Physician Assistant Studies

Vision

The vision of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies is to work across the curricula to create qualified healthcare providers with the qualities of professionalism, lifelong learning, and cultural and socioeconomic competence.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies is to provide comprehensive curricula that prepare students in the undergraduate pre-professional physician assistant program to become qualified physician assistants in an ever-changing healthcare environment.

Faculty

Joan F. Ward
BS (Cabrini College); MS (Philadelphia University)
American Board of Pediatrics-Certified in Pediatrics and Sub-Board Certification in Adolescent Medicine
NCCPA Certified Physician Assistant
Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
Chair, Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Phone: 215.596.7142
E-mail: j.ward@usciences.edu

William G. Callahan
BS (University of Scranton); DOM (Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
Medical Director, Physician Assistant Studies
Phone: 215.596.7281
E-mail: w.callahan@usciences.edu

Anna Patrone
BS (University of the Sciences); MS (Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine)
NCCPA Certified Physician Assistant
Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
Phone: 215.596.7145
E-mail: a.patrone@usciences.edu

Katherine A. Peisochenske
BS, MS (Philadelphia University)
Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
Coordinator, Clinical Education
Phone: 215.596.8675
E-mail: k.peisochenske@usciences.edu

Gerald F. Smith
BS (Hahnemann University); MS (Philadelphia University): MPH (Medical College of Pennsylvania-Hahnemann University)
Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
Vice Chair, Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Program Director, Physician Assistant Program
Phone: 215.596.7146
E-mail: g.smith@usciences.edu

Deborah Summers
BSHS (University of the Sciences); MS (Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
Director, Undergraduate Pre-Professional Physician Assistant Program
Phone: 215.596.7143
E-mail: d.summers@usciences.edu

Associate Faculty

Wasim Anwar, MBBS, Anatomy & Physiology
John Cavenagh, PhD, PA-C, PCOM, PA Chair
Trudy McKee, PhD, Biochemistry
Margaret A. Reinhart, MMA, MS, MT (ASCP), Hematology & Immunology