Curriculum ​The ATSU semester credit hour was developed in accordance with the HLC policy “HLC policy “Assignment of Credits, Program Length, and Tuition” DMS Curriculum Overview Semester Hours Core Courses (see below) 24 Education, Leadership, or Clinical Courses (see below) 12 TOTAL PROGRAM CREDIT HOURS 36

Course # Core Courses Semester Hours DMSC 7000 Medical Writing 3 DMSC 7010 Community Assessment & Health Promotion 3 DMSC 7020 Social & Behavioral Determinants of Health 3 DMSC 7030 Research Methods in Healthcare 3 DMSC 7040 Quality Improvement in Healthcare 3 DMSC 8300 Capstone I 3 DMSC 8310 Capstone II 3 DMSC 8320 Capstone III 3

Course # Education Courses Semester Hours DMSC 8100 Adult Learning Theory 3 DMSC 8110 Curriculum Design & Delivery 3 DMSC 8120 Educational Technology & Simulation 3 DMSC 8130 Assessment & Evaluation Methods 3

Course # Leadership Courses Semester Hours DMSC 8200 Organizational Leadership Management & Behavior 3 DMSC 8210 Health Economics 3 DMSC 8220 Ethical & Legal Considerations in Health Administration 3 DMSC 8230 Physician Assistants in Healthcare Policy 3

Clinical Courses Course # Clinical Courses Sem Hours DMSC 8400 Clinical Practicum 1 3 DMSC 8410 Clinical Practicum 2 3 DMSC 8420 Clinical Practicum 3 3 DMSC 8430 Clinical Practicum 4 3

Requirements The Doctor of Medical Science program is designed to be a postgraduate program for PAs who are, or have previously been certified or licensed to practice as a PA. Persons eligible to matriculate in this program must satisfy all of the following criteria: The applicant is a currently certified/licensed physician assistant or, if retired, previously certified/licensed to practice as a PA. Completion of a master’s degree from an accredited university recognized by the Department of Education. a) Applicants who graduated from a university outside the United States may be required to provide a degree equivalency evaluation.

b) PAs without a master’s degree may be eligible for the master’s equivalency option*. See below for equivalency requirements and contact an Enrollment Counselor for additional information. Candidates must have achieved a minimum overall graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). The applicant must submit transcripts from qualifying degree institution(s), to include at least: Transcript showing completion of physician assistant program of study

Transcript showing completion of a graduate degree (if physician assistant program did not confer a graduate degree) Applicants who have graduated from a foreign college or university should submit acceptable evidence of U.S. degree/course equivalency. All course work taken at the foreign institution must be evaluated for American institution equivalence by one of the following services: a) World Education Services P.O. Box 5087 Bowling Green Station New York, NY 10274-5087 p: (212) 966-6311 f: (212) 739-6139 info@wes.org

b) Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. P.O. Box 514070 Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470 (414) 289-3400

c) American Assn. of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 520 Washington, DC 20036-1135 (202) 293-9161

d) Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. International Education Consultants 7101 SW 102 Avenue Miami FL 33173 p: (305) 273 -1616 f: (305) 273 -1338 info@jsilny.com

e) Intl. Education Research Foundation, Inc. PO Box 3665 Culver City, CA 90231-3665 (310) 258-9451 The applicant must complete an admissions application, to include at least: a) A current and comprehensive curriculum vita

b) Non-refundable application fee The applicant must be fluent in English (the language of instruction of this program). When the applicant speaks and/or writes in English as a second language, the applicant must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores for review. a) Acceptable minimal TOEFL scores for ATSU-ASHS applications are:

b) Internet-based total score = 80

c) Acceptable IELTS score is an overall band score of 6.5 Applicants who speak and/or write English as a second language who have previously graduated from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education with a bachelor’s degree (or higher) are exempt from this requirement. Applicants who believe the TOEFL requirement should be waived may petition the Physician Assistant Department chair in writing. The applicant must be able to meet University technology requirements during the entirety of the doctoral program. *Master’s Equivalency Option: To meet the master’s equivalency the PA applicant MUST have a bachelor’s degree in physician assistant studies AND meet and document in a portfolio at least one (1) of the criteria below: An approved military or civilian post-professional PA residency or fellowship

An approved medical specialty certificate program (i.e. public health certificate)

A Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) offered by the NCCPA

At least 15 credit hours of post-secondary education toward a master’s degree

Core Courses Medical Writing

Community Assessment & Health Promotion

Social & Behavioral Determinants of Health

Research Methods in Healthcare

Quality Improvement in Healthcare

Capstone I

Capstone II

Capstone III Medical Writing This course examines, in practical terms, the elements required for successful publication of a journal article or health policy review. This course encourages good writing skills through choosing better words, writing better sentences, and preparing better tables, graphs, and photographs. All students are required to develop and submit a quality paper that meets the requirements for publication in a peer-reviewed professional or biomedical journal. The learner will demonstrate the ability to effectively organize and structure information in written form. Community Assessment & Health Promotion This course will introduce the Community Health Assessment (CHA) as a key component of evaluating the broader community health improvement process. Students will learn to objectively analyze community health data to identify priority issues, develop and implement effective health promotion strategies, and measure the effect of community health initiatives on a variety of community health indicators. Students will be exposed to current methods for conducting a community needs assessment. Discussions will center on choosing strategies that are culturally sensitive, clinically appropriate, and cost-effective. Social & Behavioral Determinants of Health This course will serve as an introduction to the social, cultural, behavioral, and economic factors that influence health status and population health interventions. The practitioner will improve insights on populations they have worked with or those they may work with in the future. Research Methods in Healthcare This course will describe qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research methodologies and the proper selection of methodology based on the research question. Additional topics include conducting a peer-reviewed literature review, critical analysis of study results and research methodologies, and ethical considerations in human subject’s research. A variety of data collection and analysis strategies will be reviewed. Quality Improvement in Healthcare This course will include components of The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) curriculum to prepare students to lead the development and maintenance of quality management in clinical and business settings. Students will develop foundational fluency in methods of healthcare data collection and industry-standard metrics of clinical quality and patient safety. Implementation analysis of quality improvement PDSA cycles, root-cause, and systems analysis will also be reviewed. Through team-based learning, students will explore how quality metrics enable evidence-based clinical and business decision-making. Capstone I This three-course series is designed to instruct the learner in the process of developing and conducting an applied research project. The applied research project will be designed to target a problem in either clinical practice, the PA professional sphere, or PA education. During the capstone course sequence, the learner will work closely with their faculty advisor as they progress from conceptualization to completion of the research project. In Capstone I, the learner will apply methods from the Research Design in Healthcare course to develop a proposal for their applied research project. The student will also conduct a literature review around their chosen applied research topic. Capstone II This three-course series is designed to instruct the learner in the process of developing and conducting an applied research project. The applied research project will be designed to target a problem in either clinical practice, the PA professional sphere, or PA education. During the capstone course sequence, the learner will work closely with their faculty advisor as they progress from conceptualization to completion of the research project. Capstone II will focus on the collection and analysis of data. Capstone III This three-course series is designed to instruct the learner in the process of developing and conducting an applied research project. The applied research project will be designed to target a problem in either clinical practice, the PA professional sphere, or PA education. During the capstone course sequence, the learner will work closely with their faculty advisor as they progress from conceptualization to completion of the research project. Capstone III focuses on the final preparation and submission of a quality product targeted at publication in the healthcare literature or presentation at a state or national level meeting. Each final applied research product will be reviewed and graded by the learner’s faculty advisor.

Education Courses Adult Learning Theory

Curriculum Design & Delivery

Educational Technology & Simulation

Assessment & Evaluation Methods Adult Learning Theory Effective and efficient teaching requires an understanding of how adults learn. This course examines the learning process, particularly as it differs for adults. Topics include theories of behaviorism, cognitivism, humanism, constructivism, and social and adult learning; major learning style theories; andragogy versus pedagogy; and motivation for learning as it applies to informal and formal education and training. Utilizing this basis, students will examine how to apply these theories to the design, implementation, and assessment process. Curriculum Design & Delivery This course will introduce students to methods and best practices for medical education curriculum design and prepare students to be conversant in the foundational research literature of education for adult students. Students will design systems-based learning modules within their medical specialty. An introduction to psychometric principles will prepare students to create high-quality assessment items. Educational Technology & Simulation Computers, simulators, and even smartphones have become ubiquitous in education both in and outside of the classroom. This course will present best practices in utilization of technology in teaching and provide the learner the opportunity to learn course management through an LMS, develop familiarity with audience response technology (e.g., clickers), develop competence in office productivity software for common educational tasks, and explore hardware and software essential to producing asynchronous curriculum delivery and assessment (e.g., webcam, interactive publishing). Simulation is recognized in healthcare education as an effective way to teach and assess skills and behaviors. This course will teach the student how to create high-quality healthcare simulation programs, introduce the research behind simulation best practices, provide students with a template for effective simulation, and give students a basic understanding of the simulation process as it applies to healthcare education. Assessment & Evaluation Methods This course will describe best practices for measurement and assessment in education. Topics will include the role of measurement and assessment in teaching, instructional goals and objectives, validity and reliability, classroom tests and assessments, standardized tests, and interpretation of assessment scores and norms. Learners will develop instructional objectives, a variety of assessment items and assessment formats, and will construct rating scales, rubrics, and interpret assessment psychometrics.

Leadership Courses Organizational Leadership Management & Behavior

Health Economics

Ethical & Legal Considerations in Health Administration

Physician Assistants in Healthcare Policy Organizational Leadership Management & Behavior This course will provide the learner with an understanding of how perceptions and thinking influence behavior in the workplace, and the skills necessary to manage conflict and lead change in teams, organizations, community partnerships, and health initiatives in their role as a physician assistant. Strategies for creative problem solving, communication and improved management practices will be explored. Health Economics Economics is a major influence in shaping health policy in the United States. An effective healthcare leader must be fluent with the basic health economic theory to guide their organization. This course will discuss such topics as demand, supply and market equilibrium, scarcity, risk aversion, moral hazard, adverse selection, quality of care and pay for performance to provide the student with a grasp of the market forces on the U.S. healthcare system. Ethical & Legal Considerations in Health Administration This course will provide an overview of the principles of medical ethics (autonomy, beneficence, and justice) and ethical theory. The discussion will review the ethical challenges faced in healthcare and health administration, the ethical requirements of human-subjects research, the right to privacy and the ethical decision-making process. The responsibilities and boundaries of the patient-healthcare provider relationship and the conflicting demands of providing quality care with limited resources will be addressed, as will the relationship and responsibilities of healthcare providers to society. Case studies will be included to develop ethical reasoning skills applicable to daily practice. Physician Assistants in Healthcare Policy This course will explore the evolving role of the PA in the structure of the current U.S. healthcare system; the challenges of access, cost, and quality; and the process of healthcare policy development. The evolution of healthcare reform will be used to illustrate the development of healthcare policy, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The impact of the ACA on PA practice, patient healthcare access, cost, and quality and projections for the future of the ACA will be analyzed.

Clinical Courses Clinical Leadership Track Clinical Leadership Track The Clinical Leadership Track contains four (4) Clinical Practicum courses (Practicum 1, 2, 3, and 4) that combine new clinical knowledge and healthcare skills with structured learning experiences. Under the direction of and in consultation with DMSc faculty the student will develop a Learning Plan proposal that will define the goals and outcomes the learner will achieve by the end of the four-course sequence. The Clinical Leadership courses provide a blank canvas that allows the student to tailor the Learning Plan to their areas of interests. Patient contact hours are not required.

Elective Tracks

Required Foundations

Cost Review tuition and fees for the Doctor of Medical Science program. Please note tuition and fees are subject to change. Tuition discounts are available for full-time ATSU employees, ATSU alumni, and employees of community health centers with ATSU ASHS partnerships. Contact the admission’s office for details.

Financial Aid Federal financial assistance is available for qualifying students. For information on financial aid, visit Enrollment Services or contact them at 866.626.2878 ext. 2019 or by email at enrollmentservices@atsu.edu

Faculty Jeffrey L. Alexander, PhD, FAACVPR, ACSM-CEP



Read Bio + Dr. Alexander completed his doctor of philosophy degree at Arizona State University (2003) in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in exercise and wellness. He earned his Master of Science in exercise physiology from Brigham Young University and his bachelor’s degree in health promotion. In addition to his academic preparation, Dr. Alexander holds numerous health and fitness professional certifications; namely, Clinical Exercise Specialist® from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Consequently, Dr. Alexander has served as a personal and group fitness trainer primarily working closely with the older adult population. Randy Danielsen, PhD, PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA



Read Bio + Dr. Danielsen is the director of the Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) program. Since graduating from the University of Utah Physician Assistant (PA) Program in 1974, Dr. Danielsen has distinguished himself as a clinician, PA educator, author, and editor. He received his BS in Health Science (cum laude) from the University of Utah in 1978, his Masters in PA Studies (MPAS) from the University of Nebraska with an emphasis on Internal Medicine in 1997, and his Ph.D. from the Union Institute & University in 2003 with an emphasis on Medical Education. He has been with A.T. Still University for over two decades as PA academic coordinator (1995-1997), chair of physician assistant studies (1997-2004), dean of the Arizona School of Health Sciences (2004-2010, 2012-2018) and recently stepped down as dean to take on the new role with the DMS. He has served on the board of directors of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and as a board member and chairman for National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Earlier in his career, he served as president of the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants (UAPA), the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants (ASAPA), and as chair of the Arizona Regulatory Board for PAs. Retired after 28 years of service in the US Air Force and Army National Guard with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Danielsen also is a former president of the AAPA Veterans Caucus and was honored with the Caucus’ Civilian PA of the Year Award in 2003. Dr. Danielsen was named Outstanding PA of the Year by the AAPA in 1993 and by ASAPA in 2011. In 2012 he was honored by the University of Utah, School of Medicine, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, Division of Physician Assistant Studies with the “Patron of the Profession” award for “unwavering dedication and service to the Physician Assistant Profession.” In May 2015 he received the Eugene A. Stead Award of Achievement by the AAPA. This is the Academy’s most prestigious award recognizing an individual for lifetime achievement that has had a broad and significant impact on the profession. He currently serves as PA editor-in-chief for Clinician Reviews. Dr. Danielsen has published over nineteen peer-reviewed articles, twenty journal editorials, three book chapters, and his first co-authored book, entitled The Preceptor’s Handbook for Supervising Physician Assistants, published by Jones & Bartlett Learning. He is also a Senior Consultant with the Academy for Academic Leadership and a proud member of Rotary International. Sondra DePalma, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA



Read Bio + Sondra DePalma, DHSc, ‘18, PA-C, DFAAPA, graduated summa cum laude with a BA from Mercyhurst University in 1997 and received a post-baccalaureate premedical certificate from Pennsylvania State University in 1999. She graduated with a Master of Health Science degree from Lock Haven University’s physician assistant program in 2002. In 2018, she earned a Doctor of Health Sciences degree with a concentration in Leadership and Organizational Behavior from A.T. Still University. Dr. DePalma works nationally on regulatory, reimbursement, and professional issues of physician assistants. She has experience in healthcare leadership and organizational management, is a published author, and a regular speaker at national conferences. Dr. DePalma is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and a licensed physician assistant in Pennsylvania. She continues to practice clinically in cardiology, a field in which she has worked for the past 17 years. Dr. DePalma will be teaching Social Determinants of Health (core course); Quality Improvement in Health Care (leadership track); and Organizational Leadership, Management & Behavior (leadership track). Alison C. Essary, DHSc, MHPE, PA-C



Read Bio + Dr. Essary is a graduate of the ATSU Doctor of Health Science Program. She is the Scrivner Family Director, Research, Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (ResQIPS) Program at HonorHealth Academic Affairs in Scottsdale, AZ. She is a Clinical Professor and has been in academics for 20 years. She has maintained a consistent and robust record of research activity, including $2M+ in research proposals, $1.4M+ in awards, 70+ refereed manuscripts, and 80+ abstracts and presentations. Her research efforts were nationally recognized as the Physician Assistant Foundation of the American Academy of Physician Assistants Breitman-Dorn Endowed Fellow, 2013. Dr. Essary was part of a national team invited to write a report on the state of burnout in the PA profession published by the National Academy of Medicine in 2018. The team published “Burnout, job satisfaction, and stress levels of PAs”; receiving the AAPA Research Article of the Year in 2019. Nationally, Dr. Essary serves as a grant reviewer for NIH, PCORI and HRSA. Larry Fisher, DHSc, PA-C



Read Bio + Dr. Larry Fisher was born in Fairbanks, Alaska and is a graduate of the MEDEX PA program, Alaska Class # 1 in 1995. After practicing in Alaska for 17 years, Dr. Fisher relocated to Arizona and entered the APA Program. Following graduation, he entered the DHSc program and graduated in 2017 while continuing to practice Family Medicine, Urgent Care and Pain management. As a clinic preceptor Dr. Fisher enjoys participating in PA education, and in 2017 began teaching bioethics to APA students at ATSU. Dr. Fisher was recently invited and accepted an invitation to teach Ethical & Legal Considerations in Health Administration in the DMSc program. Dr. Fisher is a member of AAPA, and ASAPA. He volunteers at an inner-city clinic for the underserved and underinsured on a seasonal schedule. He now resides in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife, son, cats and dogs. His hobbies include cycling, supporting renewable energy, and brewing his own mead (honey wine). He plans to eventually return to Alaska to enjoy the wide-open spaces, fresh fish, and pioneer spirit. Dr. Fisher teaches Ethical & Legal Considerations in Health Administration. Michael Halasy, DHSc, MS, PA-C



Read Bio + Dr. Michael Halasy is a practicing physician assistant at Mayo Clinic in the Spine Center where he manages an independent panel of complex spine patients from all over the world. He is an accomplished researcher and educator and is currently the co-chair of the multidisciplinary spine research committee at Mayo Clinic and is a health services researcher who works on health workforce research with a number of specialties and practices. He is heavily involved in healthcare administration as well. He was one of only 5 US researchers invited to the first international research collaborative on Audit and Feedback research. He has published numerous articles, has a background in health policy and healthcare economics, and has research interests in shared decision making, healthcare workforce studies, health economics, and organizational behavior. He has a Doctor of Health Sciences degree in Organizational Science and Behavior. Patricia Kelly, EdD, PA-C emeritus, MHS



Read Bio + Patricia E. Kelly, PA-C, MHS, EdD, is an online adjunct faculty member. Dr. Kelly received her bachelor of arts from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1973, her physician assistant (Primary Care Associate) certificate of clinical proficiency from Stanford University School of Medicine in 1980, her master of health services in primary health care from the University of California at Davis in 1982, and her doctor of education from Nova Southeastern University in 2000. Dr. Kelly served as the program director/department chair and professor of the Doctor of Health Science Program at Nova Southeastern University, College of Health Care Sciences from 2004 to 2016. She also taught in the ATSU’s Doctor of Health Science Program as an adjunct faculty member teaching evidence-based medicine. She has been a regional, national, and international speaker. She will be teaching Adult Learning Theory in the DMSc Leadership track. Mary Kimmitt Laxton, DHSc, PA-C



Read Bio + Mary Kimmitt Laxton, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, is adjunct faculty of ATSU’s Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program. Dr. Laxton received her BA in botany from Duke University in 1976 and her MPA in management from the Indiana University Northwest in 1980. She received her certificate in physician assistant studies from the Philadelphia University in 1997 and her doctor of health science from Nova Southeastern University in 2016. She is a distinguished fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistant and a member of the Alpha Eta Honor Society at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Laxton held academic appointments in physician assistant programs at Arcadia University in Newark, Delaware and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 2012 - 2018. Dr. Laxton’s clinical experience is in internal, family, geriatric, and emergency medicine. Dr. Laxton will be teaching the course Curriculum Design & Delivery in the Education track of the DMSc. Bob McMullen, EdD, PA-C



Read Bio + Dr. Bob McMullen is a 1988 graduate of the UTMB PA program in Galveston, TX. He spent his first 20 years practicing clinically in remote clinics and EDs in West Texas, Arizona and Maine. He joined the PA faculty at ATSU in Arizona in 2007 and was full-time until 2017. He has extensive experience in curriculum and assessment, as well as online teaching. He currently lives in New Mexico, where he is working remotely to help create the developing ATSU Physician Assistant Program in Santa Maria, CA. Dr. McMullen also teaches online in ATSU’s Advanced PA Program along with the Doctor of Medical Science Program. Dr. McMullen teaches Educational Technology & Simulation and Assessment & Evaluation Eric Matthews, PhD, MSEd, RT



Read Bio + Dr. Matthews completed his PhD in education at Southern Illinois University with an emphasis in adult and vocational/technical education (workforce education and development). He also holds graduate degrees in education (administration and supervision) and museum studies. His professional medical preparation is in the field of diagnostic imaging. Dr. Matthews is certified in diagnostic radiography, cardiovascular-interventional technology, and magnetic resonance imaging by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Prior to coming to ATSU, he was the program director of the radiography program at Southern Illinois University. Dr. Matthews has taught numerous courses on medical and educational history, his primary research interest. He enjoys qualitative-historical research and has served as a subject matter expert for several state and national organizations and museums on the topic of 19th century American medicine. Leon Moak, DMSc, PA-C



Read Bio + Dr. Moak received his Doctor of Medical Science degree from the University of Lynchburg in 2020. He is an alum of the ATSU-ASHS master of science in physician assistant studies program in 2001 and also holds a certificate of advanced clinical studies in family and emergency medicine from ATSU. Dr. Moak started his academic career as a PA faculty member with ATSU from 2001 to 2009; serving as the director of the Advanced PA degree program from 2006 to 2009. The DMSc program is very excited to have Dr. Moak return to ATSU and for his passion for teaching. In addition to his clinical duties in the emergency department at Chandler Regional Hospital/Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Chandler, Arizona, Dr. Moak serves as the Advanced Practice Provider Site Director. Dr. Moak is a member of the Society of Emergency Medicine PAs, AAPA, and ASAPA. He has served as director-at-large for the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants (ASAPA), director of online affairs for the Student Academy of AAPA, and volunteers in his community as an Assistant Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. Albert F. Simon, DHSc, PA-C, MEd



Read Bio + Dr. Simon is a PA graduate of the Alderson Broaddus PA program in West Virginia. Prior to ATSU, he served as chair of the St. Francis University PA Program in Pennsylvania. His clinical practice experience includes internal medicine and occupational medicine. In addition to administrative duties, he teaches in the History and Physical Examination sequence. Joseph G. Weber, DHSc, MBA, MPAS, PA-C



Read Bio + Joseph G. Weber, DHSc, MBA, MPAS, PA-C, Sr. Chaplain has joined the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) Program as an online adjunct faculty member. Dr. Weber holds several degrees, including an associate in applied business, a bachelor of science in management science, a master of business administration, a master’s in physician assistant studies, and a doctorate in health sciences. He is also a licensed PA in the state of South Carolina with clinical experience in both emergency and psychiatric medicine. Dr. Weber will be teaching Research Methods (Core Course) and Health Economics (Leadership Track). Dr. Weber has previously taught graduate level courses in research methods, biomedical ethics, and many other classes. He is extremely familiar with adult learning, course development, and assessment methods. Before becoming a PA, Dr. Weber was a computer engineer and has an extensive background in technology and medical simulation tools. Kevin R. Kupferer, PA-C, DHSc, MsCI, MPAS



Read Bio + Dr. Kevin Kupferer is a 2005 graduate of the University of Nebraska/USAF Program at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. His clinical background is in family medicine and urgent care. He is a neurosurgical research program manager with the Barrow Institute of Neuro Surgery. Prior to joining ATSU faculty, he spent eight years managing biomedical research and clinical trials for the Department of Defense. He completed a residency in clinical research with a masters in clinical investigations at the University of Texas HSCSA and doctorate in health science through ATSU in 2013. He is a member of the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants (ASAPA), American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), Society of Air Force PAs (SAFPA) and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). Francis (Frank) Crosby Jr., DHSc, MPAS, PA-C



Read Bio + Dr. Crosby received his doctorate in health science (DHSc) from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in 2013, his master’s in physician assistant studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1997, his bachelors as a physician associate from the University of Oklahoma in 1982, and a diploma from the Air War College, Air University in 1996. He retired from the United States Air Force in 2005 at the rank of lieutenant colonel. Dr. Crosby currently teaches medical ethics in healthcare for NSU. He is a founding member and past-President of PAs for Tomorrow. During his military career, he served in multiple leadership roles including deputy chief of medical staff, commander of a medical operations squadron, and as an AF liaison to the Joint Commission. He brings a wealth of experience in leadership and health policy to the DMSc program. Dr. Crosby enjoys world travels with his bride of 44 years and has logged nearly 1000 SCUBA dives as a master SCUBA diver. When not underwater, he is often on the ski slopes of Colorado. He will be teaching Determinants of Health, Quality Improvement in Healthcare, and Organizational Leadership Management & Behavior courses.

Ann Lee Burch, PT, MPH, EdD

Dean

Read Bio + Dr. Ann Lee Burch is the dean of A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS). Dr. Burch received her doctor of education from Columbia University, Teachers College in 2005. She received her masters of public health from Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health in 2002 and her masters of physical therapy from Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1989. She was a postdoctoral fellow with the Research Group on Health Disparities at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her BA is in psychology from the University of Rochester. Prior to her appointment as dean, Dr. Burch served as vice dean for ATSU-ASHS. She served as the chair of the Physical Therapy Department from 2008-January 2012. Prior to ATSU, Dr. Burch was the director of physical therapy at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She has held administrative and/or faculty positions at the International Center for the Disabled in NY, NY, Mercy College in NY, and Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Burch’s area of scholarly interest and application of that interest is in knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy of health care providers and healthcare professional students towards underrepresented patient/client groups. Dr. Burch is the author of a Guide to Physical Therapy (Vault Publishers) which was written to increase information access about physical therapy to both high school graduates and re-entry adults. She was a co-investigator on an NIH grant at the University of Puerto Rico exploring the feasibility of an exercise program for breast cancer survivors living in San Juan. Dr. Burch has lived in Symi, Greece, Taipei, Taiwan, Ahmdebad, India and San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is committed to research, teaching and service that further the understanding of the impact of socioeconomic and cultural variables on health. She was a member of the class of 2014 cohort of Women in Educational Leadership at Harvard Graduate School of Education. In 2017 she was the co-PI on a Centers for Disease Control, Association for Prevention and Teaching grant exploring a population health case study format for teaching and communicating the impact of social determinants of health on health disparities. She was recently appointed a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission. Albert Simon, DHSc, MEd, PA-C

Associate Director

Read Bio + Albert (Bert) Simon, DHSc, MEd, PA, is the former chair and current professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS). Previously, he served as founding vice dean at ATSU’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), where he was also chief operating officer for ATSU-SOMA. He was an integral part of the leadership team that developed the most innovative medical school in the U.S. from 2007-2012. For 37 years, Dr. Simon has served as chair of physician assistant studies departments at three universities: Saint Francis University, Baylor College of Medicine, and most recently ATSU. During his years as chair at Saint Francis University, their physician assistant program was the only non-medical school-based program ranked in the top ten physician assistant programs in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report in every ranking poll. In his years of clinical practice, he has worked in occupational medicine at Volkswagen of America’s assembly plant in New Stanton, Pennsylvania, and inpatient internal medicine at the Van Zantz Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania, as well as working family medicine in the Coalport Area Community Health Center. Being politically active in the physician assistant profession, he has served in a number of national leadership positions including president and vice president of the Association of Physician Assistant Programs (APAP) and author of the Annual Report on Physician Assistant Educational Programs in the U.S. During his APAP presidency, he founded the Leadership-Training Institute as a vehicle to provide needed education to individuals entering into PA education. He has served as an educational consultant to over 25 physician assistant programs across the U.S. He has also served as the co-editor of Appleton and Lange’s Q and A for the Physician Assistant, one of the best selling board review books for physician assistants in the nation. With an interest in continuous quality improvement, Dr. Simon was trained as a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Examiner for the United States Department of Labor. He was also featured in the book On Q, Causing Quality in Higher Education by Daniel Seymour for his innovative approaches to quality management in an educational program. Dr. Simon resides in the picturesque mountain community of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, with his wife and two dogs (Allie and Cole). Randy Danielsen, PhD, PA, DFAAPA

Director

Read Bio + Dr. Danielsen is the director of the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program. Since graduating from the University of Utah Physician Assistant (PA) Program in 1974, Dr. Danielsen has distinguished himself as a clinician, PA educator, author, and editor. He received his BS in Health Science (cum laude) from the University of Utah in 1978, his Masters in PA Studies (MPAS) from the University of Nebraska with an emphasis on Internal Medicine in 1997, and his Ph.D. from the Union Institute & University in 2003 with an emphasis on Medical Education. He has been with A.T. Still University for over two decades as PA academic coordinator (1995-1997), chair of physician assistant studies (1997-2004), dean of the Arizona School of Health Sciences (2004-2010, 2012-2018) and recently stepped down as dean to take on the new role with the DMSc. He has served on the board of directors of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and as a board member and chairman for National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Earlier in his career, he served as president of the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants (UAPA), the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants (ASAPA), and as chair of the Arizona Regulatory Board for PAs. Retired after 28 years of service in the US Air Force and Army National Guard with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Danielsen also is a former president of the AAPA Veterans Caucus and was honored with the Caucus’ Civilian PA of the Year Award in 2003. Dr. Danielsen was named Outstanding PA of the Year by the AAPA in 1993 and by ASAPA in 2011. In 2012 he was honored by the University of Utah, School of Medicine, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, Division of Physician Assistant Studies with the “Patron of the Profession” award for “unwavering dedication and service to the Physician Assistant Profession.” In May 2015 he received the Eugene A. Stead Award of Achievement by the AAPA. This is the Academy’s most prestigious award recognizing an individual for lifetime achievement that has had a broad and significant impact on the profession. He currently serves as PA editor-in-chief for Clinician Reviews. Dr. Danielsen has published over nineteen peer-reviewed articles, twenty journal editorials, three book chapters, and his first co-authored book, entitled The Preceptor’s Handbook for Supervising Physician Assistants, published by Jones & Bartlett Learning. He is also a Senior Consultant with the Academy for Academic Leadership and a proud member of Rotary International.

Hailey Richins

Instructional Designer

Read Bio + Hailey received her Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Utah State University and her Master of Education in Instructional Design and Educational Technology from the University of Utah. Hailey’s specialties are in adult learning and training in online learning environments and educational technology. Beth Poppre

Administrative Manager

Read Bio + Dr. Beth Poppre joined ATSU in 2005 in Student Affairs. After 14 years of serving as the Assistant and Associate Vice President-Student Affairs, Dr. Poppre transitioned to the DMSc program as administrative manager. Dr. Poppre is dedicated to providing excellent student service and helping the DMSc students navigate, succeed, and graduate. Dr. Poppre earned her master’s degree in student affairs Arizona State University and her doctorate degree in educational leadership from Grand Canyon University (online).

University Catalog Read the University Catalog to learn more about the Doctor of Medical Science online program and University.