Message from the director

Welcome to the SIU Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) website. As Director of Doctoral Education for the SIU DMSc, it is my pleasure to share with you some words about our advanced PA degree and vision for professional advancement. 

The DMSc degree is a terminal degree exclusive to NCCPA-certified PAs who have completed their entry-level education and training. The curriculum is by PAs, for PAs, providing our graduates with the expertise and skills required to advance the profession by increasing PA leadership, advocacy, and scholarship. Additionally, our choice of either a Clinical or Education Practicum prepares graduates to excel in their primary PA role. 

Healthcare, PA utilization, and PA scope of practice are evolving rapidly. As a profession, we must maintain pace and parity, we must be self-assured and skilled advocates, and we must be represented at the highest levels of administration and leadership. 

To that end, I believe in empowering PAs, and positioning our DMSc graduates to be competitive for administrative, managerial, medical officer, legislative, and academic roles, while strengthening our students’ clinical skills and confidence. 

Our coursework is online and the format is specially designed to be manageable while continuing to work full-time clinically, or in PA education. I invite you to explore our website to learn more and look forward to answering any questions you may have.

Sincerely,
Dr. Jacob Ribbing