Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)

From Clinical Practice to Healthcare Leadership

The Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine (Katz) is designed for certified physician assistants who seek to advance to the next level in their careers.

Built for working professionals, this flexible, post-master's degree is offered completely online. Graduates become dynamic leaders and educators, building upon their clinical expertise through advanced study in areas such as public health, health justice, education and clinical research.

"The DMSc empowers physician assistants to lead beyond the bedside and shape the future of healthcare through advocacy, innovation, and informed leadership."

Christine Mount, EdD, MS, PA-C

Program Format & Curriculum

Designed with the needs of working physician assistants in mind, the DMSc offers a flexible format that allows students to advance their education while maintaining professional responsibilities.

Format and Curriculum

Admissions

Admissions requirements are designed to recognize both academic preparation and professional experience, creating a learning environment enriched by diverse perspectives and real-world expertise.

Admissions

Concentrations

This degree program can be completed with or without a concentration. Your concentration options include:

Health Justice

Study, understand and address inequities in public health across underserved populations to help transform healthcare policy, systems and access to care.

Students examine how inequities related to race, geography, socioeconomic status, gender identity and sexual orientation affect health outcomes. Coursework focuses on community engagement, advocacy, health policy and strategies for creating more equitable healthcare systems.

Teaching in Health Science Education

Develop the expertise needed to educate physician assistant students, medical students, residents and other health professionals.

Students gain training in curriculum design, instructional methods, learner assessment, remediation and educational leadership, preparing them to influence the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Doctor of Medical Science Program Outcomes

Physician assistants who graduate from the program will be ready to advance in the following areas.

Teach master's degree-trained health professionals who are pursuing advanced education and training.
Prepare future healthcare professionals to become leaders and advocates in healthcare and related disciplines.
Design and deliver instruction that promotes critical thinking, reflective practice and culturally responsive learning.
Teach evidence-based practice and help learners evaluate and apply scientific evidence in clinical settings.
Educate future clinicians about health equity, social justice and public health needs.
Foster collaborative academic communities committed to lifelong learning, clinical excellence, scholarship and professionalism.
Assume leadership roles in healthcare education, patient advocacy, policy development and administration.
Serve as leaders and advocates for patients, communities and healthcare systems.