Duke Physician Assistant Program News & Blogs

In 1965, Eugene Stead, MD, then chair of the Duke University Department of Medicine, launched what he called “the biggest innovation in medicine in my lifetime”: the physician assistant (PA) profession. With the founding of the Duke University PA Program, he sparked a movement that would change health care delivery across the country.

Photography by HuthPhoto. The Durham community came together to celebrate “Pride: Durham, NC,” a three-day festival hosted by the LGBTQ Center of Durham. The event took place September 26-28 on Duke’s East Campus and downtown Durham, bringing together several groups from Duke, local residents, and others for a celebration of identity and community.

Breaking Barriers and Finding Strength During Hardship

Life’s challenges don’t wait for you to be ready to take them on; they may happen at times you least expect. This became clear during my senior year of high school, when I became emancipated from my parents and found myself virtually homeless. After becoming estranged from them, my dreams of attending college seemed impossible, especially when they refused to sign my financial aid papers. I knew I wanted to practice medicine and become a physician assistant (PA), a path that required a college degree.

Since the infamous year 2020, there has been a major shift in how things are done. Although some time has passed since that first move to remote life, virtual platforms still play a big role in how our world operates today. Interviews are no exception. 

On Friday, August 8, Dr. Jacqueline S. Barnett, DHSc, MSHS, PA-C officially closed an extraordinary chapter in her book and retired from the Duke Physician Assistant Program. Barnett has been at Duke for 10 years, serving in various leadership roles along the way. She was hired as the Associate Program Director in 2015 and following a national search, she was appointed Program Director in 2018.  In 2021, she was promoted to full professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, and in 2022 she was named Division Chief. Dr.

The Duke Physician Assistant Program held its 58th graduation on August 9, celebrating the class of 2025. A total of 88 students graduated from the program. Jacqueline S. Barnett, DHSc, MSHS, PA-C, who recently retired as division chief and program director, welcomed students and attendees to the ceremony.

Second year Duke PA student, Alexander (Tram) Whitehurst, was recently elected to the AAPA House of Delegates as a Student Delegate for the 2025-2026 year, where he will help represent PA students through policymaking. This year’s election cycle was notably competitive, requiring two run-off elections in addition to the general election to determine the final group of 35 delegates.

Duke Physician Assistant Program Admissions Blog

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There is a lot that goes into the waiting period between submitting CASPA and getting an interview. Like we mentioned in previous blogs, the wait can seem extremely long, but it’s a great chance to plan ahead. Being prepared can make things less stressful and take some of the weight off your shoulders.

In May, Duke PA faculty, students, and alumni attended the 2025 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) conference in Denver, CO. Held annually, this conference gathers PAs and PA students from all across the country for a week filled with education, networking, and entertainment. Duke PA students came in energized and ready to showcase their leadership and passion for the profession. 

This month, we’re shifting from our admissions blog post to continue highlighting more of Duke PA students’ amazing volunteer work this year. Let’s take a look at the Joyce Health Fair.