Colleen Hastings, MD, Appointed Chair of Department of Physician Assistant Studies

Colleen Hastings, MD, has been appointed chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences College of Medicine, effective May 1, 2026.

Dr. Hastings has led the department as interim chair since January 1, 2025. She assumes the role permanently, after guiding the program with steady leadership and a clear vision for growth.

Dr. Hastings is an associate professor of medicine and a dual board-certified physician in internal medicine, adult nephrology, and pediatric nephrology. She brings strong clinical and research experience to this role. She currently serves as director of the medicine nephrology program and previously led the pediatric nephrology program. She focuses on mentorship and is known for being accessible to students, as they develop their clinical skills.

As interim chair, Dr. Hastings strengthened the department's academic programs and built a supportive, team-focused environment. She has kept her focus on preparing students to meet real health care needs across Tennessee, including in communities with ongoing provider shortages.

"Dr. Hastings has earned this role through consistent, thoughtful leadership and a genuine commitment to this department and the people in it," said College of Medicine Executive Dean Michael Hocker, MD. "Her clinical background in nephrology, combined with her dedication to education, makes her well-suited to lead the Physician Assistant Studies program. I also want to recognize the PA faculty for their support throughout this interim period. Their dedication to the program and their unanimous endorsement of Dr. Hastings made this decision an easy one. I am confident in her ability to continue moving this program forward in a meaningful way."

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the program. The College of Medicine is on track to build a new building with a planned opening in 2029, featuring modern, interdisciplinary learning spaces designed to reflect team-based care. The new, innovative facility will allow the Physician Assistant Studies program to double its class size from 30 to 60 students, expanding access to the most affordable PA program in Tennessee and the top-ranked program in the state by U.S. News & World Report.

That growth will help meet a need across Tennessee. Physician assistants often serve as the only providers in rural communities, and expanding the program will help extend care to more underserved areas.

"I am honored by this appointment and grateful for the trust that the University of Tennessee Health Sciences executive leadership has placed in me," Dr. Hastings said. "My focus remains the same as it has been, supporting our students, strengthening our faculty, and ensuring that the clinicians we train are prepared to provide excellent care. There is important work ahead, and I look forward to doing it alongside this team."