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Exploring the impact of PA-specific doctoral degrees on professional identity: A phenomenological study
Cody A Sasek1, Jacqueline Sivahop, Natalie Smith
1Cody A. Sasek is associate dean of the School of PA Studies and Clinical Sciences and program director of the Doctor of Medical Science Bridge program at Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. Jacqueline Sivahop is a professor at the University of Colorado's PA program in Aurora, CO. At Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC, Natalie Smith is an assistant professor and program director of the Doctor of Medical Science program in the Department of PA Studies, and Chris Gillette is a professor. C. Sasek discloses receipt of the Butler Awards Committee Faculty Research Grant for the support of this study. C. Sasek is also a member of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Board of Directors as of January 2026 and is a JAAPA clinical editor. The authors have disclosed no other potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Objective:
To explore how completing a physician associate (PA)-specific doctoral degree influences PAs' professional identity and lived experience.
Methods:
A qualitative phenomenological study involving 15 semi-structured interviews with PAs who earned a PA-specific doctoral degree between 2021 and 2023 was conducted. Transcripts were coded and analyzed thematically. Trustworthiness was supported through dual coding, member checking, and reflexivity.
Results:
Participants reported minimal change to their core identity as clinicians and expressed uncertainty about what it means to be doctorally prepared, including hesitancy in using the title doctor. Although clinical duties were largely unaffected, participants described greater career clarity and a perception of expanded opportunities in leadership, education, and administration.
Conclusion:
Having a PA-specific doctoral degree demonstrated limited impact on professional identity with greater perceived benefit for career potential. Findings highlight the need for clearer degree socialization and intentional curricular design aligned with evolving individual and professional expectations.
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