By Kari Bernard, PhD, PA-C
Director, Doctor of Medical Science Program, The College of Idaho
Newly graduated physician associates (PAs) enter the workforce prepared to deliver excellent patient care, but many quickly discover that their training didn’t fully prepare them for the complex realities of today’s healthcare system. From administrative overload to professional roadblocks, early career PAs face significant challenges. That’s where a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree can make a critical difference.
Below, we explore how a DMSc program for early career PAs can equip graduates with advanced skills to thrive in the healthcare system and why The College of Idaho’s accelerated DMSc pathway may be the ideal next step after PA school.
1. Bridge the Gap Between Research and Practice
It takes an average of 17 to 20 years for biomedical research to become standard clinical practice. Regulatory constraints, lack of funding, and cultural resistance to change create barriers to timely knowledge translation. New PAs shouldn’t have to wait decades to offer patients the best available care.
Through training in implementation science and evidence-based medicine, a DMSc empowers early career PAs to close that gap and bring innovation to their clinical settings right away.
2. Advocate for the PA Profession in a Changing Landscape
Anti-scope-of-practice campaigns led by powerful organizations threaten PA autonomy and job prospects. Although PAs are well-positioned to help solve workforce shortages, new graduates often face unnecessary resistance.
A DMSc degree equips PAs with leadership tools and healthcare policy expertise to advocate for their profession, influence policy, and improve patient access to care.
3. Combat Administrative Burnout with Innovative Solutions
New PAs often find themselves spending more time on documentation and billing than with patients. Administrative burdens like electronic records, prior authorizations, and full inboxes can lead to burnout quickly.
DMSc graduates gain skills in strategic thinking, process improvement, and health system navigation—enabling them to create solutions that reduce unnecessary stress in the workplace.
4. Challenge Toxic Norms and Promote Wellness in Medicine
From glorifying self-sacrifice to punishing honest mistakes, toxic cultural norms are still prevalent in healthcare. Early career PAs can struggle to preserve their well-being without intentional support.
The College of Idaho’s DMSc program includes training in leadership, resilience, and professional sustainability to help new PAs thrive personally and professionally.
Why Choose The College of Idaho’s DMSc Program?
The Early Career PA DMSc Pathway is tailored for new graduates ready to lead. This one-year, fully online program offers:
- Implementation Science
- Healthcare Leadership
- U.S. Healthcare Policy
- Research Methods & Scholarly Writing
- Cultural Competency & Resilience
Graduates walk away with a toolkit for career advancement, leadership, and long-term success.
Explore Your Future as a PA Leader
Learn how The College of Idaho’s Doctor of Medical Science program can support your next career move.
- Register for our next Info Session
- Visit our website to explore our DMSc specialty tracks