Duke Physician Assistant Program News & Blogs

Linwood Webb Honored with Valued Service Staff Award

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.

First Year Student Blog: Samantha Fortier

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 is Open: Now We Wait

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!

NCAPA Giving Tuesday: Duke PA Student Adrianna DaCosta Champions By-Stander CPR Training

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.

Duke PA Students Visit Durham VA Veterans

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.

Duke Health and Durham Celebrate Pride

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.

Congratulations to the Duke PA Program Class of 2024

On August 2nd, the Duke Physician Assistant (PA) Program held its 57th graduation, celebrating the class of 2024.

Ninety-one students walked beneath the Gothic arches and stained glass of Duke Chapel to receive their certificates.

Division Chief and Program Director Jacqueline S. Barnett, DHSc, MSHS, PA-C, began the ceremony by providing statistics on the amount of work it takes to be a PA student.