Assistant Professor Christina Davis has been appointed the new chair of the Department of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies, effective October 1, 2024. SHRS Dean Anthony Delitto said in his announcement, “Davis has performed brilliantly as interim chair, navigating the successful accreditation of both the hybrid and residential Master of Science in PA Studies programs. Her plans to enhance the research potential of the PA Studies Department are welcome and consistent with our vision for all professions within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) community to contribute to the scholarly mission here at Pitt.”
On becoming chair of the department, Davis said, “I am excited to advance our mission while providing our students with excellence and innovation in education. I will continue to foster an inclusive learning environment while prioritizing collaboration, faculty and staff development and the expansion of research. I am committed to strengthening and growing external partnerships, enriching our clinical training opportunities and increasing our educational offerings.”
Prior to her role as the department’s interim chair, Davis was vice chair for Administration and director of Curriculum for the PA Studies Hybrid program. With more than 20 years of clinical experience working in a variety of health care settings, Davis still practices in urgent care. Her administrative experience prior to joining SHRS includes serving in executive director positions for an occupational health clinic and three centers for independent living for the elderly (including coordination of comprehensive medical care and physical, occupational and speech therapy services). She also helped lead the establishment of an urgent care clinic network.
Davis earned her Bachelor of Science in health science, Master of Physician Assistant Science, and Master of Business Administration degrees from Saint Francis University. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education here at Pitt.
“I am eager to work alongside the great leaders and teams at the University, school and department levels while fostering a culture of excellence and innovation that will empower the department to make a meaningful impact in PA education and health care delivery,” Davis said.