University of Dubuque Physician Assistant Program Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The University of Dubuque (UD) offers a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program designed to prepare students for careers as physician assistants (PAs). The program emphasizes primary care and community service, aligning with the university's mission to promote Christian values and lifelong education.

Mission and Vision

The program's mission is to prepare competent and compassionate physician assistants in a learning environment that promotes Christian values, service, lifelong education, and team practice. The vision focuses on serving rural and underserved areas, recognizing the integral role PAs play in these settings.

Industry Significance

Physician assistants are integral to the healthcare system, providing diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive care services. The UD PA program contributes to addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in underserved regions.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• To educate students in all aspects of healthcare, preparing them to become clinicians capable of diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, and collaborating with healthcare professionals.

• To emphasize primary care and community service, aligning with the university's mission to serve rural and underserved areas.

Areas of Specialization

• Primary care, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and urgent care.

• Specialty areas such as general surgery, psychiatry/behavioral health, and rural medicine.

Key Technologies Utilized

• State-of-the-art cadaver lab and clinical skills lab for hands-on training.

• Clinical preceptor programs to provide real-world experience.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Rural and underserved communities, addressing the healthcare needs in these areas.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Specific details regarding the total funds raised and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

As a university program, funding is primarily sourced from the institution's budget and tuition fees.

Utilization of Capital

• Development and maintenance of state-of-the-art facilities, including cadaver and clinical skills labs.

• Support for clinical preceptor programs and community service initiatives.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

The program focuses on developing students into competent physician assistants ready to enter the healthcare workforce.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

As an educational program, there are no clinical trials or product development stages.

Target Conditions

The program prepares students to address a wide range of medical conditions across various specialties.

Anticipated Milestones

• Graduation of cohorts of students annually.

• Achieving high first-time pass rates on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Advanced cadaver and clinical skills labs for practical training.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) approach integrated into the curriculum.

AI-Driven Capabilities

Currently, there is no indication of AI-driven capabilities being utilized in the program.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

• Natalie Weber, PA-C: Program Director and Associate Professor. Holds a Doctor of Medical Science from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Des Moines University. Joined UD in 2016 and became Program Director in 2018.

• Emily Appleton, PA-C: Academic Director and Associate Professor. Earned a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Iowa. Joined UD in 2017 and serves as Academic Director.

• Kristie Arthofer: Physician Assistant Program Admission Director and Program Coordinator. Holds an AA from North East Iowa Community College and certifications in Life and Health Coaching. Joined UD in 2017 and became Admission Director in 2019.

• Addy First, MS: Academic and Laboratory Specialist for Physician Assistant Program. Holds a Master of Science from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science from Mount Mercy University. Joined UD in 2018.

• Christine M. Gilbert, MMCM, BS: Regional Clinical Recruiter for Physician Assistant Program. Holds a Master of Management - Communication Management from the University of Dubuque and a Bachelor of Health Science from Benedictine University. Joined UD in 2020.

• Nicole Harms, BS: Clinical Liaison for Physician Assistant Program. Holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a Histology Technician Certificate from Indiana University School of Medicine. Joined UD in 2021.

• William Karkow, MD, FACS: Associate Professor for Physician Assistant Program. Holds a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Illinois and completed a General Surgery Residency at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Joined UD in 2006 and the PA program in 2016.

• Tonya Kerker, PA-C: Assistant Professor for Physician Assistant Studies. Holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and a Bachelor of Science from Loras College. Joined UD in 2019.

• Cortney Kueter, PA-C: Associate Professor for Physician Assistant Program. Holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Des Moines University and a Bachelor of Science from Loras College. Joined UD in 2016.

• Renee Messerly, PA-C: Adjunct Instructor for Physician Assistant Program. Holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Des Moines University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Northern Iowa. Joined UD in 2018.

• Laura Neal, MD: Adjunct Instructor for Physician Assistant Program. Holds a Doctor of Medicine from Loma Linda University and completed an Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Joined UD in 2018.

• Rachel Rokser, PA-C: Adjunct Instructor for Physician Assistant Program. Holds a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Marquette University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Marquette University.

• Emily Vyverberg, PharmD: Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies. Holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. Joined UD as an adjunct instructor in 2018 and full-time in 2020.

• Regan Wolbers, MD: Clinical Education Director and Assistant Professor for Physician Assistant Program. Holds a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and completed a Family Practice Residency at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Cedar Rapids Medical Education Foundation. Joined UD in 2020.

• Patrice Brimeyer: Administrative Assistant in the Physician Assistant Department. Holds a Master of Communications - Leadership from the University of Dubuque and a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the University of Northern Iowa. Joined UD in 2023.

• Amy Engelman: Medical Director for Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center. Holds a Doctor of Osteopathy from Des Moines University and completed an Emergency Medicine Residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Joined UD in 2024.

• Elizabeth Edwards: Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies and Clinical Coordinator. Holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Dubuque and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota. Joined UD in 2024.

Leadership Changes

No significant leadership changes or appointments have been reported recently.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The demand for physician assistants is growing, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The UD PA program addresses this need by focusing on primary care and community service, similar to other programs in the healthcare education market.

Competitive Positioning

The program's emphasis on Christian values, rural healthcare, and community-oriented training differentiates it within the competitive landscape.

Comparable Programs

Other institutions in the region and nationwide provide physician assistant education programs with similar clinical emphases; however, UD's integration of faith-based education and community service offers a unique positioning.

Industry Challenges

• Meeting the growing healthcare demands in underserved communities.

• Ensuring access to quality clinical preceptors and hands-on training opportunities.

• Maintaining high certification pass rates amidst evolving curricula requirements.

Opportunities for Growth

• Expanding clinical partnerships in rural areas.

• Incorporating emerging medical technologies and evidence-based practices.

• Strengthening alumni and community networks to support clinical placements and employment.

Appendices

Key Technologies and Facilities

• Cadaver Laboratory: Advanced facility for anatomy and procedural skills training.

• Clinical Skills Laboratory: Equipped for simulation and patient interaction exercises.

• Clinical Preceptor Network: Partnership program connecting students with practicing healthcare professionals for real-world experience.

Educational Methodologies

• Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) integrated extensively into coursework.

• Interprofessional collaboration and team-based learning.

• Continuous assessment through practical exams, written tests, and clinical rotations.

Program Accreditation

The MSPAS program at the University of Dubuque maintains accreditation standards consistent with national guidelines for physician assistant education, ensuring quality and eligibility for national certification.

Alumni Outcomes

Graduates have demonstrated strong performance on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) with high first-time pass rates and employment across primary care and specialty practices, especially in rural and underserved settings.