Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) has started a new Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate (PA) Medicine program through its School of Health Professions. The first group of students began classes on October 1, with the goal of addressing the increasing demand for medical professionals.
Aaron Bishop, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at PBA, said that this new PA Medicine program adds to the university’s existing health science offerings and helps meet both national and local needs for clinicians. He stated, “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. The future looks bright for PBA and PA Medicine is thankful to be part of this.”
The students have already begun foundational coursework in chemistry and biochemistry, connecting these sciences to different systems within the human body. They are also learning about the history and values of the PA profession while developing skills such as medical interviewing, maintaining sterile fields, using personal protective equipment correctly, and administering injections.
The inaugural class consists of 56 students. Among them is Brittni Parke from Apopka, Florida—a PBA alumna who completed her bachelor’s degree in biology with a pre-health concentration at the university. Parke shared her positive experience so far: “Each faculty member is unlike any you will ever meet,” she said. “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!”
