For Marcy King, being Assistant Director of Didactic Education and Assistant Professor of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program at South University, Savannah is a way to make a difference in the lives of her students. As a 2016 graduate of the same program, it’s also a chance to give back to her alma mater.
When Marcy arrived at South University, Savannah as a student, she was excited to complete her studies and embark on her career as a Physician Assistant (PA)1. She had studied biology and chemistry as an undergraduate student and spent several years in healthcare before applying to our PA program. Her experience included time as a Certified Nurse Assistant and a member of the Medical Reserve Corps. She knew she could do even more for her community and individual patients as a PA.
After earning her Physician Assistant master’s degree, Marcy became a certified Physician Assistant (PA-C)2 and worked in an Internal Medicine private practice for over six years. While practicing, she served as a preceptor for multiple PA students. Marcy enjoyed being involved in their education and felt called to do more.
“I just really loved teaching,” she shares. “I decided, you know what, maybe it's time for me to go back and start teaching. South University was, of course, the first thing that came to mind. I would love to go back and teach at my alma mater.”
In 2022, Marcy joined the South University, Savannah program faculty. Now, as the Assistant Director of Didactic Education, she primarily interacts with students early in the program. “My role is usually at the beginning of the PA program when the students are on campus 8 to 5 learning all about medicine,” she shares.
Students take multiple classes and labs during the didactic phase. They study clinical medicine and pharmacotherapeutics and learn about everything from disease states to diagnostic methods to surgery and procedures. After 15 months in the classroom, PA students apply their knowledge in clinical settings under the supervision of a preceptor. They gain experience working in different specialties and environments.
For Marcy, being an alum of the program helps her to understand and empathize with her students. She knows when they are likely stressed or anxious and can better support them through those times. “Because I am an alum of this exact program and I sat in that room, I definitely know what they are going through,” she says.
Along with her fellow faculty, Marcy is committed to giving her students one-on-one attention. “We really care about our students,” she says. “Each student we want to make sure that not only are they doing well academically, but we're making sure that things are going well in their personal lives as well.”
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1South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
2Graduates are required to sit for and pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for program and state specific information. Graduates are required to sit for and pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for program and state specific information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. Students must pass the required licensure to work in their respective field.
Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on a video interview with Marcy King published in 2024.
