Turocy Named Director of Pre-Health Advisement Programs

Dr. Paula Sammarone Turocy, associate professor of athletic training in the Rangos School of Health Sciences, has been named director of he University’s Pre-Health Advisement Programs, effective Jan. 1.

In this role, Turocy will be responsible for expanding the current post-baccalaureate-pre-medical program’s strengths and relationships with Temple University Medical School, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and other medical programs to prepare Duquesne students not only for medical school, but also for entry into other professional medical and health programs.

The University is extending and reorganizing its services for students planning health sciences careers to reflect an environment that is changing with ever-increasing speed.

“I am very excited to take on this new challenge and develop a comprehensive pre-medical and pre-health educational program that can prepare students to be admitted to not only medical school, but also to dental, veterinary and other medical/health professional programs,” said Turocy. “I hope that what will make our program unique is that our students will embody Duquesne’s mission of serving God by serving patients with a primacy of care—putting the patients’ needs and health first.”

Turocy was the founding chair of the Athletic Training Program, a position she held for 20 years, and the inaugural Anna L. Rangos Rizakus Endowed Chair from 2004-2009. She has been recognized for outstanding leadership, teaching and service with numerous awards, including the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education’s inaugural Bob and Lynn Caruthers Service Award (2013) and the National Athletic Trainers Association’s Sayers “Bud” Miller Distinguished Athletic Training Educator Award (2004). In 2008, she was inducted into the Pennsylvania Athletic Training Hall of Fame.

“Dr. Turocy has a record of effective program development based on her commitment to student success and academic excellence, and has displayed the ability to work collaboratively with others,” said Dr. Timothy Austin, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Duquesne’s Pre-Health Advisement Programs are well-positioned to attract strong students and to bring greater recognition to the University’s outstanding academic offerings.”