The Shortest Path to a Professional Doctorate: Orthopedic Surgery Physician Assistant Fellowship

What is it about?

Over the last decade, there has been a rise in, and surge in demand for, postprofessional doctorate degree programs (e.g., the doctor of medical science [DMSc] degree), and the potential benefits of such degrees warrant additional investigation. This article chronicles the path that the Arrowhead Orthopaedic Surgery PA Fellowship program took as an early adopter of the doctorate option for PA fellows. In this article, the pros and cons and the potential benefits of doctorate degrees for PAs in orthopaedic surgery postgraduate PA education training programs are discussed.

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Why is it important?

Physician Assistant residencies and fellowships are becoming increasingly popular as hospitals attempt to recruit top talent. We were the first civilian orthopedic surgery PA program to add a post professional degree option. The post professional doctorate coupled with clinical fellowship training will provide PA fellows with additional opportunities while preparing them for the evolving practice of medicine.

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