Physician Associate Students Share Program Progress at Palm Beach Atlantic University

On February 3, Palm Beach Atlantic University's (PBA) Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Medicine (MMSc-PA) program officially cut the ribbon for its new space at 2751 S Dixie Hwy, Suite 300, West Palm Beach, FL 33405, celebrating yet another milestone in the program's growth.

U.S. News & World Report ranks Physician Assistant, or Physician Associate, as number two in health care jobs and number five on the 100 best jobs list for 2026. Training students for one of the top jobs in the country means PBA is positioning Christian leaders to make an impact around the world, says Dr. Phil Tobin, dean of PBA's School of Health Professions and director of the MMSc-PA program.

"PAs don't have as much debt as other providers, which means churches are better able to support them going into the mission field," Tobin continued. "Our curriculum includes a class called vulnerable populations, so our students are learning how to take care of all of God's people. During their clinical year, they provide free medical care to those in the community who don't have health insurance and participate in events like the ulcerative colitis walk and breast cancer walk to prepare them to make an impact outside of class as providers."

"The PA program is a direct result of PBA's long-term strategic planning and the God-Sized Dreams campaign, advancing responsible growth and community impact," PBA President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "The provisional ARC-PA accreditation affirms program quality and positions PBA to meet the rapidly growing national demand for physician associates." The president was joined by other executive leaders at the ribbon-cutting, where they took time to pray over the students.

There are currently 56 students enrolled in the first cohort, all with various academic backgrounds, but they share an important goal: equipping themselves to serve the health care needs of others. A few students shared their experience in the program so far and what led them to PBA.

Serena Vining earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Florida State University in 2020 and is projected to graduate from PBA's MMSc-PA program in 2028. When she interviewed for the program, Vining says she committed to PBA over other schools because of the program's strong vision, leadership, and Christian values.

What has your experience in the MMSc-PA program been so far?

My time in the MMSc-PA program has been both incredibly challenging and deeply rewarding. PA school is rigorous by nature, and I expected that, but what has truly made the difference for me is the way our curriculum is delivered and the commitment of our faculty. They go above and beyond to ensure that we're not just memorizing material but truly learning how to apply it clinically and carry it forward into our future careers as providers.

What stands out to me most is how responsive the program is to student feedback. We've built a respectful, professional community where students and faculty can openly communicate, advocate for what we need, and work toward thoughtful compromises.

How is the PA program equipping you to achieve your goals and succeed in your career?

Our curriculum emphasizes understanding what is relevant, practical, and essential to becoming a competent clinician in the real world. That approach has helped me think beyond exams and focus on how I will apply this knowledge to patient care.

I also deeply value how the program incorporates coursework centered on patient diversity and caring for individuals from a wide range of social, cultural, and racial backgrounds. Our training emphasizes the importance of humility, patience, and compassion when caring for individuals who may be experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. That focus on clinical competence and human connection is what I believe will truly prepare me to succeed in my career.

Kayla Galvan graduated magna cum laude in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in health science from Florida Atlantic University. As she anticipates graduating with PBA's inaugural MMSc-PA class of 2028, she says the program has helped her grow as both a future PA and a person.

What has your experience in the MMSc-PA program been so far?

My time in the PBA MMSc-PA program has been one of the most memorable and meaningful seasons of my life. This journey has brought me immense joy as I prepare to walk fully in my purpose. Many moments have stood out, from celebrating our first day and sharing holiday gatherings to the deeply impactful prayers and devotional messages that continue to ground and inspire us.

How is the MMSc-PA program equipping you to achieve your goals and succeed in your career?

The MMSc-PA program at PBA is helping me grow in ways I didn't expect. Of course, it's giving me a strong medical foundation and pushing me academically, but it's also helping me build my confidence. I'm learning how to think critically, speak up, and care for patients with both skill and compassion. The faith-centered environment has been especially meaningful to me. It reminds me that this path is bigger than just a career and that I'm walking in purpose.

Following graduation, I plan to pursue a career in internal medicine, where I hope to provide compassionate, patient-centered care while continuing to serve underserved populations.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I would recommend this program to anyone looking for a supportive and encouraging environment while navigating a demanding program. The faculty truly care, the mentors are present and invested, and the culture is one where classmates lift each other up. That sense of community has made a hard journey feel manageable and rewarding.

Learn more about PBA's MMSc-PA program at https://www.pba.edu/academics/schools/school-of-health-professions/.