Physician Assistant

Mission Statement

The mission of the South University Physician Assistant (MSPA) is to educate a diverse student population and prepare graduates to practice the art and science of medicine while providing high-quality, equitable, and inclusive patient-centered healthcare.

Vision Statement

The South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) degree program strives to provide an educational environment that empowers students to practice evidence-based, patient-centered medical care. With an emphasis on increasing access to care, reducing health disparities, and engaging in community outreach, we aim to provide inclusive educational experiences for students, faculty, and staff. As future clinical leaders, the program’s focus is to graduate physician assistants who will promote cultural humility and patient advocacy.

Master of Science Physician Assistant Degree Program Technical Standards

In order to ensure that patients receive the best medical care possible, the faculty of the South University Physician Assistant program has identified certain skills and professional behaviors that are essential for successful progression of physician assistant students in the program. A student must possess skills and behaviors at a level of capability to perform a variety of duties required of a physician assistant as a health care professional.

Students with disabilities who can perform these skills and successfully execute professional behavior either unassisted, with dependable use of assistive devices, or by employing other reasonable accommodations are eligible to apply for enrollment in the program. Minimum performance standards include critical thinking, communication skills, observation skills, motor skills, and interpersonal abilities. Interested parties may contact the Physician Assistant program office for additional information about South University performance standards. These skills and behaviors include, but are not limited to;

Critical Thinking: A student must possess the intellectual, ethical, physical and emotional capabilities required to undertake the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the faculty. The ability to solve problems, a skill that is critical to the practice of medicine, requires the intellectual abilities of measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis and synthesis. Students  must be able to perform demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences.

Communication Skills: A student should also be able to speak, to hear, and to observe patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and to perceive nonverbal communications. The student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written forms.

Observation Skills: The student must be able to observe a patient accurately, both at a distance and in close proximity. This ability requires the functional use of vision and somatic sensation.

Motor Skills: A student should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic techniques. A student should be able to execute movements reasonably required to move from area to area, maneuver in small spaces, calibrate and use large and small equipment, position and move patients, and provide patients with general care and emergency treatment.

Interpersonal Abilities: A student for the Physician Assistant program must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities required for the diagnosis and care of patients and the development of professionalism through mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients, families, and colleagues.

, The South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program welcomes you!

 

The South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program

Ilaria Gadalla, DMSc, PA-C, FHM
Dean, College of Health Professions, Associate Professor

Dr. Ilaria Gadalla joined South University in January 2016 and founded the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) program. A native of New Orleans, she brings over 15 years of clinical experience as a Physician Assistant in the fields of Hospitalist Medicine, Cardiology, Nephrology, and outpatient Internal Medicine. She graduated with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Albany Medical College in Albany, New York. She completed a Doctor of Medical Science with the University of Lynchburg in Virginia. She previously worked as a Respiratory Therapist and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Dr. Gadalla was nationally recognized with an Award of Excellence in the category of Clinical Leadership for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants by the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) in 2020. The Clinical Leadership Award recognizes outstanding contributions to patient care and quality improvement, leadership of clinical care in hospital medicine, promotion of clinical knowledge, innovations in the role of a NP/PA or contributions to their hospital/hospitalist group, and excellence in creative collaboration, excellence in operations, and/or excellence in program development. In addition, she published with SHM the Hospital Medicine NP/PA Practice Integration and Optimization Statement to assist clinicians and administrators in Hospital Medicine and to promote exceptional care for hospitalized patients.

Dr. Gadalla has a variety of leadership experience across her professional career. Most recently, she was nominated by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) to serve as a Commissioner on the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). She has been recognized as a Fellow in Hospital Medicine, appointed the Southeast Florida Division Advance Practice Providers Director for the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM), and the first PA member of the Hospitalist Editorial Board. In addition, she has served as the chair of the SHM NP/PA Executive Council, and as a committee member of the SHM Practice Management Committee, the PAEA Governance and Ethics Board, and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Cardiovascular Team Physician Assistants Committee.

She is an active member of the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA), a fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), the Palm Beach County Medical Society, and the South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association.

Dr. Gadalla continues to serve the local community as a Hospitalist and volunteer clinician. She enjoys boxing, cycling, swimming, and painting in her spare time.

 

Kristen Smethurst, DMSc, PA-C
Physician Assistant Department Chair, Assistant Professor

Dr. Kristen Smethurst joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program in January 2020. She was born in Texas and raised outside of Washington, DC. She attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, she earned a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Florida. Dr. Smethurst was awarded a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah. She has practiced clinically for over 20 years in the areas of Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Women’s Health, and Urgent Care. 

In 2014, Dr. Smethurst moved with her family to Australia for 3 years. While there, she was an avid volunteer and traveler. Since returning to Florida in 2017 she worked in urgent care and currently volunteers in the community doing HIV testing and counseling.

Dr. Smethurst has experience teaching: women’s health, behavioral health, clinical procedures, epidemiology and biostatistics, clinical laboratory medicine, amongst others. She actively serves on a number of departmental and institutional committees to include the South University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family and watching her daughter play volleyball. She is proud to be part of the founding faculty for the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program!

 

Jeffrey M. Bishop, DO
Medical Director

Dr. Jeffrey Bishop is a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician who earned his degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1985. Prior to medical school, he spent 10 years in the United States Navy and earned his undergraduate degree as Bachelor of Science in Medicine as a Physician Assistant from the University of Nebraska. He was one of the youngest Physician Assistants (PA) in the United States Navy and achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, which guided his path towards medical school. Dr. Bishop has been a resident of South Florida for over 60 years, and has been in the Wellington/Royal Palm Beach area servicing patients and the community for the past 30 years. He joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program in 2019.

He was a former owner and practicing physician at Western Communities Family Practice, the largest Primary Care Practice of its time in Palm Beach County, and retired from his very active Family Medicine Practice in 2006. He then became the Chief Medical Officer at Wellington Regional Medical Center (WRMC) and the Director of Medical Education where he served until 2013. Over the years, Dr. Bishop has held several leadership positions at WRMC and the community. He was on the Board of Governors at WRMC for 25 years, the Chairman of the Board for 5 years, Vice Chief and Chief of Staff for a period of 6 years combined, Chairman of the Utilization Management Committee, and developed the Surgery and Medicine Peer Review programs at WRMC. Dr. Bishop was awarded a Proclamation from the Mayor of Wellington in 2007 in recognition for his dedication to the local community. He developed the Medical Board of Governors in 2011 on which he continues to serve on through the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce. In his spare time, Dr. Bishop had a professional racecar team for 15 years, which raced throughout the eastern coast of the United States.  

 

Lysa Diggins, MMS, PA-C
Program Director, Assistant Professor

Mrs. Lysa Diggins joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program in May 2021 and served as the Director of Didactic Education for 3 years. She was promoted to Program Director in May 2024. She was born in New York, and raised in Florida. She attended Williams College in Massachusetts as a QuestBridge National Scholar, and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Psychology, and Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies.  She completed a summer medical internship at Duke University School of Medicine, and a Post-Baccalaureate program in Biology at Indian River State College. Throughout her studies, she worked in a research laboratory involved in vaccine development, gene therapy, and HIV/AIDS clinical research.

She earned a Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree from Nova Southeastern University. As a distinguished scholar of the National Health Service Corps, she has practiced clinically in Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Women’s Health at a Federally Qualified Health Center. Since transitioning to academia, she has worked in Urgent Care, and continues to volunteer clinically in Cardiology.  Mrs. Diggins has experience teaching: clinical medicine, pediatric patient care, women’s health, medical ethics, and clinical laboratory medicine. She actively serves on a number of departmental and institutional committees devoted to curricular enhancement and faculty development. She is also a published collaborator for the second edition of the PA Rotation Exam Review book, 2e.

As a former scholar of the Horatio Alger Association, Mrs. Diggins continues to serve as a mentor for first generation college students. She is also committed to advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives in PA education and is an active participant in the Physician Assistant Education Association BIPOC Faculty Network for Inclusive Excellence and Equity-Centered Leadership. She continues to promote community outreach alongside scholarship in PA education. She is excited to lead the development of PA leaders for the next decade in healthcare.

 

Kimberly Dawkins, DMSc, PA-C
Assistant Program Director, Assistant Professor

Dr. Kimberly Dawkins joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program since 2019 as a Program Advisory Committee member prior to joining as principal faculty. Raised in Somerset, New Jersey, Dr. Dawkins received her Bachelor of Science from Hampton University and a certificate of Physician Assistant studies from Hofstra University in New York. She received her Master in Physician Assistant Studies from Touro College In New York and her Doctorate in Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg, Virginia.

Prior to pursuing a career in academia, Dr. Dawkins practiced with the Abdominal Transplant program at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx for 3 years. Dr. Dawkins then transitioned into the General Surgery program at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan where she expanded her clinical skills by working with the bariatric, colorectal, vascular programs and precepting students. After moving to South Florida in 2014, she began practicing and currently works in Hospitalist medicine where she has mentored future PA students. She continues to serve on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and other local medical chapters to support the Palm Beach community with development and improvement of programs dedicated to the underserved communities. Outside of working as a physician assistant, she has taken on leadership roles with Jack and Jill of America and other networks of community service. She enjoys needlework, podcasts, and cooking in her spare time.

 

Desiree Hussain, MCSC, PA-C
Director of Didactic Education, Assistant Professor

Mrs. Desiree Hussain PA-C joined South University, West Palm Beach, Master of Science in Physician Assistant program in 2023. She was born and raised in Mapletown, Pennsylvania. She attended Bethany College in West Virginia, obtaining a Bachelor’s in Biology. She then earned her Master’s in Clinical Medical Science from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. Mrs. Hussain is an accomplished Physician Assistant with over 13 years of experience in Emergency Medicine and family practice. She is a strong patient advocate. Growing up as a coal miner’s daughter in Appalachia, she witnessed the challenges in her community in obtaining quality healthcare.  She believes everyone deserves equal access to healthcare resources and is passionate about connecting patients with necessary support systems and community resources. 

Beyond professional endeavors, Mrs. Hussain finds joy in her personal life.  She is happily married to her husband, raising a young son. Their loveable goldendoodle, Watson, completes their home and brings warmth and happiness to their lives. Driven by a passion for education and mentoring, she is honored to join the faculty of South University as an Assistant Professor. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge and guiding the next generation of Physician Assistants.

 

Caitlin Spaulding, MMS, PA-C
Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Mrs. Caitlin Spaulding joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program in 2022. Hailing from Needham, Massachusetts, Mrs. Spaulding received her Bachelor of Science from Boston College where she was a two sport D-1 Varsity athlete in both ice hockey and sailing. After graduating from college, she moved to Florida and worked on a billionaire’s mega yacht, traveling around the Bahamas, US & British Virgin Islands, and the West Indies.  After several years of fun Mrs. Spaulding went on to get her Masters of Medical Science from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  

After graduation, Mrs. Spaulding worked in General, Bariatric, & Orthopedic surgery, and eventually joined up with a surgical assist group where she assisted in many different specialties. In 2013 she transitioned into Emergency Medicine, and currently works at HCA Florida Palms Hospital. Outside of working as a physician assistant, she enjoys traveling with her husband and three children, as well as sailing, surfing, fishing, paddle boarding, snorkeling- basically anything involving water!

 

Tova Younger, MPAS, PA-C 
Assistant Director of Didactic Education, Assistant Professor 

Ms. Tova Younger PA-C joined South University, West Palm Beach, Master of Science Physician Assistant Program in 2023. Ms. Younger was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where she attended CUNY Brooklyn College as well as SUNY Downstate Medical Center where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant studies. She then received her Master's degree in Physician Assistant studies from the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley. After completing her training, Ms. Younger gained experience in various medical specialties, including dermatology, internal medicine, wound care, and emergency medicine. She is licensed to practice as a Physician Assistant in four states and is passionate about mentoring and teaching the next generation of Physician Assistant students.

Ms. Younger volunteers as a patient advocate, educator and fundraiser for a charity designed to shepherd young couples through the challenges of infertility. On a personal note, Ms. Younger enjoys spending time with her husband and son, hiking, kayaking and eating good food.

 

Tiffany Perry, MMSc, PA-C 
Assistant Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Mrs. Tiffany Perry is a native Floridian, born and raised in South Florida. With a passion for medicine and sports, she pursued an undergraduate degree in Athletic Training. In 2007, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL, which allowed her to become a board certified and state licensed Athletic Trainer. She then attended Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA, where she obtained a Master of Science degree in Sports Medicine in 2009. After graduation, she completed a post-graduate residency for Athletic Trainers at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. During her residency, she worked as a physician extender under the direct supervision of numerous orthopedic surgeons. Upon completion of the program, she began working as an Athletic Trainer at Watson Clinic, LLP, in Lakeland, FL. Tiffany worked directly under the supervision of two orthopedic surgeons in a traditional clinic setting but also provided outreach sports medicine coverage to local high schools in Polk County. On the weekends she often provided sports medicine coverage through Select Physical Therapy to weekend warriors and performing artists at Bush Gardens in Tampa, FL.

In 2016, Tiffany received a Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant (MMSc-PA) studies from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She began her career as a PA-C in orthopedics at HCA Florida Atlantis Orthopedics in Palm Beach County in 2017. She joined South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program in 2023. She embraces her role as faculty while not only educating the students but guiding them in and out of the classroom.

Outside of medicine, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two beautiful children and American bulldog, Mac, as well as her other local family. In addition, she loves traveling, reading, boating, exercising, attending sporting events and concerts, and of course being around people that make her laugh.

Caroline Kamel, MD
Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor

Dr. Kamel joined the South University West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program in April of 2021 as a faculty member. She began her academic career with South University, West Palm Beach in 2015 instructing in the Health Sciences and Public Health department. She received her medical degree in Cairo University in 2001 and practiced as a hospitalist with nephrology training. In addition, she completed residency in pediatrics and NICU before practicing in outpatient family practice.

Her main passion through her medical and academic years continues to be serving lower socioeconomic areas and participating in health education and preventative screenings to disadvantaged communities. She looks forward to engaging the students in service-learning opportunities within the Palm Beach County area as the faculty advisor to the student government association.

 

Rebecca Magwood, MMSc, PA-C
Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor

Rebecca Magwood, PA-C, is board-certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, NCCPA. Throughout her 10 years as physician assistant, she has provided compassionate, patient-focused healthcare with a commitment to medical excellence. Mrs. Magwood earned a Master of Clinical Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Barry University in Miami, Florida, in 2011. She obtained a Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, in Health Education and Behavior at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, in 2005. Mrs. Magwood’s academic distinctions also include Student Diversity Chair Representative, Barry University, PA Program 2009-2011; nominated for Graduation Speech 2011; and Rookie Teacher of the Year 2011. Mrs. Magwood has practiced as a physician assistant in diverse clinical settings since 2012. These include pain management, orthopedics, and neurosurgery in West Palm Beach, Florida; family medicine in Loxahatchee, Florida; internal medicine in Palm Springs, Florida; primary care in Wellington, Florida, and urgent care centers since 2012. 

Prior to her career as a PA, Mrs. Magwood taught biology for three years at Miami Coral Park Senior High in Miami, Florida, where she planned and instructed each content area using a wide variety of learning aids and strategies to engage students in active learning. She was a lactation intern at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, in 2005. She worked as a patient care representative at HCI Specialty Pharmacy, LLC, in Miami, Florida, and on an investigative drug research team at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, in 2003 and as an intern in 2002. She enjoys time with her family, the outdoors, and travel.

 

Max Benlulu, MPAP, PA-C
Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor

Mr. Benlulu grew up in Boca Raton, Florida and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Florida. After graduation, he and his wife moved to California where he worked as an Emergency Medical Technician in Los Angeles County. He then attended PA school at the University of Southern California where he was the class vice president. Post-graduation, Mr. Benlulu attended and graduated from an ER fellowship in Riverside County, California and has been practicing in emergency medicine since. He is excited to be bringing his experiences and clinical skills to the program.

Mr. Benlulu lives in South Florida with his beautiful wife and daughter where they love to be outdoors, spend time with their families at the beach and pools, and explore nature. 

 

Sarah Aziz Mohareb, MD
Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor 

Dr. Sarah Aziz joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of science in Physician Assistant program in January 2024. She was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt. She attended Ain Shams University School of Medicine in Cairo, Egypt where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery, graduating with Excellence and Honor.

Following her graduation, she completed an internship at Ain Shams University Hospitals, then residency in pediatrics and joined the faculty at Ain Shams University. During her residency she supervised and educated medical students and junior residents. Dr. Aziz worked at the Heart Institute at Ain shams University and has experience in pediatric cardiac intensive care.

Dr. Aziz moved to the United States in 2021 and settled in Florida. She continues to practice pediatric care and provide consultation services via tele-medicine. She has experience teaching: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and Pediatrics.

During her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking and writing poems. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge in guiding  the next generation of Physician Assistants.

 

Martin Fidelia, MMS, PA-C
Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor

Mr. Martin Fidelia joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science Physician Assistant Program (MSPA) in August 2024.  Mr. Fidelia has had an extensive career in healthcare spanning over three decades. He started his healthcare journey as a laboratory tech, then EMT, and then Paramedic in New York City before moving to Florida where he continued his career as a Paramedic. During his tenure in Collier County EMS, he decided to take his career and experience onto his next challenge. He began his Physician Assistant journey in 2007, and earned his Master's degree in Medical Science (MMS) from Nova Southeastern University in 2009.

Martin Fidelia is a highly experienced Physician Assistant with dedicated service in the fields of orthopedic surgery, emergency medicine, and pain management. His extensive background equips him with a unique perspective and a comprehensive understanding of patient care, particularly in high-pressure environments. Martin's healthcare journey throughout the past three decades has enabled him to hone his skills in varying aspects of medicine. This foundational experience not only solidified his commitment to healthcare but also fostered a need to challenge himself to provide an impact in education.

Outside of work, Martin enjoys traveling with his family, culinary experiences, working out, playing golf, riding his motorcycle, and following his favorite sports teams. Mr. Fidelia finds fulfillment in both his medical career and personal interests, and he brings his passion into every activity. 

Mallorie Williams, MBA
Graduate Program Coordinator

Mallorie Williams is a Florida native with over nine years of experience working in higher education. Mallorie joined South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program in January 2020. She graduated cum laude with her bachelor’s from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers and later went on to complete an MBA with Strayer University. With a passion for leadership and development, she earned a Graduate Leadership Certificate from the Jack Welch Management Institute. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, scuba diving, and volunteering within the community. Mallorie has a passion for helping students achieve their goals, and relishes watching them succeed from the day they step on campus to the day they proudly earn their degree.

 

Shana Swain-Halsall, BA, ASN
Clinical Coordinator

Mrs. Shana Swain-Halsall joined South University, West Palm Beach, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program in 2024. She recently relocated to West Palm Beach from her hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida. She attended University of Arizona where she obtained her Bachelor’s in Health and Wellness. She then earned a master certification as a Health and Wellness Coach which inspired her to start her own company in 2021 providing health and wellness services to prevent and manage chronic diseases of people in underserved communities. Since 2018, Shana has been a National Patient Advocate for the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., and the Community Oncology Alliance, both headquartered in Washington, DC. She travels to Capitol Hill twice a year to speak before Congress to address the health disparities in low-income populations, particularly in Florida, as well as advocate for patients who suffer from Lupus and various cancers and are unable to receive life-saving medical treatments as a result of insurance denials.

In her spare time, Shana spends time creating new recipes with her husband, who is a Master Chef. She also loves to spend time with her two children and two grandchildren, travel internationally, and serve on various committees in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Sheryl Hicks-Williams, MS
Program Coordinator

Mrs. Sheryl Hicks-Williams joined South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) program in June 2022. Born in New York, raised in New Jersey, she relocated to Florida 25 years ago. She brings over 20 years combined administrative assistant experience including Operations Manager in a Florida hospital's inpatient mental health unit and as an office manager/administrative assistant with several New Jersey hospital and outpatient medical facility settings.  

Sheryl Hicks-Williams earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management and her Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She later went back to school to become a Licensed Massage Therapist. She served in this field as a therapist caring for individuals with alcohol and substance abuse issues in two drug rehabilitation programs.

Her sense of servant leadership offers strong support to the PA program for successful outcomes of students relative to the program's vision. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Sheryl enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, expanding her knowledge in new areas, volunteering, and faith-based activities.

 

Monique McCray-Jackson, MS
Program Coordinator

Monique McCray-Jackson, a Florida native, joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program in May 2024. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management and a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Palm Beach Atlantic University, Monique brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.

With over 21 years in the healthcare industry, Monique has focused her career on mastering Patient Access Management. Her commitment to professional development led her to become a former member of Toastmasters International, where she further enhanced her leadership and communication skills.

Monique's decision to join South University is driven by her passion for education and her dedication to fostering the growth and success of future healthcare professionals.
In her leisure time, she enjoys laughter, reading, biking, learning new things, and meeting new individuals.

Christopher Whisenant, MS
Data Coordinator for The College of Health Professions

Chris Whisenant joined the South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant team full time in August 2018 as the Clinical Coordinator. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at the University of Lynchburg in 2009 and a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011.  He taught math initially as an adjunct at South University, Richmond and later became a full-time instructor at the beginning of 2012. During the fall of 2017, he participated with the Physician Assistant Program as an instructor for Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Although passionate about teaching, he transitioned to the role of Clinical Coordinator during the summer of 2018 and then transitioned to the role of Data Coordinator for The College of Health Professions in 2023. Mr. Whisenant enjoys this opportunity to work with graduate level students in a capacity that allows for open dialogue and a shared commitment to determining and enhancing one’s academic and professional passions. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, playing soccer and volleyball, exploring cities, cooking, and learning.

Claudine Ellis, MPH
Clinical Manager for The College of Health Professions

Claudine Ellis joined South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program in June, 2021 as the Clinical Coordinator and has recently been promoted into the College of Health Professions Clinical Manager role as of May, 2024.   

Originally from Jamaica, she has been living in West Palm Beach, FL for 12 years. Claudine graduated with an Associate of Science in Tourism Management from Western Hospitality Institution. With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, she excelled as an Administrative Assistant, providing crucial support to senior-level managers. She pursued her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health Services Administration from Keiser University. During her tenure as a Health Center Coordinator, she demonstrated a commitment to delivering exceptional care, ensuring optimum client support, and enhancing patient satisfaction. She then graduated with a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration from South University, West Palm Beach.

In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new destinations, listening to music, visiting the beach, volunteering within the community, and spending time with her friends and family.

Physician Assistant Clinical Rotations

The clinical phase is 12 months in length. Eight five-week supervised clinical practice experiences (SPCEs) are conducted at a variety of clinical rotation sites. Students will gain clinical exposure in the following disciplines: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Women's Health, Behavioral Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and the Clinical Elective.

Clinical sites are recruited by the program’s Clinical Education Team (CET)). Sites offer students a wide variety of clinical experiences in the discipline specific clinical rotation (course) and service delivery systems. Students are not required to supply their own clinical sites or preceptors for clinical rotations. Sites for rotations will be determined by the PA program. Alternate rotation sites may be provided by the student to the Clinical Education Team. The CET will evaluate sites suggested by students for viability as a clinical rotation site. In order to be eligible for rotations outside of South University sites, or in student suggested sites, a student must demonstrate successful academic, clinical, and professional progress in the program.

The South University Physician Assistant program immunization policy is aligned with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations for health professionals. After acceptance into the program, but before registration can be successfully completed, all students must complete the South University Health Requirements. Be aware that additional immunizations may be required by some clinical training sites and are the students’ responsibility. If students choose not to be vaccinated, they will not be allowed to rotate at clinical sites that require immunizations unless expressly permitted in writing to the program by the appropriate personnel at that site. If any of the core (required) rotations cannot be completed because the student voluntarily chose not to be vaccinated as required by the clinical rotation site, the student will not be eligible for graduation from the Physician Assistant program. 

Physicians, physician assistants, and other health care providers serve as preceptors for clinical students in direct patient care, providing the opportunity for the student to perfect clinical and technical skills, and to become competent in communication, physical diagnosis, succinct and thorough documentation, problem assessment, and development of a logical approach to patient management.

Our students rotate in various physician offices, teaching and large institutional affiliated hospitals,, trauma centers, psychiatric facilities, and Veteran’s Affairs hospitals and clinics. Rotations occur in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Our students are offered a wide variety of experiences and locations for their clinical rotations that are designed to enhance the application of knowledge and development of patient care skills.

Physician Assistant Learning Outcomes

(Graduate Competencies)

The following are the program learning outcomes (Graduate Competencies) for the South University Physician Assistant program.

Prior to graduation from the program, students will:

• PLO-1. Integrate behavioral, social, and medical knowledge established from the evolving biomedical and clinical sciences in recognizing, evaluating, and managing patient disease states across the lifespan during acute, chronic, preventative, and emergent encounters.

• PLO-2. Demonstrate the interpersonal and communication skills required to sustain effective, multi-directional information exchange within a diverse population of patients, their caregivers, and members of the healthcare team.

• PLO-3. Demonstrate the ability to elicit an accurate patient history, perform an appropriate physical examination, and perform appropriate clinical procedures using essential clinical and technical skills to provide quality patient care.

• PLO-4. Collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team through clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills to formulate a logical differential diagnosis, select and interpret appropriate diagnostic studies, and synthesize a comprehensive, patient-centered management plan for the promotion of wellness and disease prevention.

• PLO-5. Demonstrate the ability to interpret and integrate an evidence-based approach to clinical and professional practice through clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making processes to improve patient care practices.

• PLO-6. Demonstrate professionalism through personal behaviors, sensitivity, and accountability essential to patients, society, and the profession.

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