Duke Physician Assistant Program News & Blogs

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.

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).

Durham leaders recently dedicated a new affordable housing project to Joyce Nichols. Nichols, a 1970 graduate of the Duke Physician Assistant Program, was the first Black female Physician Assistant (PA)

A group of Duke Physician Assistant (PA) Program students and faculty attended The Poor People's and Low-Wage Workers' Assembly and Moral March in Washington, DC. with the North Carolina chapter of White Coats for Social and Health Justice.