HIGH POINT, N.C., June 21, 2016 – Elyse Watkins, an assistant professor in High Point University’s Physician Assistant Studies program, is one of 15 medical professionals from across the state selected for the North Carolina Medical Society Leadership College.
The Leadership College is a yearlong program focused on developing the leadership skills of physicians and physician assistants, equipping them to inspire and motivate their peers in their medical settings and communities. Upon completion, participants are prepared to accept advanced leadership positions in professional organizations and the workplace.
As part of this experience, Watkins is researching statewide perceptions on the use of physician assistants in OB-GYN practices. Physician assistants play a valuable role in medical practices, but research indicates they could be used further OB-GYN practices.
To collect data for her study, Watkins sent hundreds of surveys to all licensed OB-GYN practices in North Carolina. The survey assesses perceptions on the value of using physician assistants, as well as likelihood to hire them as medical partners.
“Responses to these surveys will enable us to identify opportunities to appoint physician assistants in ways that benefit our physician partners and patients across the state,” she says.
Watkins will present her findings at the annual North Carolina Medical Society meeting this August. She also hopes to develop a post-graduate OB-GYN fellowship, which, if created, would be one of only three nationwide.
In its second year, HPU’s Physician Assistant Studies program recently welcomed its second cohort during a White Coat Ceremony. More than 800 applicants competed for 20 spots in the class. Physician Assistant Studies is the first of three new programs to be housed in a new $88 million Congdon School of Health Sciences and Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy complex opening next year. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, prestigious faculty and newly designed curriculum, the schools will create a cornerstone for medical innovation at HPU.
The HPU Physician Assistant Studies program is filling a growing demand for medical professionals in the Piedmont Triad and beyond. Fifty-five percent of the program’s clinical sites are within five miles of campus, and 80 percent are within 20 miles. Glassdoor.com, a leading job review website, ranks physician assistants No. 7 in its list of “25 best jobs in America.” According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Physician Assistants is projected to grow 30 percent through 2024, much faster than average.