Left to right: Natalie Brahm (DPAS ‘24), Director of the DPAS Program and Associate Professor Mary Allias, and Breanna Blake (DPAS ‘24)
As a full-time assistant professor at Slippery Rock University’s PA Program and a physician assistant at Heritage Valley Beaver in Surgery/Wound Care, I knew moving forward and getting my doctoral degree was the appropriate next step in my academic career. I am always looking for ways to improve my knowledge and the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences’ Doctor of PA Studies (DPAS) program is a vital part of this journey.
While considering the DPAS program at Pitt, I looked at other universities’ doctoral programs, many of which were also online, but they were not as appealing to me as Pitt’s. I went back and forth on whether to pursue a Doctor of Education degree as a next step, too! However, since I always wanted to go to Pitt and they offered the exact doctoral program I wanted, it was the obvious choice.
Brahm in front of the Cathedral of Learning.
In the Pitt DPAS program, I am able to complete my degree in one year. While the busy schedule has been challenging at times with my two young children, the timeline was really attractive and has helped me move forward with my education in a timely manner. The program’s curriculum felt like the perfect next step from where I finished my master's degree many years ago.
The foundation of this program is its strength. I wish I had known more about quality improvement before I started this program. I have always been a huge patient advocate. Patient advocacy is one of the reasons I pursued my career as a PA. The knowledge I am receiving throughout this program has made me even more passionate in this realm and I did not think that was even possible!
My work-life balance being in an online doctoral program differs from semester to semester and even week to week. I can spend anywhere from three to more than 10 hours working on assignments. I am not a procrastinator at heart, so I try to work ahead on assignments and projects as much as possible, especially if I have something scheduled for my family. I have had to prioritize my assignments, but I still have been able to enjoy my family and go on vacations.
Brahm and her family all aboard their vacation together!
With that being said, the faculty are extremely understanding even when assignments are due. They realize we are students, but at the same time we are also health care providers, parents, etc., and unforeseen circumstances arise when we least expect them to.
I love working with my advisor Dr. Mary Allias, the founding director of the Doctor of PA Studies program and associate professor. She is so passionate about the work we are completing for our capstone projects! Dr. Allias is quick to respond to emails and always willing to meet outside of her office hours if we are unable to attend them. I have gotten to know a few of the students from my cohort very well. It is so wonderful interacting with my classmates during our LIVE sessions.
My cohort has been amazing helping one another out with recommendations on where to take our capstone projects whenever possible. It is a wonderful community, and I am so happy to be a part of it!
I’d absolutely recommend this program to my colleagues. I will admit that getting back into “student mode” was a little difficult for me with my family and two jobs. However, once I got the hang of it, I truly feel like my capstone project and those of my peers are going to make an impeccable, positive difference in health care, especially for our patients.
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Written by:
Natalie Brahm, DPAS ’24
Published February 1, 2024
Updated February 2, 2024