Palm Beach Atlantic Launches New Physician Associate Medicine Program

The Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) School of Health Professions has officially launched its Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate (PA) Medicine program. The new program, which welcomed its first cohort on Oct. 1, is designed to meet the growing need for compassionate and highly skilled medical professionals.

Assistant Professor of Health Sciences Aaron Bishop explained that PBA already offers a strong array of health science programs, and the addition of the PA Medicine program complements these programs well. He emphasized the growing need for clinicians both nationally and locally, noting that PA Medicine is positioned to help meet this demand.

"How amazing to know that PA Medicine can equip future [clinicians] to help fill this need as they grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly in hospitals, urgent care and community health centers, and physicians' offices," Bishop says. "The future looks bright for PBA and PA Medicine is thankful to be part of this."

In just a few short weeks, students in the new PA Medicine program have made important progress in their training. They have begun exploring the foundations of chemistry and biochemistry, studying how these sciences connect to key systems of the human body-from the skin that protects us to the skeleton that supports us. They are discovering the story of the PA profession, learning about its origins, values, and growing impact in healthcare while building the professionalism and cultural awareness needed to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. Students are also developing essential skills such as medical interviewing, maintaining a sterile field, properly dressing in personal protective equipment, and administering injections.

The first cohort includes 56 students, some of whom are PBA alumni. Brittni Parke, from Apopka, Florida, earned her bachelor's degree in biology with a concentration in pre-health from PBA and is now pursuing her dream of becoming a clinician. From the time she was a young girl, Parke knew she wanted to pursue a career in medicine and realized this could be achieved through the PA profession.

Since the launch of the program, Parke's expectations have been exceeded by the intentionality of her professors, who go above and beyond to ensure their students have the resources to succeed.

"Each faculty member is unlike any you will ever meet," Parke says. "Their joy is deeply rooted in our success throughout the program. Every student is genuinely cared for, and the strength and unity within our cohort is already remarkable!"