Distinguished Alumna
Cathy Oms
Physician Assistant
"The DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD is presented to an alumnus(na) whose accomplishments exemplify the aims and aspirations of the School of Allied Health Professions and Loma Linda University. The individual must have been distinguished in humanitarian service or in academic pursuits including peer review research and/or education and have maintained spiritual commitment."
Congratulations to Cathy Oms on this achievement!
BIOGRAPHY
Catherine Oms grew up in Loma Linda, CA, and graduated from Loma Linda Academy in 1997. She received an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Southwestern Adventist University in 1999, a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from California State University, San Bernardino, in 2003, and a Master's degree in Physician Assistant Sciences from Loma Linda University's School of Allied Health Professions in 2007.
In the fields of Women’s Health and Pediatrics, Catherine completed the OBGYN Residency program for Physician’s Assistants from Arrowhead Medical Center in 2009. She then returned to Loma Linda University in 2011 to pursue her passion for academics as a full-time didactic faculty member, and then as the Associate Program Director in 2016. Catherine is currently the Department Chair for the Physician Assistant program.
For the past 10 years, she has been involved in teaching and mentoring PA students, leading annual mission trips to Mexico, developing robust curriculum, and managing program and accreditation requirements. This past June, she completed her Doctorate in Public Health with an emphasis in Preventive Care at Loma Linda University's School of Public Health – despite having to defend her dissertation via Zoom.
She loves anything outdoors, particularly training for the Iron Man and playing beach volleyball. Spending time with her husband Jeremy of 10 years and her two incredible children ages 9 and 5 keeps Catherine grounded. They are the greatest joys in her life. She has been truly blessed by her amazing co-workers and mentors who have encouraged and supported her throughout her journey at Loma Linda University. Indeed, to God be the glory!
The department of Physician Assistant Sciences is pleased to present the 2021 Distinguished Alumna Award to Catherine Oms.
To learn more about our Physician Assistant department, visit our website!
