Introduction to Research and Medical Literature for Health Professionals Fifth Edition J. Glenn Forister

Dennis Blessing graduated from Sam Houston State University (BS 1973), Wichita State University (MHS 1985), and Kansas State University (PhD 1989). Since 1983, he has been an educator in the field of physician assistants, with academic roles at Wichita State University, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Recently, he retired as a renowned Teaching Professor of Physician Assistant Studies and Associate Dean at the School of Health Professions at UT Health Science Center San Antonio. Alongside his educational career, he has practiced part-time clinically and holds expertise in various areas such as family medicine, rural health, Native American health, indigent health, emergency medicine, transplantation, surgery, and urology. He is a Vietnam war veteran. Dr. Blessing’s contributions include serving on the boards and committees of the North Carolina and Kansas academies, the committees of the Texas Academy, and as the president of the Association of Physician Assistant Programs. He is a member of various committees, including the advisory board for the Pedersen Research Institute. He has been a delegate to the American Academy of Physician Assistants House of Delegates, serving on reference committees, the Education Council, and a research committee. Dr. Blessing has held several educational positions and served on numerous educational committees. He is the editor of two books; Physician Assistant’s Guide to Research and Medical Texts and Clinical Problem Solving for Physician Assistants. With over 100 publications, he has secured almost 1 million dollars in research and training grants. Dr. Blessing has received several honors and recognitions, including teaching awards, faculty excellence awards, leadership awards, honor society appointments, service awards, and appointment to a university fellowship in the Professional Capacity Building Program of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and the Department of Health and Human Services. He has been presented with the Outstanding Research Award (first recipient) from the Association of Physician Assistant Programs, the Gold Award for the Best General Column/Contributed from the American Society for Health Care Publishers and Editors, the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Duke University Physician Assistant Program, Outstanding Service Award from the Association of Physician Assistant Programs, and an Army Commendation Medal. Dr. Blessing actively participates in faculty development and research.