Physician Assistant Program

A Physician Assistant is a medical professional who works directly with patients in collaboration with other providers to diagnose, treat and manage injury and illness.

Welcome

SIU Medicine is proud to offer a Physician Assistant Program to a preferred group of eligible students. Our program uses evidence-based learning techniques and unique clinical mentoring opportunities to prepare future providers for a career that relies heavily on autonomy, medical expertise and critical thinking skills.

Our curriculum features the intense study of disease as well as the diagnosis, treatment and management of a broad range of conditions. Successful graduates of our program are awarded a Master of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies and become eligible for national certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

 

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Physician Assistant Program Committees

Learn more about our teams and all the ways that we are organized to optimize patient care and educational experiences.
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Our faculty

The faculty at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is focused on educating the region's top physicians, researching new models of care, and providing expert clinical services that address the health care needs of central and southern Illinois.

Aspects of a learner

Harshi Perera, Physician Assistant Program, Class of 2023

New physician assistant Harshi Perera is a native of Sri Lanka -- the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" -- and followed her childhood passions to become a healthcare professional. 

Perer Harshi

Latest articles

Image of Dr. Ribbing, Dr. Albers and Allysen Shaugnessy

Shaughnessy elevates advanced practice provider education

Allysen Shaughnessy, DMSc, PA-C, the newly appointed director of advanced practice provider education at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, epitomizes dedication and excellence in the medical
IAPA conference table

IAPA conference highlights SIU physician assistants achievements

The Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants (IAPA) hosted its Fall CME conference in Rosemont in October, its first since 2019. The group welcomed Physician Assistants, providing a platform for networking, honing skills and expertise in patient care and fostering a spirit of camaraderie.
Valentine bear care at Doll Clinic

Doll Clinic offers children gentle guide to a doctor’s visit

The Doll Clinic is a community service that SIU Medicine’s Physician Assistant Program coordinates annually for SIU Head Start. The host sites alternate every year between Carbondale, Marion and Murphysboro. This year, morning and afternoon sessions were held at SIU Marion Head Start on February 8.

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