Camille Kiefer, PA-C, RN, is a registered nurse (RN) turned physician associate/physician assistant (PA), whose career reflects a lifelong dedication to patient care, clinical education, and volunteer work.
Early Years
Kiefer was born in Astoria, Queens, New York. When she was two years old, her father, a city firefighter, moved the family to Wantagh, NY in hopes of providing them a better life. Growing up in a close-knit Italian community, Kiefer was actively involved in church activities and volunteer work. She played several sports, including volleyball, field hockey, tennis, basketball, and softball, and had interests in outdoor activities, gardening, and crafts. Through volunteering at soup kitchens, babysitting, and her first job at Jones Beach State Park, Kiefer cultivated a sense of responsibility and service to others.
Despite being encouraged to enter teaching or nursing, Kiefer initially considered military service and forestry. The pivotal moment was when the city began offering firefighters and police officers opportunities to train as nurses. She watched her father become one of three in his class to graduate from nursing school. Inspired by her father and recognizing that she would be able to combine her interest in science and her desire to care for others with a nursing career, Kiefer obtained her associate of science (AS) degree in nursing from SUNY Farmingdale a year and a half after her father did. Kiefer’s subsequent nursing career at North Shore University Hospital involved working in general gynecology and later gynecologic oncology, which was her favorite. She valued the deep connections she formed with patients during this time.
With a growing desire to further her career, Camille Kiefer began taking on more clinical responsibilities—like presenting to resident physicians. One day, while caring for patients on the floor, she noticed an older individual among a group of attending physicians who demonstrated both a strong knowledge base and a compassionate approach to patient care. Curious as to who he was, as she could tell that he was not a resident, she approached him and learned that he was a board-certified registered PA (RPA-C) who had come from a military background and transitioned to a PA career path.
PA School
Inspired by this encounter, Kiefer looked into the PA profession and knew that this was her next step. Unlike pursuing medical school or a nurse practitioner (NP) degree, both of which would require obtaining a bachelor’s degree first, the PA profession offered an ideal combination of clinical versatility and a shorter, more focused training path. Motivated by a desire to learn how to care for a more diverse patient population and expand her medical knowledge, Kiefer applied to the Long Island University (LIU) PA Program and never looked back.
As one of 33 PA students in her cohort and also a class representative, Kiefer trained in a hospital setting, which was common practice before PA programs became university-affiliated. Under the guidance of attending physicians and residents, she thrived in this hands-on learning environment. In 1990, Kiefer earned her bachelor of science (BS) in physician assistant studies and received the LIU PA Program Maureen Sullivan Award for Service.
After discovering a passion for general surgery during an elective rotation because of its dynamic learning environment and fast pace, Kiefer accepted her first job after graduation as a surgical PA at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Shortly after, she received an offer to return to North Shore University Hospital, where she worked as an obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) PA. Subsequently, Kiefer transitioned to family medicine at Family Medicine Associates. There, she found deep satisfaction in building long-term patient-provider relationships and providing care across all age groups—from pediatric to adult to geriatric patients.
PA Educator
Camille Kiefer transitioned to clinical education in 1996, when she was invited back by the LIU PA Program to serve as the clinical coordinator and admissions coordinator, effectively becoming the youngest member of the faculty. Following the retirement of the previous director of clinical education, Kiefer assumed broader administrative responsibilities, becoming interim program director and later the director of clinical education. Currently, Kiefer is also the LIU PA Program Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Associates (SAAAPA) Chapter Advisor. Though she acknowledges missing clinical practice from time to time, Kiefer finds that working with students fulfills this sense of purpose and connection in a different but equally rewarding way.
Volunteer and Service Work
Beyond her work in clinical education and program administration, Kiefer has also been actively involved in volunteer work within the profession. Following a tradition established during her nursing education of having organizational membership, Kiefer joined the New York State Society of Physician Associates (NYSSPA), where she has served as a past NYSSPA elections committee chair and currently serves as a NYSSPA scholarship committee member for the Kenneth Whitney PA Memorial Scholarship. In 2024, Kiefer was honored with the NYSSPA Paul Lombardo, MPS, PA-C Emeritus, PA Educator of the Year Award.
Refelctions
When reflecting on her career, Kiefer feels a deep sense of gratitude, feeling very privileged to have been chosen for this path that has allowed her to blend patient care, education, and professional leadership. When asked what the most rewarding aspect of her current role as an educator is, she states, “the relationships I build with students.” Drawing on decades of experience, Kiefer encourages students to embrace every opportunity: “Take advantage of every moment you have. Put yourself out there on rotations. Go outside of your comfort zone. Get involved in your profession. Help each other in school and once you graduate. Keep learning.” Throughout her career, Kiefer has remained deeply committed to service—to patients, students, and her professional community—and believes it is important to give back at every stage. For Kiefer, paying it forward is not just a value, but a lifelong practice that continues to guide her work and inspire those around her.
Personal Life
Outside of work, Camille Kiefer continues to enjoy outdoor activities, gardening, and volunteering at her church’s food pantry.
Acknowledgements
This biography was prepared by Phoebe Kubo. It was submitted to the Society in June of 2025. The photographs are courtesy of Ms. Kiefer.
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