Duke Physician Assistant Program News & Blogs

Duke Physician Assistant Program Alumni Magazine is published by the Duke Physician Assistant Program Alumni Association Editors -April Loehmer Stouder, EdD, MHS, PA-C Division Chief and Program Director, Associate Professor in Family Medicine and Community Health -Andrea Martin Assistant Dean for Digital and Brand Communications -Jennifer Carpenter Associate Director, Marketing -Kyla Fisher, BFA Staff Specialist – Communications and Recruitment

While I always knew I wanted to go into medicine, I never fully believed I was capable of doing so. As many of you who are reading this are aware, every step of the process of becoming a medical professional tests you in new ways, constantly reminding you of how much there is of both you and the world that you’re unaware of. Although I knew on paper I was a good candidate for PA school, the idea of absorbing all the information provided during the didactic year into my brain or embodying the dream version of myself a

What first inspired you to pursue a career as a physician assistant? As a kid, I always loved science. My mother was a nurse and I knew that was not what I wanted to do.  As a biology major in college, I was fascinated by the physiology of the human body and life in general. My advisors tried to steer me to teaching or nursing, neither of which appealed.  After college, I worked in a couple of different labs where I had mentors who really encouraged me to go to medical school.

The Class of 2027 has been busy giving back to their community, bringing the service they started last semester into the new one. They have put the Duke PA mission and values into practice by strengthening our community partners and emphasizing the importance of advocacy and service. Let’s take a look back at a few highlights from their community building efforts and how they continue to make a lasting impact in Durham.

The Class of 2005 took a trip down memory lane as they returned to the Duke PA building for their 20th anniversary. Benee Rich, Lisa Hasan, Rochelle, Jose Corporan, and Bill Sanford all enjoyed reconnecting with one another. The 2025 PA Week was a busy and very spirited time for Duke PA students. Each day had its own theme, with students wearing pink on Wednesday in support of breast cancer awareness. On Thursday, they represented their alma mater, and on Friday, students wore their Duke blue.

Greetings Duke PA Alumni, The start of a new semester offers a chance for reflection, gratitude, and hopefully a little rest. It has been a big year at Duke, filled with transitions, celebrations, milestones, and growth. We will highlight these events in our newsletter so you can read about what we’ve been up to this year. 

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.