Gail Patton

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) alumna Gail Patton’s personal interests have always guided her educational choices. Experiences in health care and human services helped define her goals, and an associate degree from Tri-C helped her launch a successful career as a physician assistant.

When Patton first enrolled at Tri-C, she took random courses that interested her rather than following a particular pathway. She eventually completed a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Kent State University and began working as a women's health educator and family planning coordinator at The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland (now Circle Health Services). But after 10 years in the field, she longed for a more specific focus.

“My KSU degree didn't prepare me for a specific career,” she said. “So I started taking more classes at Tri-C and narrowed my search to three occupations: physical therapy, nursing and physician assistant.”

Patton completed Tri-C’s Physician Assistant (PA) program in 1991, earning an Associate of Applied Science degree. Her passion for women’s health led her to New York City, where she enrolled in a post-graduate degree program in obstetrics and gynecology.

After gaining some experience as an OB/GYN assistant in Detroit, Patton returned to Ohio where she served as a PA in the gynecology/gynecologic oncology department at ProMedica Toledo Hospital for 18 years. She also worked in the breast cancer and general surgery departments at University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic before retiring in 2019.

“I have accomplished many things as a physician assistant — most of all, a sense of purpose,” she said. “It has been the most gratifying career. I will never forget all the lessons and experiences that taught me along the way.”

Tri-C’s role in helping her achieve her goals has stuck with Patton as well.

“The staff and educators were attentive and welcoming,” she said. “I gained technical skills that I could take anywhere in the country, and I obtained a degree that led me on a path to success. We are really blessed to have Tri-C here in Cleveland.”

Patton’s Tri-C experience and thriving career have prompted her to pay it forward through a donation to the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation, and she hopes her fellow alumni will consider doing the same.

“I know how hard it is to work and go to school, or just go to school and take care of family,” she said. “I hope my donation will help someone along their own journey.”