A younger physician assistant wearing glasses, white coat and stethoscope, examines patient while holding digital pad

Doctor of Medical Science, DMSc

Advance your career with this degree program designed for working Physician Assistants by leaders in the profession

What sets us apart

The Doctor of Medical Science is a one-year program with a fall semester start designed for working physician assistants to attain the culminating degree in their profession. Advance your career with a highly flexible, asynchronous online model.

Physician Assistant in a white coat and wearing glasses with female patient in gown

A blonde female doctor in a white coat speaks to another female doctor, also in a white coat, both seated at a table

Two tracks offering practical skills

The Doctor of Medical Science degree allows students to focus on either Clinical Leadership and Administration or Educational Leadership and Administration track. Students will complete a Capstone Project, learning career-enhancing skills by writing a conference proposal, grant application and publishable article.

Two Graduate Certificate programs

Graduate Certificate programs are offered in Clinical Leadership and Administration and Educational Leadership and Administration. The nine credits earned in these one-year programs can be applied to fulfill the doctoral courses if a student chooses to continue the degree.

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Happy young adult nursing or medical student talks with classmate in university medical training class

Why Choose EVMS

Manageable Courseload

Designed to be completed at any stage in a Physician Assistant's career

Flexible

Online with asynchronous, semester-long classes in this one-year program

Capstone Project

This culminating project offers career-enhancing experience and practical skills

Meet Our Faculty

Kimberly K. Dempsey, EdD, MPA, PA-C, DFAAPA, Associate Professor

Dr. Dempsey is Program Director for the Physician Assistant program and the Doctor of Medical Science program at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Dr. Dempsey has taught graduate students in the PA program at EVMS since 2007 and became Program Director in 2016. Her research interests include adult education, professional development, curriculum development and student success.

Dan T. Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C, DFAAPA, Associate Professor

Mr. Thibodeau has been a faculty member of the physician assistant program since 2005. His focus of education is the patient interview and physical exam skill development, as well as clinical skills procedures. He has been an active member of his local, state, and national organizations, and currently represents EVMS and his profession on national steering committees in cardiovascular disease.

Lauren K. Paluch, DMSc, MPA, PA-C, Assistant Professor

Dr. Paluch is a graduate of the Eastern Virginia Medical School PA program in 2014. She received her Doctor of Medical Science degree from the University of Lynchburg in 2020. Dr. Paluch has been a faculty member since February 2020. She also practices clinically in pediatrics. Her academic interests include professional practice refinement as well as diversity, equity and inclusion in health profession education.

Take the next step in your Physician Assistant career. Apply to earn your Doctorate in Medical Science.

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