Duke Physician Assistant Program News

Orgullosamente Latina!

Last week faculty and staff of the Duke Physician Assistant (PA) Program gathered to wish a fond farewell and happy retirement to two long-serving faculty members, Pat Dieter, MPA, PA-C, and Peggy Robinson, MS, MHS, PA-C.

Our applicants find their passion for the PA profession at a variety of life stages. Some know they want to be a PA or a health care professional as children. Others come to the profession after a decade in different careers. Many potential applicants learn about the profession while working on their undergraduate degrees. Last month, we discussed the possible advantages of taking a gap year after college to shore up your application. But what can you do while you’re still spending most of your time in class?

Second-year student Lily McWilliams, RDN, recently presented at the “Spotlight on Stomach Cancer Symposium” hosted by No Stomach for Cancer, an organization providing support to stomach cancer patients and their families.

Many students worry that if they are not prepared to apply to a physician assistant program in concert with the end of their undergraduate degree, they are hurting their chances of getting into PA school at all. But did you know that only about 7% of our students in a given year come directly from college? For many, college is where the path to PA begins, but we do not believe that's where it must end.

When the class of 2022 interviewed for their place in the Duke Physician Program there was no inkling of the pandemic that would change the shape of the world for years to come.   

With an eye on the future, The Duke Physician Assistant Program (DPAP) recently held a faculty and staff event titled, “DPAP 2027: Disruptive Innovation for the Future of PA Education.”   

In her opening remarks, Program Director Jacqueline Barnett, DHSc, MSHS, PA-C, said:   

As part of the reunion weekend, the alumni hosted a "Summer Brunch Meet & Greet" for the class of 2022 just before they embark on their careers as physician assistants (PA).