Search Site close Close
News

SIU Physician Assistant program to offer doctorate in 2021

Published Date:

SIU School of Medicine’s Physician Assistant Program will be launching a new Doctor of Medical Science degree program in summer semester 2021, one of only a handful of U.S. medical schools offering the doctorate training.

The Doctor of Medical Science program will have a clinical track for physician assistants practicing clinically and an educational track for those working in PA education. The Doctor of Medical Science program is designed to advance physician assistant clinical and educational skills, preparing PAs for more prominent roles in leadership, management and service to their organizations, patients and students. The clinical track will have an emphasis on caring for the underserved, and the educational track will have added focus on problem-based learning.

In addition to participating in either an educational or clinical practicum, all students will complete core online courses in leadership, health care administration, health care law, global health, disaster and wilderness medicine, and evidence-based research and performance improvement. Students will also complete a scholarly project.

All master’s degree level physician assistants, either in clinical or educational positions, are encouraged to apply. The program is 37 credit hours designed to be completed in 1 year. Tuition cost is $600 per credit hour.

More from SIU News

Moy Clinic Building in winter

AFSCME, SIU School of Medicine ink 3-year agreement

SIU School of Medicine and AFSCME Local 370 have finalized and ratified a new collective bargaining agreement, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. The union represents more than 800 school employees across its campuses.
Dr. Johnson with cleft patient

The doctors behind the smiles

When a child is born with a cleft lip or palate, SIU Medicine surrounds families with a team devoted to expert care and compassion, from a baby’s first breath to a teen’s final surgery. Our specialists walk alongside families, providing clarity, confidence and lifelong support every step of the way.
Cook Alumni Donor

Alumni Donor Spotlight: A Gift of Gratitude

A first-generation physician from a rural community in southern Illinois, Dr. Jennifer Cook says she has often reflected throughout her career on the opportunities her medical degree created and on the patients and colleagues who shaped her path. That sense of gratitude inspired her to give back.