. Vogt and Judy’s endowed contribution will positively impact PA education at the University of South Dakota for generations to come, and in turn, directly impact health care delivery in the state, region and nation.”
Dr. Vogt has held various positions with the Sanford School of Medicine: chair and professor in the Department of Family Medicine; program director of South Dakota AHEC, program director of the transitional year residency, and dean of graduate medical education. He earned a B.S. in medicine from USD in 1972 and an M.D. at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 1974, while his residency in family medicine was completed at the Sioux Falls Family Medicine Residency Program 1974-1977. Judy was also involved in medical education during her nursing career, working with medical students and family medicine residents.
“Dr. Vogt’s knowledge, experience and primary care passion has directly impacted over 500 PA students over the last 27 years and counting,” Nilson stated. “There is no better person for PA students to emulate and help us fulfill the primary care mission of the PA program.