Jefferson Names Kathryn T. Beishline as Program Director for New PA Program Launching in 2012

PHILADELPHIA, PA (04/01/2011)(readMedia)-- Kathryn T. Beishline, MSPAS, PA-C, of Philadelphia, has been named program director of the Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program within the Jefferson School of Health Professions at Thomas Jefferson University. Jefferson expects to enroll the first class of students in the new master of science degree program in the summer of 2012.

Beishline comes to Jefferson from Salus University, where she was an assistant professor and course director. Prior to that she was the academic coordinator and an instructor in Drexel University's Physician Assistant program. Her clinical experience is centered on women's health and primary care.

"The addition of the Physician Assistant program is a natural complement to Jefferson's interprofessional education and training initiative. We are excited to build a program and produce graduates who will fill a vital workforce need," says Janice Burke, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Dean of Jefferson School of Health Professions.

Beishline sees the Jefferson PA program as the perfect fit. "Philadelphia's rich culture of medical education coupled with Jefferson's long-established history of educating outstanding healthcare providers makes the University an ideal location for this new program," she says. "Future graduates have a bright horizon. Physician assistants have been named the fourth fastest growing profession in the country by the Bureau of Labor & Statistics, with an expected 39% increase in jobs by 2018. These are exciting and encouraging numbers."

The PA master's degree program requires students to spend 24 months at Jefferson. Jefferson and the University of Delaware will establish an articulated agreement that will enable UD students to progress to TJU after 3 years of undergraduate study.

"The most important goal of the program is to produce competent, well-rounded physician assistants to serve their communities," says Beishline. "My hope is to develop a PA program that is worthy of the Jefferson name."

The Department of Physician Assistant Studies and Jefferson School of Health Professions are part of Thomas Jefferson University, the largest freestanding academic medical center in Philadelphia. The University is also composed of Jefferson Medical College, Jefferson College of Graduate Studies, and Jefferson Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy and Population Health. Jefferson is regarded nationally as one of the best universities offering a range of comprehensive programs for the education of health professionals. More than 3,400 future physicians, scientists and healthcare professionals are enrolled at the University, which partners with Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, its education and clinical care affiliate.