Medical Director, School of Physician Assistant Studies (Part-Time)

Pepperdine University is excited to invite applications for the position of Medical Director for its upcoming Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program. This pivotal role, reporting directly to the Dean of the School of Physician Assistant Studies, will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of physician assistants. The Medical Director will ensure that both the didactic and supervised clinical practice components of the MSPAS program meet or exceed current practice standards for PAs in providing patient care. 

We seek an accomplished professional who is passionate about mentoring future physician assistants and possesses innovative thinking skills to enhance our community and preceptor partnerships.

The School of Physician Assistant Studies (SPAS) is set to begin operations in August 2027, within the newly established College of Health Science (CHS). Aligned with Pepperdine's mission and vision, both the college and school are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of academic excellence, clinical preparation, and Christian values. Our goal is to develop skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals ready to lead and serve their communities and the world.

Pending necessary approvals, SPAS will join the Schools of Nursing and Speech Language Pathology within the CHS. Future expansions of the college will include programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other allied health fields, all benefiting from strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations near Pepperdine’s Calabasas campus.

The MSPAS program will be licensed by the Physician Assistant Board of California, fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), and approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The Medical Director position is part-time and onsite at Pepperdine University’s Calabasas campus, with an estimated commitment of 0.2 FTE, requiring approximately 8 hours per week dedicated to the SPAS and MSPAS program.

Primary Responsibilities

The Medical Director will play a vital role in the success of the School of Physician Assistant Studies (SPAS) and the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program. Specifically, the director will be an active participant in the program and support the development of program competencies to meet current practice standards for PAs. Additionally, the director position encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities aimed at fostering a supportive and effective educational environment for students and faculty alike. Key responsibilities include:

• Curriculum Development: Collaborate with the Dean and faculty to design, implement, and evaluate the MSPAS curriculum, ensuring alignment with current standards of practice for the Physician Assistant profession.
• Community Advocacy: Act as a champion for the MSPAS program within the local medical community, promoting its values and objectives.
• Clinical Partnerships: Assist the Dean and Clinical Coordinator in developing and maintaining relationships with existing clinical partners, while actively seeking new opportunities to enhance supervised clinical practice experiences for students.
• Clinical Evaluation: Participate in the assessment of supervised clinical practice experiences to ensure compliance with Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) standards and guidelines.
• Accreditation Support: Work closely with the Dean and program faculty/staff to secure and maintain full accreditation of the SPAS and its degree program by ARC-PA.
• Instruction: Teach and provide instruction in areas of expertise, contributing to the academic development of students.
• Advisory Role: Support the Dean in shaping the vision for the MSPAS program by serving on the program’s advisory board.
• Guidance: Offer counseling and advice to students, faculty, and staff as appropriate, fostering a supportive academic environment.
• Leadership: Demonstrate effective leadership through experience, innovative ideas, strong Christian values, impeccable character, and excellent communication skills.

Administrative support will be provided to facilitate the Medical Director’s responsibilities and enhance overall program performance.

Qualifications and Attributes

Pepperdine University is seeking candidates for the Medical Director