Duke Physician Assistant Program News & Blogs

When will things make sense? When will life really start? I’ve asked myself these questions more times than I can count since starting PA school. I used to think, I just need to get through this semester. Then it became this exam. Then this practicum. Surely after that, things would feel settled. Surely then I’d be “good.” But the finish line kept moving.

Our students wrapped up 2025 with a bang, completing numerous exams, fundraisers, volunteer hours, and more. With the start of another year, our community has continued to lead in their work and service. As this new month begins, we want to take a moment to highlight some of the accomplishments of our current students and alumni. 

How does one go from rappelling and ascending in and out of crevasses and flying in a helicopter over glaciers as part of their commute to work, to sitting in lecture for eight hours/day at Duke University’s Physician Assistant Program? The journey was far from linear, but I think that’s what I’m most proud of. It is truly my own.

Jacquetta Melvin, MPH, PA-C, has been promoted to associate program director of the Duke University Physician Assistant Program. She steps into this role following the transition of April Stouder, EdD, MHA, PA-C, to program director and division chief in November. Alongside her new role, Melvin continues to serve as director of clinical education and is an assistant professor in Family Medicine and Community Health.

Like many people, I would consider my relationship with my chronic illness complicated. It becomes even more complicated when I am pursuing the path of becoming a health care provider in a system I am often frustrated with as a patient 

Veterans are central to the history of the PA profession. Their service and dedication have helped to grow the foundation of the field into what it is today. For a small PA history lesson, it all started with Dr. Eugene A. Stead, Jr., MD, who saw the need for additional medical assistance following World War II and looked to expand access to care in rural and underserved communities. The first class consisted of 3 Navy Corpsmen, whose military medical training and experience played a major role in its establishment.

This month, Duke alumni, faculty, and students played a leading role at the annual PAEA Education Forum, held in San Diego, California. Contributing all across the board, they led presentations and participated in panels and workshops that showcased their passion for the profession. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with others, hear from leading PA voices, and gain knowledge that builds toward professional growth.

E. Harvey Estes, Jr., MD, a pioneering physician, educator, and leader whose contributions to Duke have left an enduring legacy, passed away on October 16, 2025, after having celebrated his 100th birthday this past May.  

I got my acceptance two days before Thanksgiving and immediately started crying—it felt like validation that I could do what I set my mind to, despite the self-doubt and catastrophic Reddit threads. I spent the next year working and spending time with friends and family, and in August, I moved to Durham.

Effective immediately, April Stouder, EdD, MHS, PA-C, has been named and appointed as the program director and division chief of the Duke Physician Assistant Program. Stouder previously served as the associate program director and transitioned into the interim director role with the retirement of Jacqueline S. Barnett, DHSc, MSHS, PA-C.