Review of Post-Professional Doctoral Programs for PAs: Insights from the PA Moms Medical Summit

PA Moms Women’s Medical Summit 2026

Jenna Rolfs, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, DFAAPA

Standing in front of a room full of clinicians and mothers at the recent PA Moms Women’s Medical Summit to deliver my session, "Review of Post-Professional Doctoral Education for the Physician Assistant/Associate", the conversation pivoted toward something far more fundamental to our identities as working mothers, healthcare providers, and leaders: purpose, return on investment(ROI), and sustainable career longevity.

For years, post-professional doctorates for Physician Associates have occupied a space of equal parts ambition and skepticism. In a room anchored by the PA Moms community, a group navigating the delicate tightrope of full-time clinical practice, quotas, childcare logistics, and personal wellness, the decision to go back to school isn't just an academic exercise. It is a high-stakes investment of precious time and financial resources.

Here are my key takeaways, reflecting where doctoral education stands for PA Moms today.

1. The Real ROI: It’s About Scope, Not Just Salary

The most persistent myth about post-professional doctoral degrees (whether a DMSc, DMS, DHSc, or PhD) is that they immediately translate into higher clinical RVUs or automatic clinical pay bumps.

The true return on investment lies in diversification and career longevity.  A post-professional doctorate is rarely about doing the exact same clinical job for more money. It’s an opportunity for:

●      PA Education & Academia

●      Healthcare Administration

●      Health Policy & Global Health

●      Building a collaborative professional network

2. Navigating the "Alphabet Soup": Curriculum Alignment Matters

One of the most energetic parts of the post-professional doctoral education for PAs is sorting through the expanding landscape of doctoral offerings. The market has grown rapidly to 40+ DMSc/DMS programs alone, and not all programs are created equal or tailored for the same goals. For a clinician balancing call schedules and bedtime routines, flexible program structure isn't just a perk; it’s a prerequisite.

3. The Elephant in the Room: Time and "Mom Guilt"

You cannot discuss furthering one's education at a PA Moms conference without addressing the emotional tax of career advancement. When asked what is holding oneself back from enrolling, the consensus isn’t a lack of ambition; it is time, cost, and lingering "mom guilt."

The collective wisdom, however, continues to provide the answer: Investing in your career trajectory is an act of long-term family security and personal fulfillment.

Many PAs who are currently pursuing or have completed their doctorates while raising young children share that asynchronous, online doctoral modules allowed them to study during early morning hours or weekend naps. More importantly, seeing a mother achieve the highest academic tier in her field sets an unforgettable example of resilience and ambition for her children.

Moving Forward: A Degree of Empowerment

Presenting at the PA Moms conference reinforced what I have long believed: PAs are no longer content staying in the lane carved out for us decades ago. We are leading health systems, directing academic programs, shaping policy, and running clinics, all while leading households.

A post-professional doctorate is not a magic wand.  But for the clinician asking, "What does the next decade of my career look like?", it is one of the most powerful tools available to claim a seat at the decision-making table.

To every PA mom who sits in the room, asks the questions, and continues to share her story: thank you! The future of healthcare leadership looks remarkably bright as we continue to have these conversations around the value of post-professional doctoral education for PAs.