Duke Physician Assistant Program News & Blogs

Earlier this month, students from the Duke PA Point-of-Care Ultrasound Society (POCUS) held their second annual NC Scan at the Duke Tent Semans Center for Health Education. DPAP faculty member and Professor Janelle Bludorn considered this year’s event “wildly successful,” noting that more than 7 North Carolina universities participated and that well over 100 people attended. 

Webb won the 2025 Duke University School of Medicine Staff Award for Valued Service for his behind-the-scenes innovation that has revolutionized operations within the Duke Physician Assistant Program.

From Research to PA School: A Non-Traditional Applicant

It was not until 2019 that I met a Physician Assistant (PA) for the first time. I just moved back home to California to work at UCLA. Up until that point, I always envisioned myself pursuing a career in healthcare as a physician or a nurse. Over time, I developed a deep passion for clinical research.

CASPA has officially opened. Perhaps you’ve submitted your application early. Now, after the rush of preparation, all that’s left is to wait. Application review times may vary and can sometimes feel like an eternity. While this can be nerve-racking, there are some helpful ways to stay busy and prepare for your next potential steps!

The Museum of Durham History will present a panel discussion honoring the legacy of Joyce Clayton Thorpe Nichols (1940-2012), the first female Physician Assistant (PA) in the United States and a tireless advocate for fair housing, healthcare, and social justice.

The most recent recipient of the Joyce Nichols Memorial Community Grant (JNMCG) was the Duke University PA program, requested by PA student, Adriana Da Costa. It was upon reading an article from the New England Journal of Medicine, which highlighted the disparities of minority groups receiving bystander CPR, that motivated Da Costa to take action.

From the Durham VA daily newsletter:

First-year students from the Duke Physician Assistant Program (DPAP) visited with Veterans in the CICU on Veterans Day.

The Veterans were very appreciative of their visit and enjoyed the goodies and the time they spent with them. The CICU staff thanks the Duke Physician Assistant Program for their time and generosity.

Each year, more than 350,000 Americans experience Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA), or sudden stopping of the heart outside of the hospital setting. Nine out of ten people who experience OHCA die, but chances of survival can be significantly improved through bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The city of Durham, along with many from the Duke Health community, came together to celebrate inclusion, community, family, pride, and advocacy at Pride: Durham, NC 2024.

Our own Dr. April Stouder talks about what the Duke PA Program looks for in a student