Chronic respiratory diseases impact more than half a billion people worldwide, contributing to over 3.5 million deaths each year—yet they remain underrecognized in global health discussions.

Pace University is taking action.

The newly launched Center for Global Health will focus on addressing chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and other communicable and non-communicable diseases in urban environments through research, advocacy, and education. Led by José Luis Castro ’88, WHO Director-General Special Envoy for Chronic Respiratory Diseases and a proud Pace alumnus, the Center will bring together experts across disciplines to drive meaningful change. Pace’s Director of Research and Graduate Education Sonia Suchday, PhD, will serve as the new Center’s operations director, ensuring the Center’s efforts are well-integrated into Pace’s academic and research initiatives.

With a strong foundation in health professions, public health policy, law, and psychology, Pace University is uniquely positioned take a leadership role in addressing this important global health challenge. Faculty and students will collaborate to address critical issues affecting communities in New York City and beyond, tackling conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Center aims to transform how CRDs are understood, reported, and addressed—bringing these often-overlooked conditions into greater focus. A key priority is shifting the narrative through increased media coverage and public awareness, ensuring that CRDs receive the attention they deserve.

Beyond awareness, the Center will play a critical role in policy advocacy, providing expert guidance to legislative and parliamentary health committees to help integrate CRDs into national and global health strategies. In collaboration with the WHO and other partners, it will offer research-backed solutions to reduce the impact of respiratory diseases on vulnerable populations.

Closer to home, Pace’s deep ties to the New York City community will enable meaningful engagement with local organizations, healthcare providers, and at-risk populations. Additionally, the Center will create hands-on opportunities for students, including research assistantships, internships, and participation in high-level policy discussions, preparing the next generation of public health leaders to tackle some of the most pressing global health challenges of our time.

As Pace University continues to expand its impact, the Center for Global Health represents a significant milestone in the institution’s commitment to research, education, and community engagement.

Learn more about the new Center for Global Health.

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Meet Elyse Hopper Ryan, MPAS, PA-C, 2021 graduate of the College of Health Profession (CHP) Physician Assistant Program-Pleasantville! Since completing the program, Elyse gained a full-time position for the Emergency Department at Montefiore Medical Center, as well as a part-time position at NewYork-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center in Inpatient Internal Medicine.

In addition to her positions at Montefiore and NewYork Presbyterian, Elyse has partnered with the Physician Assistant Program-Pleasantville as an Instructional Support Clinical Personnel (ICSP). We connected with Elyse to share her experience at CHP, her learning opportunities, and her work now as a professional.

What inspired you to become a Physician Assistant (PA)?

I grew up watching my mom, a Doctor of Nurse Practitioner (DNP) graduate from Pace, go to the hospital every day as a nurse practitioner. Some of my fondest memories are sitting around the kitchen table while she shared stories from her overnight shifts in the emergency department. I was always in awe of how strangers would trust her with their deepest concerns during their most vulnerable moments. Her work inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare, and I wanted to have the same impact on people’s lives.

How did you discover CHP?

I was already familiar with Pace University's renowned nursing program, so when I started looking into PA programs and discovered their new program in Pleasantville, I felt confident in their reputation and knew I could trust them.

Why did you pick CHP for your master's program? What made this program stand out to you?

For me, it came down to trusting Pace CHP as a whole. I was already familiar with the success of their other programs, which made me confident in their PA program. During the interview process, I was particularly drawn to the small class sizes and the strong sense of personal connection between students and faculty. It made me feel like I would be supported and truly valued throughout my education.

How did the faculty in CHP support you during your program?

The faculty was always available. Whether it was sending an email at any time, arranging impromptu review sessions, or accommodating last-minute requests for EKG overviews, they were always willing to help and go above and beyond to ensure we had the support we needed.

What benefits/opportunities did you experience during your program?

The small classroom size of my program provided numerous opportunities for students to get involved, including participating in student council, engaging in volunteer opportunities, completing clinical rotations at academic institutions, and new friendships.

What was your clinical experience with the program like?

I had the opportunity to rotate through a diverse range of healthcare settings and academic institutions.

My clinical rotations not only provided invaluable hands-on experience but also led to job offers, including the positions I currently hold.

— Elyse Hopper Ryan, MPAS

What features of the Pleasantville program stands out most to you?

What really stood out to me are how resilient the Pace Physician Assistant Program-Pleasantville has been throughout its journey. From being a newly established healthcare program to navigating the challenges of a global pandemic, the program consistently demonstrated strength and adaptability.

How did you get reconnected with Pace as an ICSP?

I reached out to my faculty to express my interest in becoming involved with education. As a young PA, I was eager to gain experience in higher education, but I also recognized that I had much more to learn. The faculty graciously welcomed me right away, offering me the opportunity to contribute as an adjunct, where I could actively participate in the classroom alongside other instructors and staff.

Are there any other highlights about Pace, CHP, or the Pleasantville program you would like to share?

As a student, I was always impressed by how well-prepared I felt during my clinical rotations. I truly believe that CHP and my faculty crafted a program that gave me the confidence to stand out among students from other schools. Now, as a PA-C and precepting others on their rotation, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand just how exceptional Pace PA students are, and it makes me even more grateful for the foundation they provided.