Amy Allen named to lead new Physician Assistant program
Posted on: May 9, 2016; Updated on: May 9, 2016
The School of Medicine has welcomed Amy M. Allen, M.H.S, Ed.S, PA-C, as the founding director of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. She also holds a clinical faculty appointment in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine.
Allen has been a physician assistant for more than 11 years in rural areas with a background in family medicine, ENT and pediatrics. Prior to joining the School of Medicine, she held the position of assistant professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Physician Assistant Program, where she was clinical coordinator for the Memphis region and course director for general medicine courses and was responsible for program curricular mapping. She also was director of clinical education and academic coordinator in the Lincoln Memorial University Physician Assistant Program.
“This program is coming at a time of rapid change in health care, when there is a tremendous need for more medical providers, especially in rural and underserved areas,” Allen says. “Our program offers an innovative inter-professional didactic curriculum and well established clinical training sites through our partnerships with institutions including Palmetto Health and Dorn VA Medical Center."
Allen has participated in curriculum development, faculty/staff mentoring and successful accreditation for two new physician assistant programs by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
“Amy Allen’s appointment marks an important milestone in the development of our new program. The skill and experience that she brings to this new leadership role in the School of Medicine will greatly benefit the program,” said executive dean Les Hall, M.D.
Allen earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Mars Hill College, a bachelor’s degree in physician assistant studies from East Carolina University, a master’s degree in health science from Duke University and an education specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University. She is a member of the Physician Assistant Educators Association and currently serves on their curriculum council. She also has been an active member of the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants, serving on their board, and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Physician Assistant Educators Association. She was also one of three House of Delegate representatives from Tennessee to the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
The USC School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program is planning to partner with alumni physicians who would like to lecture and/or provide clinical instruction to students in their areas of expertise. Contact Amy Allen at amy.allen@uscmed.sc.edu for more information.
Share this Story! Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about