Physician Assistant Program

Welcome

SIU Medicine is proud to offer a Physician Assistant Program to a preferred group of eligible students. Our program uses evidence-based learning techniques and unique clinical mentoring opportunities to prepare future providers for a career that relies heavily on autonomy, medical expertise and critical thinking skills.

Our curriculum features the intense study of disease as well as the diagnosis, treatment and management of a broad range of conditions. Successful graduates of our program are awarded a Master of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies and become eligible for national certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Photo of Physician Assistants learning about the body

Our faculty

The faculty at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is focused on educating the region's top physicians, researching new models of care, and providing expert clinical services that address the health care needs of central and southern Illinois.

See the department

Physician Assistant Program Committees

Learn more about our teams and all the ways that we are organized to optimize patient care and educational experiences.

Aspects of a learner

Lucas Dominic Martinez, Physician Assistant Program, Class of 2022

Born and raised in a developing country, Lucas Martinez has overcome poverty and tragedy on his path to becoming a physician assistant and an American citizen.

Where did you grow up?
I was born in the Philippines just south of the capital Manila. I am the youngest of three siblings and we were raised by a single mother. When I was 20, my sister and I moved to the U.S. so we could find jobs and help my mom back home. Our goal was to eventually become citizens and bring my mother and brother to the US.