Assessing the Impact of a Professional Development Program for Physician Assistant Program Directors

The growth of physician assistant (PA) programs nationally has stretched the available capacity of experienced PA program directors. To address this need, a professional developmental program was designed to provide new program directors with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to succeed in the role. This study sought to characterize the impact of program attendance over time. Data were collected from individuals representing 5 cohorts that participated in the annual Physician Assistant Education Association New Program Directors Retreat between 2011 and 2015.

An electronic survey was developed and sent to all 5 cohorts (n = 139). Anonymous responses were collected and quantitative data were analyzed in the aggregate and also by year of participation. Qualitative data were analyzed, and a thematic analysis was conducted. Results were compared with baseline data collected during the program registration process and with published national data on program director characteristics.

Seventy-five program participants completed the survey, for a response rate of 57%. Program director stability, educational achievement, and involvement in leadership and service activities were found to be positive outcomes for individuals who had participated in the professional development program.

Survey respondents reported positive outcomes after attending a professional development program; these outcomes are consistent with research on similar programs published in the literature. Our findings suggest that new program directors who participated in this professional development program not only derived career-stabilizing benefits but also succeeded in creating supportive peer networks while gaining greater confidence in their new academic role.