Mission and Goals
MISSION STATEMENT
The Mission of the Saint Joseph’s University Physician Assistant Program is to educate future physician assistants with a foundation in equitable, person-centered, evidence-based care, with a focus on primary care (family medicine), interprofessional healthcare and an exposure to underserved and diverse patient populations.
PROGRAM GOALS
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Outcomes to be measured:
a. 100% of students will achieve an 80% or higher on their Masters’ Thesis Capstone Rapid Review research project as part of the Capstone course (PHA 604)
b. Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty.
For the following preceptor evaluation section 100% of students will achieve the equivalent of an Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty for the following preceptor evaluation section: Application to clinical practice (EBM): Ability to utilize an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of patients, as per the preceptor.
c. Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty.For the following preceptor evaluation section 100% of students will achieve the equivalent of an Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty for the following preceptor evaluation section: Take Responsibility for One's Own Learning: Ability to take initiative and have the capability to enhance and drive their own educational experience
d. 100% of students will achieve an 80% or higher on the second Research Article Critique in PHA 526 Introduction to Research/Evidence Based Medicine Course. -
Justification: According to data published by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges), the United States could see an estimated shortage of between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034, including shortfalls in both primary and specialty care. Our curriculum includes two 5-week long rotations in primary care, along with a special focus on the elderly and geriatrics (PHA 602 and 605) to help prepare graduates for a career in primary care with an overall aging population according to the United States Census Bureau. Additionally, the mission statement of the PA program includes providing our students a foundation in equitable, patient-centered primary care.
Outcomes to be measured:
a. Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty.
For the following preceptor evaluation section 100% of students will achieve the equivalent of the average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty for the following preceptor evaluation section: Barriers to Care & Healthcare Disparities: Ability to address sensitive subjects with rapport-building respect and professionalismb. Annual first-time PANCE pass rate that meets or exceeds the national average.
c. 100% of students will achieve an 87% (B+) or higher in PHA 652 Family Medicine Rotation II.
d. 100% of students will achieve an 80% or higher on the Physician Assistant Patient Interaction component of the Summative Assessment in PHA 604 the Capstone Course.
e. Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty.
For the following preceptor evaluation section 100% of students will achieve the equivalent of the average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty for the following preceptor evaluation section: Cultural, Racial, Social & Ethnic Considerations: Ability to communicate with patients and patients' families in a professional, empathic manner that considers social, cultural and economic contexts. -
Justification: Interprofessional collaboration is a key tenet of current medical practice. To provide high quality patient care current and future physician assistant students will need to work, communicate, and collaborate to optimize outcomes. Additionally, a focus on interprofessional healthcare is a major component to the mission of the PA program.
Outcomes to be measured:a. Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty.
For the following preceptor evaluation section 100% of students will achieve the equivalent of an Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty for the following preceptor evaluation section: Ability to work on a team
b. Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty.For the following preceptor evaluation section 100% of students will achieve the equivalent of an Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty for the following preceptor evaluation: PA-Physician Relationship: awareness the role of the physician assistant and the supervising physician as it pertains to Discipline
c. The program average for exam items categorized with “interprofessional education” will meet or exceed a 90% success rate for the graduating cohort of any particular year.
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Justification: Professionalism is among the highest core values of the PA profession and our program as noted by the adopted Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the PA Profession published by the AAPA. The program expects all students to demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism and as noted by our mission, to possess a strong foundation in providing equitable patient care to all patients in all circumstances.
Outcomes to be measured:a. The program average for exam items categorized with “Barriers to Care and Healthcare Disparities” will meet or exceed a 90% success rate for the graduating cohort of any particular year.
b. The program average for exam items categorized with “Clinical Ethics” will meet or exceed 90% success rate for the graduating cohort of any particular year.
c. 100% of students will achieve an 80% or higher on the Physician Assistant Patient Interaction component of the Summative Assessment in PHA 604 the Capstone Course.d. Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty.
For the following preceptor evaluation section 100% of students will achieve the equivalent of the average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty for the following preceptor evaluation section: PA Role & Scope of Practice: Student awareness of personal limitations and PA scope of practice.e. Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty.
For the following preceptor evaluation section 100% of students will achieve the equivalent of the average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty for the following preceptor evaluation section: Self-Assessment & Awareness: Ability to adjust practice and behavior in order to work towards professional growth.
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Justification: The Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession as adopted and produced jointly by the four national PA organizations, recognizes the need for PAs to demonstrate investigative and critical thinking in clinical situations, utilize therapeutic decision making and clinical problem-solving skills, and provide person-centered care. The PA program Mission Statement also supports providing a foundation in person-centered care.
Outcomes to be measured:
a. The program average for exam items categorized with “Clinical Reasoning/Medical Decision Making” will meet or exceed a 90% success rate for the graduating cohort of any particular year.
b. 100% of students will achieve an 85% or higher on the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) component of the Summative Assessment in PHA 604 the Capstone Course.
c. Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty.
For the following preceptor evaluation section 100% of students will achieve the equivalent of an Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty for the following preceptor evaluation section: Formulation of a Ddx list: Ability to provide the preceptor with an appropriate differential diagnosis after completing a history and physical exam with a patient.d. Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty.
For the following preceptor evaluation section 100% of students will achieve the equivalent of an Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty for the following preceptor evaluation: Determining a plan: Ability to develop and assist with implementation of appropriate and comprehensive management plans, including pharmacology and non-pharmacologic interventions. -
Justification: Part of the mission statement of the PA program is to educate future PAs and to provide students a focus on primary family medicine.
Outcomes to be measured:
a. Annual first-time PANCE pass rate that meets or exceeds the national average.
b. 80% of students will receive an 80% or higher on the PHA 652 PAEA End-of-Rotation Examination.
c. 100% of students will receive an 80% or higher on the Summative OSCE in PHA 604 the Capstone Course.d. Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty.
For the following preceptor evaluation section 100% of students will achieve the equivalent of an Average score of ≥ 3.5/5.0 overall average per cohort, among all preceptors within a particular specialty for the following preceptor evaluation: Application to clinical practice (EBM): Ability to utilize an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of patients, as per the preceptor. -
Goal is currently paused.