Message from the director
Welcome to the Southern Illinois University (SIU) Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program website. As the Director, I am honored to introduce you to our program, a transformative educational opportunity designed exclusively for NCCPA-certified Physician Associates/Assistants (PAs) like you, who are dedicated to advancing their expertise and shaping the future of the PA profession.
The SIU DMSc program is a strategic partner in your professional journey. It embodies the mission of advancing the PA profession through leadership, advocacy, and scholarly excellence. Our curriculum is thoughtfully crafted by PAs, ensuring it aligns with the unique needs and aspirations of our professional community. By offering concentrations in Clinical Practice and PA Education, we prepare our graduates to excel in diverse roles within healthcare, academia, and beyond.
The healthcare landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the PA profession. To navigate this dynamic environment, it is imperative that PAs are equipped with advanced knowledge, strategic leadership skills, and the confidence to advocate effectively for our role in multidisciplinary teams. The DMSc degree positions you to lead this charge, ensuring that PAs continue to shape the future of healthcare while achieving parity and recognition alongside other advanced practice providers.
At SIU, we are deeply committed to the values of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. Our DMSc program is designed to enhance your ability to:
• Lead with influence: Gain the tools to take on administrative, managerial, and legislative roles, and become a voice for the PA profession at the highest levels.
• Excel clinically and academically: Strengthen your clinical expertise and contribute to advancing medical knowledge through research and education.
• Drive systemic change: Advocate for healthcare policies and initiatives that enhance patient care and improve access to quality services in your community.
The program’s online format is specifically tailored to accommodate the demanding schedules of working professionals like you. Whether you are practicing clinically or contributing to PA education, our flexible approach ensures that you can achieve your doctoral goals without compromising your current commitments. You can be confident that the program is designed to fit your life, not the other way around.
The DMSc is more than a degree - it is an investment in your future and a testament to the PA profession’s potential for extraordinary contributions to healthcare. I invite you to explore our website, learn more about our program, and reach out with any questions. Together, let us advance the profession and create a lasting impact on the communities we serve.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jacob Ribbing