The University of Pittsburgh’s established doctoral program for practicing physician assistants/associates, which originated as the Doctor of Physician Assistant Studies (DPAS), is now the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)!
Faculty in the Department of PA Studies carefully considered the trajectory of doctoral education for PAs, held conversations with other professionals and PA leaders at a national level, and reflected on their desire to promote professional cohesion. It became increasingly apparent that the DMSc is the preferred post-professional degree for the PA profession and that the transition will provide graduates with a more recognizable degree among PAs in the field.
Program Director Mary Allias states, “This change to the DMSc is intended to support professional unity and facilitate career advancement for PAs moving forward.”
This change is in name and credential only, and the DMSc program will continue to offer an innovative PA curriculum found only at the University of Pittsburgh—covering everything from AI to QI:
- A team of full-time faculty members dedicated to student success
- Students receive individualized advising and mentorship throughout the program to support their educational journey and professional goals.
- Students complete a quality improvement project implementing real-world changes that positively impact patient care
- The online program can be completed in as little as one year and allows for work/life balance to accommodate increasingly busy lives
- The DMSc is an affordable doctoral degree for working PAs that easily aligns with employer benefits and tuition assistance programs.
- Our faculty are nationally-known and award-winning leaders of the profession:
Mary Allias, EdD, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA
- Program Director
- PSPA Educator of the Year Recipient
- Innovation in Education Award Recipient
- Department Distinguished Teaching Award Recipient
Emily Murphy, EdD, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA
- Associate Program Director
- PSPA Educator of the Year Recipient
- Innovation in Education Award Recipient
- Department Faculty Excellence Award Recipient
Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, ABAIM, PA-C
- Vice Chair for Innovation
- President, Physician Assistant Education Association
- Innovation in Education Award Recipient
Are you ready to elevate your physician assistant/associate career? Join the excellence at the University of Pittsburgh DMSc program in one of three start dates per year—January, May and August! Please visit our website to learn more about applying to the next cohort, attending an information session or talking to our Enrollment Specialist Haley Geisler.