1. Program Philosophy, Mission, and Goals
Program Philosophy
The Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies program at the MGH Institute of Health Professions will immerse students in the study of medicine through an integrated curriculum that prepares graduates for collaborative practice across a variety of healthcare settings. The program is based on a philosophy that values professionalism, respect for all individuals, and the provision of excellent team-based, patient-centered care. We believe that physician assistants (PAs) serve an important role in meeting the healthcare needs of patients and society, working with medical professionals in a variety of healthcare settings as clinicians, educators, administrators, scholars, advocates and consultants. Professional education should be a dynamic process, preparing graduates to be competent, broadly-skilled, reflective practitioners in primary care and other healthcare settings. As medicine continues to evolve at an increasingly rapid pace, it is imperative that our students develop the ability to identify what they don’t know and need to know, to find reliable, evidence-based answers, and to apply these skills to competent and compassionate patient care. Through a curriculum designed to meet the needs of the adult learner in both the didactic and clinical phases of the program, we will foster intellectual challenge and inquiry in an atmosphere of academic and clinical scholarship within which students and faculty share responsibility for lifelong learning.
Mission Statement
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program (MPAS) at MGH Institute of Health Professions prepares PA graduates to provide highly competent medical care as members and leaders of interprofessional teams by cultivating and upholding compassion, equity, and justice.
Vision of the Department of PA Studies:
- Prepare graduates to demonstrate advocacy and leadership in their practice and the PA profession.
- Promote the value of the PA role on interprofessional teams and in health care settings.
- Be recognized as an innovative, creative hub for PAs seeking continuing professional development.
- Provide mentorship for Indigenous, Black, and Latinx PAs seeking opportunities as PA educators.
- Create a pipeline to support and mentor applicants from communities of color, Veterans, and first-generation college graduates.
Goals of the Department of PA Studies:
- Recruit highly qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds.
- Incorporate inclusive, team-based teaching and learning practices in the classroom and in clinical settings.
- Demonstrate greater than a 4 on a 5-point Likert scale on student satisfaction metrics.
- Maintain an attrition rate at or below 5%.
- Obtain a 100% first-time taker pass rate on the PANCE.
- Graduates will be employed within 6 months of passing the PANCE.