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Erin Sephton, a physician assistant (PA) at Dartmouth General Hospital (DGH), has been named the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Tom Ashman Award by the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA). This annual award recognizes exceptional service, leadership and dedication to the PA profession.
PAs are licensed healthcare professionals who practice under the supervision or collaboration of physicians. They diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications and provide patient care, acting as a crucial bridge between doctors and patients. Especially in settings where physicians face high demands, PAs play a key role in ensuring continuous and accessible care.
Sephton’s path to becoming a PA was driven by her passion for healthcare. “I earned my Bachelor of Science from Saint Francis Xavier University, and after that, I wanted to dive deeper into healthcare,” Sephton explained. “I started as a primary care paramedic, working in triage and on ambulances throughout Halifax and the South Shore.”
“As a paramedic, I only saw the beginning of a patient’s journey. I wanted to be involved in their care all the way through,” she said. This desire led her to pursue a Master’s PA program at McMaster University, where she graduated in 2013.
After working in Ontario for several years, Sephton returned home to Nova Scotia in 2020 to join DGH as part of a new pilot PA program—a role that has been pivotal in expanding orthopedic care.
Working closely with orthopedic surgeons such as Dr. Jennifer Leighton, Sephton has had a significant impact across inpatient and outpatient settings.
Sephton describes her role as an extension of the physician’s work: “I’ve learned to anticipate the surgeon’s next steps. This reduces interruptions during surgeries and ensures that care runs smoothly, even when the physicians are pulled in different directions.”
The PA role, still relatively new in Nova Scotia, is already making a positive impact. “PAs ease the workload for physicians and improve continuity of care,” Sephton noted. “Our broad scope of practice allows us to adapt to the needs of the surgeons we work with, and we’re helping fill some of the gaps in healthcare access.”
Dr. Todd Howlett, Senior Medical Director of Innovation at Nova Scotia Health, also received the Honor Roll Award at the event. The award recognizes individuals for their exceptional contributions to promoting and advancing the PA profession in Canada. Dr. Howlett has played a pivotal role in advancing the profession in Nova Scotia.
“Erin Sephton is a deserved recipient of the prestigious Tom Ashman PA award from CAPA. Her professionalism and contributions in PA education, clinical care, and advocacy make her a positive role model for so many, including those who are considering entering the PA profession,” said Dr. Howlett.
One of Sephton’s favorite aspects of her work is collaborating with the multidisciplinary team at DGH. “It feels like family here working alongside nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and nurse practitioners. When we all come together, it makes a real difference in patient outcomes,” she said.
Being in the operating room is another highlight for Sephton. “It’s amazing to witness a transformation when something broken or misaligned is corrected, and to see the patient recover,” she said.
Sephton said that Nova Scotia has been ahead of the curve in adopting the PA model and she is optimistic about the future. “The province has been forward-thinking, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons now regulates PAs, which is a big step forward. I’m excited to see how the role will continue to grow and evolve.”
Receiving the Tom Ashman Award holds special meaning for Sephton. “I’m incredibly humbled. This award isn’t just about me—it reflects the support of my colleagues, mentors and friends across Canada. When I moved back to Nova Scotia, I wanted to make a positive impact in healthcare, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the amazing people I’ve worked with—especially here at DGH.”
Sephton also draws inspiration from Tom Ashman, one of Canada’s first PAs and a trailblazer in advocating for the profession. “His work laid the foundation for what we do today, making it easier for us to contribute meaningfully to patient care,” she said.
Adding to her many responsibilities, Sephton is also a clinical instructor at Dalhousie University, where she teaches PA students. “I love teaching,” she shared. “Seeing the next generation of PAs develop their skills and knowing they’ll be ready to meet the demands of the healthcare system is incredibly rewarding.”
Sephton accepted the award during CAPA’s national conference in Ottawa on October 19, which happened to be her birthday! “It’s such a meaningful honour,” she said. “This award represents the power of collaboration, determination and community support. I didn’t get here alone; it was the right people, the right timing, and a lot of teamwork.”
Erin Sephton’s story exemplifies the qualities of excellence, teamwork and leadership that the Tom Ashman Award celebrates. Congratulations, Erin, on this well-deserved recognition—and thank you for being such an integral part of healthcare in Nova Scotia!