Jenna Rolfs, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, DFAAPA ADPA, President-Elect The Physician Associate (PA) profession stands at a pivotal moment across higher education, healthcare, and industry. As healthcare systems rapidly evolve, the demand for leaders who can navigate complexity and drive organizational change continues to grow. Simultaneously, higher education faces structural pressures, from the approaching enrollment cliff to the need for sustainable revenue models that require strategi

Peter Yen, DMSc, MSHA, PA-C, LSSGB Executive Summary Healthcare delivery in the United States has undergone profound structural transformation over the past two decades. Care models have shifted from physician centric hierarchies toward integrated, team-based systems that rely heavily on advanced practice clinicians.¹,² Yet executive governance structures have not evolved at the same pace. Physicians commonly ascend to Chief Medical Officer roles. Nursing leadership pathways

James C. Somers, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA Author’s Note:  This article reflects my personal professional perspective, shaped by more than two decades as a practicing clinician, practice owner, educator, and professional leader within the Physician Associate profession. My decision to pursue doctoral education was not driven by a specific job title, promotion, or external requirement. At the time, I was already well established clinically and professionally. What I was looking for w

Peter Yen, DMSc, MSHA, PA-C, LSSGB Introduction The United States healthcare workforce faces a persistent and widening gap between clinical demand and physician supply. This gap is driven by an aging population, increasing chronic disease prevalence, geographic maldistribution of physicians, and accelerating workforce burnout and retirement. Labor projections demonstrate that physician supply growth alone will not meet future needs. In this context, physician associates repre

Jessica Amburgey, DMS, MSPAS, PA-C, EM-CAQ

“Healthcare burnout impacts increasing numbers of providers”  We hear that headline frequently. PAs face significant pressures to balance heavy patient loads, navigate complex medical decisions and interdisciplinary collaboration, and deliver quality care within fast-paced clinical environments. In a recently published article, approximately one-third of PAs experience burnout. Contextual factors appear to drive burnout risk rather than demographics such as gender, underscori

Peter Yen, DMSc, MSHA, PA-C, LSSGB Abstract The expansion of doctoral education for Physician Associates has introduced multiple degree pathways that differ in purpose, structure, and career alignment. Prospective doctoral PAs often face difficulty distinguishing among programs and determining which option best fits their professional goals. This paper examines the major doctoral pathways pursued by PAs, with emphasis on program length, research versus clinical focus, typical

Dr. James R. Kilgore It is of interest that many Physician Associates/Assistants often question the value of obtaining a doctoral degree. As noted in a recent article, it is essential to know that PAs are late to the market for terminal doctorates among clinicians, both in education and in clinical settings. In fact, PAs are the only prescribing practitioners who have not transitioned to an entry-level doctorate. A fundamental question is, “Does obtaining a doctoral degree as

Jenna Rolfs, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, DFAAPA, Debra Munsell, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, James R. Kilgore, DMSc, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA, Jeremy M. Welsh, PhD, DHSc, JD, PA-C, DFAAPA, Michael S. Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA, Blake Rogers, DMSc, PA-C, Thomas Colletti, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA, Raquelle Akavan, DMSc, PA-C, Travis Kaufman, DMSc, PA-C, FIBODM

Author: Peter Yen, DMSc, MSHA, PA-C, LSSGB Author’s Note This article was written in response to a growing and sometimes emotional conversation within our profession regarding the role of doctoral education for physician associates. The concept of an entry level doctorate is still developing, and no definitive agreement exists among educators, clinicians, or regulatory leaders about whether such a requirement should ultimately be tied to clinical practice. The discussion is o

Peter Yen, DMSc, MSHA, PA-C, LSSGB Abstract Doctoral trained Physician Associates represent a significant advancement in the evolution of the PA profession and reflect a maturing commitment to leadership, education, and system level transformation. The Academy of Doctoral PAs advocates for national recognition, integration, and advancement of doctoral prepared PAs across healthcare, academics, and policy. This paper outlines how healthcare organizations can support ongoing le

Peter Yen, DMSc, MSHA, PA-C, LSSGB Executive Summary Health systems face a triple squeeze: shrinking margins, leadership shortages, and rising clinical demand. Doctorally trained Physician Associates (PAs)—holders of DMSc, DMS, DHSc, or DPA degrees—represent a cost-efficient internal leadership pipeline uniquely qualified to bridge clinical and administrative priorities. This paper quantifies the return on investment (ROI) and operational fit of appointing doctoral PAs to man

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the role of Physician Associates (PAs) is becoming increasingly pivotal. As doctorate-trained PAs or those aspiring to doctoral degrees, we understand that advancing our profession requires more than clinical expertise; it demands strategic networking. How do we effectively build and sustain professional relationships that propel our careers and influence healthcare leadership? The answer lies in deliberate, well-crafted strategies to

The Physician Associate (PA) profession has undergone a remarkable transformation since its inception, evolving from a novel concept into a vital component of modern healthcare delivery. As we explore this journey, it becomes clear that the development of the PA role is not merely a historical curiosity but a dynamic narrative that continues to shape the future of medicine. We must ask ourselves: how did this profession rise to such prominence, and what does its trajectory te

Bernard, Kari S. PhD, PA-C; Hussein, Aisha N. DMS, PA-C JAAPA ():10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000279, October 28, 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000279 Abstract Postprofessional doctoral programs for physician associates (PAs) have expanded rapidly, offering diverse and specialized tracks that reflect the evolving roles of PAs in health care, education, and leadership. Institutional accreditation provides rigorous oversight of these programs and ensures academic quality ac

Navigating the job market as a Physician Associate (PA) with advanced training or aspirations for doctoral degrees demands a strategic approach. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this level of expertise. Whether you are stepping into the field or aiming to elevate your career, the path to securing the right position requires more than just submitting resumes. It calls for deliberate planning, informed decision-making, and leveraging resource

The Physician Associate Profession at a Crossroad: Doctoral Preparation as the Natural Evolution for Leadership and System Sustainability

Peter Yen, DMSc, MSHA, PA-C, LSSGB CEO, ADPA After more than 24 years as a Physician Associate, I’ve watched our profession grow from the...

Complete up-to-date list of doctoral programs

From the desk of the ADPA President: leadership isn’t a title—it’s work. On Sunday, Oct 26, our Fall Virtual CME Conference puts PA leadership front and center: practical updates, real pathways, and how PAs bridge medicine and management to move systems forward. Join us and be part of the bench-to-boardroom shift.