Wake Forest University

Program Information

Degree Offered

MMS - PA, PhD

Format: Campus

Program Description:

Translational science, sometimes referred to as "bench-to-bedside" research, is designed to deliver traditional science bench research discoveries to clinical settings and further patients care. Presently, the supply of scientists trained in translational science is inadequate to meet the growing needs. Wake Forest University Department of Physician Assistant Studies has developed an innovative program which combines the clinical education and training of a physician assistant with the standard PhD education of the translational scientist. The program will be attractive to people who wish to enter translational research and advance the application of research discoveries to patient care.
Selected students will complete their didactic year with their PA program cohort class and complete the first two clinical rotations. At the end of the second clinical rotation, the selected students will enter into their PhD course work and research requirements. During their doctoral period they will continue clinical training two to three afternoons per month in a primary care setting.
Upon completion of their dissertation and the defense, the students would then return to clinical rotations to complete their PA education. During the PhD research component of the program, each student will have regular site visits in both the clinical sites and research sites. In the clinical setting, the site visitor will observe the student in their clinical role and interview the student and his/her preceptor. Progress of the student will be determined with major input from the clinical preceptor and research mentor. Students will be evaluated according to existing evaluation guidelines from both the PA program and the respective PhD program

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Intensive

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Midsize City

Size & Settings: 5,000 - 9,999