2026-2027 President-Elect candidate Platform and CV: Alan W. Heckman, DMSc, PA-C

1. What is your vision for the future of doctoral education for PAs, and how

should the Academy lead that direction?

Doctoral education for Physician Associates represents an important opportunity to support the

continued growth and competitiveness of the profession within an evolving healthcare landscape.

As healthcare continues to grow more complex, clinicians are increasingly asked to contribute

not only through patient care but also through leadership, education, scholarship, and policy

engagement. Doctoral programs can help prepare PAs to serve in these expanded roles.

My vision for doctoral education supports the continued maturation of the profession while

remaining adaptable to its future needs. Doctoral-prepared PAs should be positioned to

contribute as educators, researchers, administrators, and professional leaders who help guide the

profession's direction. At the same time, ongoing national discussions regarding specialization,

evolving clinical roles, and professional autonomy highlight the importance of maintaining open

and thoughtful dialogue about the future of doctoral education.

The Academy of Doctoral PAs should play a central role in facilitating these conversations. By

fostering collaboration among doctoral programs, highlighting the contributions of doctoral-

prepared PAs, and engaging healthcare leaders in discussions about the value of advanced

education, the Academy can help shape the profession's future.

Ultimately, doctoral education should strengthen the PA profession by preparing clinicians who

can contribute to leadership, innovation, and professional advocacy, while ensuring the

profession remains competitive and responsive to healthcare needs.

2. How will you actively contribute to advancing the mission and tangible

outcomes of the Academy of Doctoral PAs?

My professional work has focused on advancing doctoral education within the Physician

Associate profession, most recently through the development of the Doctor of Medical Science

program at DeSales University. This experience has provided me with insight into both the

opportunities and challenges associated with developing high-quality doctoral education for

practicing clinicians.

If selected to serve on the ADPA Board, I would focus on three priorities that align closely with

the Academy’s mission to advance the profession and promote the value of doctoral education.

First, I believe the Academy should continue strengthening collaboration among doctoral

programs and doctoral-prepared PAs. Sharing best practices in curriculum development, program

outcomes, and leadership preparation can help ensure doctoral education continues to evolve in

ways that benefit both the profession and the healthcare community.

Second, the Academy can play an important role in educating healthcare leaders about the value

of doctoral-prepared PAs. Highlighting how these clinicians contribute as educators, researchers,

organizational leaders, and policy advocates will help demonstrate the impact of advanced

education.

Third, I would support initiatives that promote scholarship and professional engagement among

doctoral-prepared PAs. Encouraging research, publications, and professional presentations will

help further define the role of doctoral education within the PA profession.

My goal would be to help translate the Academy’s mission into meaningful initiatives that

advance doctoral education and strengthen the PA profession.

3. Please share your vision of effective teamwork and your approach to

leading a team.

Effective teamwork begins with a shared sense of purpose. When individuals understand an

organization's mission and how their contributions support it, collaboration becomes more

focused and productive. In organizations such as the Academy of Doctoral PAs, teamwork is

most effective when members bring their expertise, perspectives, and ideas together in support of

a common goal.

My leadership approach emphasizes open communication, mutual respect, and a focus on

outcomes. I believe effective teams create environments where members feel comfortable

sharing ideas, asking questions, and contributing their perspectives. Encouraging thoughtful

dialogue often leads to stronger decisions and more innovative solutions.

At the same time, leadership requires helping a team maintain direction and momentum. Setting

clear expectations, maintaining regular communication, and ensuring accountability are essential

components of effective collaboration. My goal as a leader is to facilitate productive discussions,

support team members' strengths, and help translate ideas into meaningful action.

Strong teams recognize that each individual brings unique experiences and perspectives. By

valuing those contributions and working collaboratively toward shared goals, organizations can

achieve outcomes that would not be possible through individual efforts alone.

Ultimately, effective teamwork is built on trust, communication, and a shared commitment to

advancing the organization's mission.

4. How will you represent a diverse membership with varying perspectives on

doctoral education while ensuring all voices are heard?

Doctoral education within the PA profession continues to evolve, and, naturally, members hold a

wide range of perspectives regarding its role and future direction. Representing a diverse

membership requires acknowledging these differing viewpoints while ensuring that

conversations remain respectful, inclusive, and focused on advancing the profession.

One of the most visible examples of this diversity of opinion is the ongoing national

conversation surrounding entry-level doctoral education for Physician Associates. Some believe

that transitioning to an entry-level doctorate may strengthen the profession’s long-term

competitiveness. In contrast, others raise important questions regarding accessibility, workforce

implications, and the impact on PA education. These discussions highlight the importance of

thoughtful dialogue within the profession.

My approach as a leader would be to foster an environment that encourages open communication

and in which members feel comfortable sharing their perspectives. When individuals believe

their voices are heard and valued, discussions become more productive and decisions more

balanced.

It is also important to recognize that doctoral education can serve many purposes within the

profession. Some individuals pursue doctoral training to advance within academia, others to

develop leadership skills, and others to contribute to research, policy, or organizational

leadership. Acknowledging these varied motivations helps ensure the Academy represents the

full spectrum of its membership.

By encouraging respectful dialogue, transparency, and collaboration, the Academy can represent

diverse perspectives while helping guide thoughtful discussions about the future of doctoral

education within the PA profession.

CV

Dynamic leader and educator with a proven track record in strategic leadership, medical operations, and

healthcare education, significantly enhancing outcomes for students and patients. Expertise in adapting

innovative strategies to foster program excellence and success.

SKILLS

§ Strategic Planning § Collaborative Decision-Making § Medical Operations

§ Public Speaking

§ Team Building

§ Transformational Leadership

§ Program Development

§ Innovative Teaching

§ Conflict Management

§ Creating Inclusivity

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

FOUNDING PROGRAM DIRECTOR

DeSales University

Center Valley, PA

Center Valley, PA

July 2025 – Present

August 2021 – June 2025

§ Lead the design, launch, and administration of an online, asynchronous doctoral program for physician associates

§ Develop and oversee curriculum, ensuring alignment with academic standards and professional competencies

§ Recruit, hire, and mentor faculty; facilitate adjunct onboarding and course development

§ Direct program assessment, including learning outcomes, student satisfaction, and accreditation compliance

§ Manage program budget and resource allocation in collaboration with academic leadership

§ Coordinate marketing and recruitment strategies to attract students and promote program visibility

§ Serve as primary liaison to university administration, accrediting bodies, and external stakeholders

§ Champion innovation, leadership, and scholarly growth within the PA profession through doctoral education

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SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT

LearningMate

Princeton, NJ

June 2024 – May 2025

§ Responsible for creating and reviewing educational content, such as online courses, assessments, and practice questions,

on the LearningMate platform

§ Ensuring accuracy, quality, and alignment with curriculum standards

§ Adhering to strict deadlines and productivity targets

§ Acting as the expert voice within the learning design process in the fields of Emergency Medicine and Clinical

Procedures.

§ Design and develop engaging learning materials including text, videos, interactive elements, and assessments aligned

with the curriculum and learning objectives.

§ Create practice questions, quizzes, and exercises that test understanding and application of key concepts.

§ Thoroughly review content for grammatical errors, factual accuracy, and consistency with learning objectives.

§ Participate in quality checks and provide feedback to ensure the highest standard of content quality.

§ Work closely with instructional designers, project managers, and other SMEs to develop comprehensive learning

programs.

§ Collaborate with the team to ensure smooth project delivery and meet deadlines.

CHAIR, MEDICAL STUDIES

DeSales University

Center Valley, PA

August 2021 – June 2025

§ Promotes the mission, philosophy, goals, and academic outcomes of the University

§ Assume responsibility for the overall quality of the academic major

§ Oversees the undergraduate Medical Studies students by serving as a primary contact for current and prospective students

in the Medical Studies major

§ Assists the PA Program Director in the certification of seniors who have completed all courses in their major with the

necessary minimum cumulative quality point average required for graduation

§ Assists the PA Program Director with development and compliance with Medical Studies progression policies

§ Provides ongoing data collection, assessment, and evaluation of the Medical Studies student performance

§ Monitors and documents in the student files the academic progress of each student in the Medical Studies major each

semester

§ Active involvement in the PA program undergraduate admissions process, to include undergraduate open houses and

marketing efforts

§ Provides support to didactic faculty for undergraduate advising questions

§ Chairs the Medical Studies Academic Appeals Committee

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM

DeSales University

Center Valley, PA

December 2013 - Present

§ Participate in PA Program committees focused on curriculum development, assessment practices, and program initiatives.

§ Participate in University Committees, including Rank and Tenure (Chair), Faculty Review, Faculty Dismissal, MSCHE

Standard II Committee, Faculty Handbook Taskforce, Academic Affairs – Graduate Programs, CHP Faculty

Development and Recognition.

§ Evaluated student performance through assessments such as exams, papers, and presentations.

§ Created innovative teaching strategies to engage students with different learning styles.

§ Provided individualized academic advising to undergraduate and graduate students.

§ Lectured on courses in varied locations and via various media to meet needs of in-class and remote students.

§ Developed syllabuses and course schedules to communicate classroom expectations and learning objectives.

§ Facilitated classroom discussions to promote critical thinking about instructional topics.

§ Posted and observed office hours for consultation and guidance of students.

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OWNER/OPERATOR

EMS Education Solutions, LLC

Breinigsville, PA

April 2015 – July 2020

§ Founded and led a pioneering private educational company specializing in high-quality training for emergency medical

services (EMS) professionals and the general public.

§ Achieved distinction as the first private company—independent of a higher education institution—to be accredited as an

EMS Training Institute by the Pennsylvania Department of Health in eastern Pennsylvania.

§ Developed and launched a Critical Care Transport Program that earned accreditation from the International Board of

Specialty Certification (IBSC), reflecting national standards of excellence in advanced EMS education.

§ Designed and delivered engaging, evidence-based EMS continuing education programs, integrating simulation, scenario-

based learning, and current clinical guidelines.

§ Managed all aspects of business operations including curriculum development, regulatory compliance, instructor

recruitment, financial planning, and community outreach.

§ Collaborated with EMS agencies, hospitals, and regional health systems to deliver customized training in American Heart

Association courses, Critical Care, EKG interpretation, and Community Paramedicine.

§ Built a trusted brand recognized for educational innovation, instructor quality, and learner-centered experiences.

§ Ceased operations in July 2020 after accomplishing a strategic mission to elevate EMS education and professional

practice.

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Allentown, PA

October 2006 - May 2010

§ Formulated strategic plans for institution.

§ Consulted with government regulatory and licensing agencies to confirm institution's conformance with applicable

standards.

§ Identified and implemented program improvements to enhance performance.

§ Implemented strategies to increase participation in programs among target populations.

§ Analyzed program results and developed recommendations for improvement

§ Maintained strong relationships with community organizations to provide additional resources for students.

§ Developed policy and procedure manuals regarding structure and function of education programs.

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Cetronia Ambulance Corps

§ Formulated strategic plans for institution.

Allentown , PA

June 2005 - September 2006

§ Developed and implemented comprehensive educational plans to meet organizational objectives.

§ Managed budgets for educational programs ensuring that resources were allocated efficiently.

§ Analyzed data from multiple sources to inform decision making processes related to educational initiatives.

§ Implemented best practices in instruction, assessment, and classroom management techniques.

§ Fostered a culture of continuous improvement through regular evaluation of program goals, objectives, and outcomes.

§ Developed policies and procedures aimed at improving overall operations within the department.

§ Initiated partnerships with external organizations to expand opportunities for students.

§ Provided leadership in professional development activities focused on current trends in education.

§ Recruited, hired, trained, and terminated departmental personnel.

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SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHER

Allentown School District

Allentown, PA

September 1999 - August 2005

§ Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and adjust curricula accordingly.

§ Adhered to established curriculum guidelines while incorporating creative approaches in the classroom.

§ Developed and implemented a wide variety of instructional plans to accommodate diverse student needs.

§ Sponsored extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.

§ Attended professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve

professional competence.

EDUCATION

Doctor of Medical Science (D.M.Sc.) in Emergency Management and Global Health

University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, VA

Master of Science (M.S.) in Physician Assistant Studies

DeSales University, Center Valley, PA

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Education

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown, PA

Certification in Paramedic

Lehigh Carbon Community College, Allentown, PA

May 2024

Aug 2011

May 2004

Jun 2000

CERTIFICATIONS

§ National Commission on Certification of Physician

Assistants - Certification #1091495

§ Osteopathic Physician Assistant - Pennsylvania

Department of Health - License #OA002734

§ Instructional I Teaching Certification - Pennsylvania

Department of Education

§ Medical Physician Assistant - Pennsylvania

Department of Health - License #MA055106

§ Prehospital Physician Extender - Pennsylvania

Department of Health - Certification #116550

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY CREDENTIALS

§ ICS 100 – Introduction to the Incident Command System

§ ICS 120 – An Introduction to Exercises

§ ICS 200 – Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response

§ ICS 230 – Fundamentals of Emergency Management

§ ICS 235 – Emergency Planning

§ ICS 240 – Leadership and Influence

§ ICS 241 – Decision Making and Problem Solving

§ ICS 242 – Effective Communication

§ ICS 244 – Developing and Managing Volunteers

§ ICS 300 – Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents

§ ICS 400 – Advanced ICS – Complex Incidents

§ ICS 700 – Introduction to the National Incident Management System

§ ICS 800 – National Response Framework, An Introduction

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PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

§ American Academy of Physician Assistants – Member

§ Academy of Doctoral PAs - Member

§ Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants – Member

§ Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants – Co-Chair Education Committee, Conference Committee (Former)

§ Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery – Member

§ American Academy of Family Practice Physician Assistants – Member (Former)

§ DeSales University Student Physician Assistant Society – President, Class of 2011

§ National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians - Member

§ National Association of EMS Educators – Member

§ National Association of EMS Educators – Education Committee Member (Former)

§ National Association of Search and Rescue - Member

§ Eastern Pennsylvania EMS Council – Member

§ Eastern Pennsylvania EMS Council – Education Committee Member

§ Wilderness Medical Society – Member

§ Society of Critical Care Medicine – Member

HONORS

§ Phi Kappa Phi Academic Honors Society Inductee – University of Lynchburg

§ Phi Alpha Faculty Inductee – National Physician Assistant Honor Society

§ Faculty Award, DeSales University Physician Assistant Program

§ US Congress - Citation for Outstanding Community Service in EMS - April 1999

§ PA House of Representatives - Citation for Outstanding Community Service in EMS - April 1999

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Phoenixville Hospital, Phoenixville, PA Tower Health – Phoenixville Intensive Care Unit

Position: Physician Assistant – Critical Care

Manager: Ms. Aileen Bojko, RN, BSN – 610-983-1366

St. Luke’s University Health Network, Bethlehem, PA St. Luke’s Physician Group – Critical Care

Position: Physician Assistant – Critical Care Medicine

Manager: Mr. John Gillard, PA-C – 610-442-6900

Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA MedEvac – Department of Public Safety

Position: Flight Paramedic - Per Diem

Manager: Mr. Keith Micucci, RN, MSN, CRNP – 484-661-5626

Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA Lehigh Valley Physician Group – Department of Surgery

Position: Physician Assistant – Cardiothoracic Surgery

Manager: Dr. James Wu, MD – 610-402-6890

Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA Lehigh Valley Physician Group - Department of Emergency Medicine

Position: Physician Assistant

Manager: Dr. David Burmeister, DO – 610-402-8130

May 2023 – Present

December 2015 – December 2018

September 2013 – August 2014

January 2013 – January 2024

October 2011 – April 2023

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Reading Hospital and Health System Reading Hospital Physician Group – Department of Emergency Medicine

Position: Physician Assistant – Emergency Medicine

Manager: Mr. Ben Carr, PA-C – 484-628-8481

Green Hills Family Health Care, Fogelsville, PA Position: Physician Assistant

Manager: Dr. Kimberly Corba, DO – 610-530-9155

February 2014 – May 2015

October 2011 – May 2013

PUBLICATIONS

§ Heckman A. The Prophylactic Use of Acetazolamide to Prevent Acute Altitude Illness. University of Lynchburg DMSc

Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2024; 6(1).

§ Heckman, A., 2016. Chapter 10: Airway Management. In: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Emergency

Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured, 11th Ed. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett, 386- 451.

§ Heckman, A., 2016. Chapter 14: Medical Overview. In: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Emergency Care

and Transportation of the Sick and Injured, 11th Ed. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett, 560- 583.

§ Heckman, A., 2016. Chapter 15: Respiratory Emergencies. In: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Emergency

Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured, 11th Ed. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett, 584-627.

§ Heckman, A., 2016. Chapter 17: Neurologic Emergencies. In: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Emergency

Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured, 11th Ed. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett, 675-703.

§ Heckman, A., 2014. Chapter 9: Cardiovascular Emergencies. In: Snyder, D. 2014. Geriatric Education for Emergency

Medical Services. Second Edition. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett, 132-146.

§ Heckman, A., 2014. Chapter 10: Neurological Emergencies. In: Snyder, D. 2014. Geriatric Education for Emergency

Medical Services. Second Edition. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett, 148-168.

§ Heckman, A., 2012. Chapter 13: Patient Assessment. In: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Nancy Caroline's

Emergency Care in the Streets, 7th Ed. Volume 1. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett Publishing, 584-693.

§ Heckman, A., 2011. Various Cases. In: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Emergency Medical Technician

Transition Manual: Bridging the Gap to the National EMS Education Standard. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett Publishing,

various pages.

§ Heckman, A. 2010: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Emergency Medical Responder: Your First Response

in Emergency Care Student Workbook. 5th ed. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett Publishing, 276 pp.

§ Heckman, A. 2010: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and

Injured Student Workbook. 10th ed. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett Publishing, 626 pp.

§ Heckman, A. 2009. Chapter 8: Airway. In: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Emergency Care and

Transportation of the Sick and Injured, 10th Ed. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett Publishing, 318-377.

§ Heckman, A., Rahm, S. 2009. Chapter 5: Head and Neck Trauma. In: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Advanced Assessment and Treatment of Trauma. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett Publishing, 86-130.

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PRESENTATIONS

§ Laser-Guided EKG Workshop – December 2023, PSPA Conference, Hershey, PA

§ Laser-Guided EKG Workshop – October 2021, PSPA Conference, Pocono, PA

§ Special Children with Special Needs – October 2019, CODE EMS Conference, Pocono, PA

§ Your Kid Has What? Responding to Pediatric Emergencies During an Anti-Vaccine Era – October 2019, CODE EMS

Conference, Pocono, PA

§ It’s a Kid - Don’t Freak Out – May 2019, TRAUMA 2019: A Continuum of Care, Allentown, PA

§ Love Hurts: When Sex Broke More Than Just My Heart – February 2019, NCEMSF Conference, Pittsburgh, PA

§ Sickly Hearts: A Look at Endocarditis – October 2018, PSPA Conference, Pocono, PA

§ Love Hurts: When Sex Broke More Than Just My Heart – October 2018, CODE EMS Conference, Pocono, PA

§ Heart Failure: Finally Understood – October 2018, CODE EMS Conference, Pocono, PA

§ Demystifying Pacemakers and ICDs: A Shocking Discovery – October 2017, PSPA Conference, Valley Forge, PA

§ Simulation Evolution: Interprofessional Collaboration via a Natural Disaster Simulation – May 2016, 5th Annual Meeting,

Interprofessional Simulation Education and Innovative Uses of Simulation, Philadelphia, PA

§ Heart Failure: Keep It Pumping – October 2016, PSPA Conference, Pittsburg, PA

§ Flipping Without Failing – November 2015, PAEA Conference, Washington, D.C.

§ Laser-Guided EKG Workshop – October 2015, PSPA Conference, Erie, PA

§ FAST Signs of Stroke – October 2015, PSPA Conference, Erie, PA

§ He Said, She Said: Avoiding Instructor Inconsistencies – October 2015, Eastern PA EMS Conference, Pocono, PA

§ Tuxedo or Jeans: Integrating Formal and Informal Assessment in the Classroom – October, 2015, Eastern PA EMS

Conference, Pocono, PA

§ Demystifying Pacemakers and ICDs: A Shocking Discovery – October, 2015, Eastern PA EMS Conference, Pocono, PA

§ Scared Breathless: Pediatric Respiratory Emergencies – November 2014, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA

§ Death By Oxygen – October 2012, Eastern PA EMS Conference, Pocono, PA

§ Death By Oxygen – August 2012, PEHSC Conference, Lancaster, PA

§ Point of Care Testing…What's the Point? – August 2012, PEHSC Conference, Lancaster, PA

§ What's The Worst That Can Happen – October 2011, Eastern PA EMS Conference, Pocono, PA

§ What's The Worst That Can Happen – February 2011, NCEMSF Conference, Philadelphia, PA

§ The Deadly Sins of EMS – February 2011, NCEMSF Conference, Philadelphia, PA

§ Wilderness Illnesses – November 2010, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA

§ Abdominal Pain: This Too Shall Pass – October 2010, Eastern PA EMS Conference, Pocono, PA

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PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)

§ The Deadly Sins of EMS – October 2009, Eastern PA EMS Conference, Pocono, PA

§ The Deadly Sins of EMS – February 2009, NCEMSF Conference, Washington, DC

§ Capnography: Beyond the ET Tube – October 2008, Eastern PA EMS Conference, Pocono, PA

SERVICE

HEALTH SERVICES OFFICER – PENNSYLVANIA WING

United States Air Force Auxiliary

DEPUTY CHIEF, STANDARDS AND EVALUATIONS – HAWK MOUNTAIN RANGER SCHOOL

United States Air Force Auxiliary

MEDICAL OFFICER – HAWK MOUNTAIN RANGER SCHOOL

United States Air Force Auxiliary

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT/PRECEPTOR

DeSales University Free Clinic – Allentown Rescue Mission

Fort Indiantown Gap, PA

June 2016 - Present

Kempton, PA

July 2018 - Present

Kempton, PA

July 2023 - Present

Allentown, PA

October 2011 – October 2018