Dr. Danielsen is a Professor and director of the Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) program.

Since graduating from the University of Utah Physician Assistant (PA) Program in 1974, Dr. Danielsen has distinguished himself as a clinician, PA educator, author, and editor. He received his BS in Health Science (cum laude) from the University of Utah in 1978, his Masters in PA Studies (MPAS) from the University of Nebraska with an emphasis on Internal Medicine in 1997, and his Ph.D. from the Union Institute & University in 2003 with an emphasis on Medical Education. He has been with A.T. Still University for over two decades as PA academic coordinator (1995-1997), chair of physician assistant studies (1997-2004), dean of the Arizona School of Health Sciences (2004-2010, 2012-2018) and recently stepped down as dean to take on the new role with the DMS.

He has served on the board of directors of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and as a board member and chairman for National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Earlier in his career, he served as president of the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants (UAPA), the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants (ASAPA), and as chair of the Arizona Regulatory Board for PAs. Retired after 28 years of service in the US Air Force and Army National Guard with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Danielsen also is a former president of the AAPA Veterans Caucus and was honored with the Caucus’ Civilian PA of the Year Award in 2003. Dr. Danielsen was named Outstanding PA of the Year by the AAPA in 1993 and by ASAPA in 2011. In 2012 he was honored by the University of Utah, School of Medicine, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, Division of Physician Assistant Studies with the “Patron of the Profession” award for “unwavering dedication and service to the Physician Assistant Profession.” In May 2015 he received the Eugene A. Stead Award of Achievement by the AAPA. This is the Academy’s most prestigious award recognizing an individual for lifetime achievement that has had a broad and significant impact on the profession.

He currently serves as PA editor-in-chief for Clinician Reviews. Dr. Danielsen has published over nineteen peer-reviewed articles, twenty journal editorials, three book chapters, and his first co-authored book, entitled The Preceptor’s Handbook for Supervising Physician Assistants, published by Jones & Bartlett Learning. He is also a Senior Consultant with the Academy for Academic Leadership and a proud member of Rotary International.

Dr. Danielsen teaches Medical Writing, Quality Improvement in Healthcare, and PAs in Healthcare Policy.

Dr. Simon is a PA graduate of the Alderson Broaddus PA program in West Virginia. Prior to ATSU, he served as chair of the St. Francis University PA Program in Pennsylvania. His clinical practice experience includes internal medicine and occupational medicine. In addition to administrative duties, he teaches in the History and Physical Examination sequence.

Dr. Simon teaches Community Assessment & Health Promotion, Organizational Leadership, Clinical Practicum 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Jeffrey Alexander, PhD, FAACVPR, ACSM-CEP is adjunct faculty in ATSU’s Doctor of Medical Science program and Associate Professor with the College of Graduate Health Studies.

Dr. Alexander has been with A.T. Still University (ATSU) since 2006 serving in various roles. In addition to serving as an inaugural adjunct faculty member of the Doctor of Medical Sciences in the Arizona School of Health Sciences, Dr. Alexander serves as an Associate Professor in the Doctor of Health Sciences Program and adjunct faculty for the Master’s in Kinesiology Program in the College of Graduate Health Studies. He is a founding member and associate researcher of ATSU’s Center for Resilience and Aging. His principal teaching responsibilities at the University include instruction and facilitation of doctoral student research, and exercise science specific to older adults.

Dr. Alexander’s research interests focus on improving the health and well-being of older adults. He is a Lead Trainer for the Matter of Balance (MOB) falls prevention program. He co-founded the Still Standing Falls Prevention Outreach Program at A.T. Still University which has trained hundreds of graduate health professions students as Coaches in MOB, and these students have delivered the MOB program to thousands of older adults in the Phoenix-Metropolitan area since 2009.

Dr. Alexander is a Fellow of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and serves on the Association’s Research Committee. He is an Associate Editor for the American Journal of Health Promotion and has published in various peer-reviewed journals and presented at local and national meetings and conferences. Dr. Alexander teaches Capstone I, II, and III.

Sondra DePalma, DHSc, PA-C, CLS, CHC, FNLA, AACC, DFAAPA is an adjunct assistant professor in ATSU’s Doctor of Medical Science program.

Dr. DePalma is the Director of Regulatory and Professional Practice at the American Academy of PAs, where she oversees PA regulations, policies, and reimbursement. She has experience in healthcare leadership and organizational management, is a published author, and a regular speaker at national conferences. Dr. DePalma continues to practice clinically in cardiology, a field in which she has worked for nearly 20 years and has earned advanced certifications in lipidology and hypertension management.

She earned a Doctor of Health Sciences degree with a concentration in Leadership and Organizational Behavior from ATSU and has a graduate certificate in the Science of Healthcare Delivery from Arizona State University. She graduated with a Master of Health Science degree from Lock Haven University’s Physician Assistant Program, received a post-baccalaureate premedical certificate from Pennsylvania State University, and graduated summa cum laude with a BA from Mercyhurst University.

Dr. DePalma teaches Social Determinants of Health and Quality Improvement in Healthcare.

Jerica N. Derr, DMSc, PA-C is the Associate Director of Capstone and Research Activities for the ATSU DMSc program. She is originally from Indianapolis, IN. She completed her undergraduate training in Biology at Indiana Wesleyan University, a Master in Biology from Purdue University, and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Chatham University. After practicing medicine for several years, she transitioned to physician assistant (PA) education and obtained her Doctor of Medical Science in PA Education and a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration & Management from the University of Lynchburg. Dr. Derr has also been the Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor at the Charleston Southern University PA Program since 2018.

Dr. Derr’s clinical background is in integrative pain management, urogynecology, and hospital medicine. Her educational and research focus is on clinical education and experiential learning, specifically in the area of utilizing gamification in education. She is passionate about enhancing engagement and optimizing the student experience while cultivating an environment of self-directed learning and lifelong curiosity. She is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Physician Assistant Education Association, and the South Carolina Association of PAs where she serves as the regional representative for the Lowcountry. Dr. Derr advocates for PAs at a local, state, and national level to improve patient access to care through PA practice optimization.

Larry Fisher, DHSc, PA-C, is an adjunct assistant professor with the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program.

Dr. Larry Fisher was born in Fairbanks, Alaska and is a graduate of the MEDEX PA program, Alaska Class # 1 in 1995. After practicing in Alaska for 17 years, Dr. Fisher relocated to Arizona and entered the APA Program. Following graduation, he entered the DHSc program and graduated in 2017 while continuing to practice Family Medicine, Urgent Care, and Pain Management. As a clinic preceptor Dr. Fisher enjoys participating in PA education, and in 2017 began teaching bioethics to APA students at ATSU. Dr. Fisher was invited and accepted an invitation to teach Ethical Considerations in Health Administration in the DMSc program.

Dr. Fisher is a member of AAPA, and ASAPA. He volunteers at an inner-city clinic for the underserved and underinsured on a seasonal schedule. He now resides in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife, son, cats, and dogs. His hobbies include cycling, supporting renewable energy, and brewing his own mead (honey wine). He plans to eventually return to Alaska to enjoy the wide-open spaces, fresh fish, and pioneer spirit.

Dr. Fisher teaches Ethical Considerations in Health Administration, Capstone I, II, and III.

Dr. Gottschalk graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern PA program in 1992. She received a Master of PA Studies from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2016 and earned a Doctor of Medical Science degree at A.T. Still University in June 2021. Her original research, "Ageism in the PA Profession: An exploratory study," earned Dr. Gottschalk AAPA's Research in Action and AT Still's Capstone of Excellence in 2021.

Since beginning her career as a PA, Dr. Gottschalk has practiced in orthopedic sports medicine, orthopedic spine surgery, urgent care, interventional pain management, telemedicine, and neurology-migraine emphasis.   Dr. Gottschalk served five years on an FDA advisory panel and was elected to two terms as Director at Large on the American Academy of PA's (AAPA) Board of Directors.   She has been appointed to various AAPA national positions, is active in the AAPA's House of Delegates, and is a Distinguished Fellow of AAPA. Dr. Gottschalk is a medical science liaison and adjunct faculty at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor.

Dr. Gottschalk is the current Legislative Affairs Chair for the Texas Academy of PAs (TAPA). She has served in numerous elected and appointed positions within TAPA and was elected President in 2008.  Dr. Gottschalk was appointed to the Texas Physician Health Program as the founding PA board member before her current appointed position as Secretary of the Texas PA Regulatory Board. Dr. Gottschalk remains committed to her career-long goal of promoting the PA profession through leadership, advocacy, education, and mentorship.

Dr. Gottschalk is teaching the Capstone courses. 

Michael Halasy, DHSc, MS, PA-C is an adjunct Assistant Professor with the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program.

Dr. Michael Halasy is a practicing physician assistant at Mayo Clinic in the Spine Center where he manages an independent panel of complex spine patients from all over the world. He is an accomplished researcher and educator and is currently the co-chair of the multidisciplinary spine research committee at Mayo Clinic and is a health services researcher who works on health workforce research with a number of specialties and practices. He is heavily involved in healthcare administration as well. He was one of only 5 US researchers invited to the first international research collaborative on Audit and Feedback research. He has published numerous articles, has a background in health policy and healthcare economics, and has research interests in shared decision making, healthcare workforce studies, health economics, and organizational behavior. He has a Doctor of Health Sciences degree in Organizational Science and Behavior.

Dr. Halasy teaches Research Methods in Healthcare, Capstone I, II, and III.

Mary Kimmitt Laxton, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, is adjunct assistant professor of ATSU’s Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program.

Dr. Laxton received her BA in botany from Duke University in 1976 and her MPA in management from the Indiana University Northwest in 1980. She received her certificate in physician assistant studies from the Philadelphia University in 1997 and her doctor of health science from Nova Southeastern University in 2016. She is a distinguished fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistant and a member of the Alpha Eta Honor Society at Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Laxton held academic appointments in physician assistant programs at Arcadia University in Newark, Delaware and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 2012 to 2018. Dr. Laxton’s clinical experience is in internal, family, geriatric, and emergency medicine.

Dr. Laxton teaches Adult Learning Theory and Curriculum Design & Delivery in the Education track of the DMSc.

Dr. McMullen joined the DMSc program as an adjunct faculty member with the inaugural class (July 2019). In January 2022, he transitioned to the DMSc administration. Dr. McMullen has extensive experience in online education and educational assessment. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 1988, his Master of Science in Education at Nova Southeastern University in 2005, and his Doctorate in Education also from Nova Southeastern University in 2013. Dr. McMullen previously served as the Founding Chair/Director of the Central Coast PA Program and, before that, served as Associate Professor and Director of Assessment, Research, and Technology at ATSU’s Physician Assistant Studies Program in Mesa. He is also an adjunct faculty member (since 2017) in the Advanced PA Program, where he also served as the Director of the Online Program from 2007 to 2011. Dr. McMullen teaches in the Education Track.
 

Eric Matthews, PhD, MSEd, RT, is adjunct faculty with the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program and Associate Professor in the College of Graduate Health Studies.

Dr. Matthews completed his PhD in education at Southern Illinois University with an emphasis in adult and vocational/technical education (workforce education and development). He also holds graduate degrees in education (administration and supervision) and museum studies. His professional medical preparation is in the field of diagnostic imaging. Dr. Matthews is certified in diagnostic radiography, cardiovascular-interventional technology, and magnetic resonance imaging by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Prior to coming to ATSU, he was the program director of the radiography program at Southern Illinois University.

Dr. Matthews has taught numerous courses on medical and educational history, his primary research interest. He enjoys qualitative-historical research and has served as a subject matter expert for several state and national organizations and museums on the topic of 19th century American medicine.

Dr. Matthews teaches Capstone I, II, and III.

Michelle McMoon has been practicing as a PA since graduating from Marquette’s PA program in 2005. Her practice began in cardiology, but for the last 14 years she has practiced in critical care. Currently, Michelle resides in Durham, North Carolina where she is the Director of Education and Professional Development at WakeMed Health and Hospitals. In this role, she oversees educational programs, including 9 Fellowship tracks for APP's; and creates professional development programs for APP's throughout the health system. Her practice is surgical critical care and she has started a specialty practice in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, a new service line at WakeMed. Her research focus stems from her years of critical care practice and culminated with her completion of a PhD in Public Policy where she led a research study focusing on recovery resources for survivors of critical illness.

Her leadership journey began as a student leader on SAAAPA and then within the AAPA after graduation. Throughout her career she has focused on balancing clinical and leadership responsibilities. In addition to her research, Michelle also holds positions as co-chair of the North Carolina Medical Society Ethics committee, WakeMed Medical Ethics committee, and acts as the APP Well-Being Ambassador.

In her spare time, she is an avid exercise fanatic and competes in local amateur ballroom dancing competitions with her husband, Paul.

Dr. McMoon teaches the Capstone courses.

Leon Moak, DMSc, PA-C is an adjunct assistant professor in ATSU’s Doctor of Medical Science program.

Dr. Moak received his Doctor of Medical Science degree from the University of Lynchburg in 2020. He is an alum of the ATSU-ASHS master of science in physician assistant studies program in 2001 and also holds a certificate of advanced clinical studies in family and emergency medicine from ATSU. Dr. Moak started his academic career as a PA faculty member with ATSU from 2001 to 2009; serving as the director of the Advanced PA degree program from 2006 to 2009. The DMSc program is very excited to have Dr. Moak return to ATSU and for his passion for teaching.

In addition to his clinical duties in the emergency department at Chandler Regional Hospital/Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Chandler, Arizona, Dr. Moak serves as the Advanced Practice Provider Site Director. Dr. Moak is a member of the Society of Emergency Medicine PAs, AAPA, and ASAPA. He has served as director-at-large for the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants (ASAPA), director of online affairs for the Student Academy of AAPA, and volunteers in his community as an Assistant Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America.

Dr. Moak teaches Capstone I, II, and III.

After graduating from ATSU’s Arizona School of Health Sciences in 2004, Dr. Moore started his post graduate surgical training and went on to practice general surgery, trauma, and critical care medicine for over 16 years in Colorado. He then practiced emergency medicine on the border of the Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona, while recently moving into a more comprehensive clinical role practicing emergency, inpatient, and outpatient medicine in a critical access hospital in Montana. 
He holds a PhD in Public Health, with a specialization in clinical epidemiology and has published his research findings in numerous peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Moore has held senior-level administrative roles overseeing departments such as Quality, Population Health Management, Institutional Review Board, among others. Dr. Moore founded Fenceline Solutions, a healthcare consulting firm that combines research principles with clinical leadership experience to some of the most pressing issues in contemporary healthcare and leadership.

Dr. Weber is an adjunct Associate Professor in ATSU’s Doctor of Medical Science program.

Dr. Weber holds several degrees, including an associate in applied business, a bachelor of science in management science, a master of business administration, a master’s in physician assistant studies, and a doctorate in health sciences from ATSU. He is also a licensed PA in the state of South Carolina with clinical experience in both emergency and psychiatric medicine.

Dr. Weber teaches Research Methods (Core Course) and Health Economics (Leadership Track). Dr. Weber has previously taught graduate level courses in research methods, biomedical ethics, and many other classes. He is extremely familiar with adult learning, course development, and assessment methods. Before becoming a PA, Dr. Weber was a computer engineer and has an extensive background in technology and medical simulation tools.

Dr. Weber currently teaches Research Methods in Healthcare and Health Economics (Leadership Track).

Kevin Kupferer, DHSc, PA-C, MsCI, MPAS is an adjunct Assistant Professor in ATSU’s Doctor of Medical Science program.

Dr. Kupferer is a 2005 graduate of the University of Nebraska/USAF Program at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. His clinical background is in family medicine and urgent care. He is a Primary Care Provider and Clinical Researcher with the Phoenix Department of Veterans Affairs. He has over 10 years’ experience managing and conducting biomedical research and clinical trials for the Department of Defense and private sector.

Dr. Kupferer completed a residency in clinical research with a masters in clinical investigations at the University of Texas HSCSA and a doctorate in health science through ATSU in 2013. He is a member of the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants (ASAPA), American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), Society of Air Force PAs (SAFPA) and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).

Dr. Kupferer teaches Research Methods in Healthcare, Capstone I, II, and III.

Frank Crosby, Jr., DHSc, MPAS, PA-C is an adjunct Professor in ATSU’s Doctor of Medical Science program.

Dr. Crosby received his doctorate in health science (DHSc) from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in 2013, his master’s in physician assistant studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1997, his bachelors as a physician associate from the University of Oklahoma in 1982, and a diploma from the Air War College, Air University in 1996. He retired from the United States Air Force in 2005 at the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Dr. Crosby currently teaches medical ethics in healthcare for NSU. He is a founding member and past- President of PAs for Tomorrow. During his military career, he served in multiple leadership roles including deputy chief of medical staff, commander of a medical operations squadron, and as an AF liaison to the Joint Commission. He brings a wealth of experience in leadership and health policy to the DMSc program.

Dr. Crosby enjoys world travels with his bride of 44 years and has logged nearly 1000 SCUBA dives as a master SCUBA diver. When not underwater, he is often on the ski slopes of Colorado. He will be teaching Determinants of Health, Quality Improvement in Healthcare, and Organizational Leadership Management & Behavior courses.

Dr. Crosby teaches Social & Behavioral Determinants in Health and Quality Improvement in Healthcare.

Dr. Champion graduated from PA school in 1980 in Cleveland, Ohio. He went on to earn a BS degree from the University of the State of New York in 1983. While stationed in Berlin, Germany he earned a Master of Education from Boston University. He returned from Europe in 1987 to attend the Clinical Perfusion training program at Penn State Hershey with a second year of training at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC. In 1994, Dr. Champion earned the Master of Medical Science at St. Francis College (now University) in Loretto, PA. His doctoral degree was earned at Nova Southeastern University in 2004 at the Doctor of Health Sciences program in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Additionally, he went on to earn an MBA from the Western Governors University program in 2015. Most recently, Dr. Champion has attended the Master of Science in Surgical Science and Practice program at Oxford University, where his dissertation is being considered for his graduation fulfillment. Of note, Dr. Champion is the only PA that has been accepted to the Oxford program as it has been designed for only surgeons and he will be the only non-surgeon this program has graduated.

Dr. Champion has a total of 35 years military service, starting as a private and finishing as a colonel. His professional interests are in trauma surgery, cardiac surgery and emergency medicine. He served as a past AAPA Surgical Congress chair, is a Distinguished Fellow of the AAPA as well as a Fellow Member of the APACVS. He has served as president of the AAPA Veterans Caucus, the Society of Army Physician Assistants and a number of committees at AAPA. He has authored a number of articles and a book on surgical assisting. Dr. Champion continues to work in surgery and emergency medicine as well as run three corporate entities.

Dr. Poppre joined ATSU in 2005 in Student Affairs. After 14 years of serving as the Assistant and Associate Vice President-Student Affairs, Dr. Poppre transitioned to the DMSc program as administrative manager. Dr. Poppre is dedicated to providing excellent student service and helping the DMSc students navigate, succeed, and graduate. Dr. Poppre earned her master’s degree in student affairs Arizona State University and her doctorate degree in educational leadership from Grand Canyon University (online).

Dr. Poppre teaches Foundations of Doctoral Studies.

Dr. Trent Honda is also a clinical professor and associate dean of the School of Clinical and Rehabilitation Sciences (SoCRS) at Northeastern University, a Carnegie R1 research institution. His research falls into two general thematic areas: epidemiology, and biomedical education. Within epidemiology, his work focuses on identifying and quantifying the health effects of air pollution, epidemics, and the built environment. Within biomedical education, he regularly publishes and presents on student and program evaluation, application of quantitative methods in biomedical education research, and disparities in physician assistant education.

He also currently serves as the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Physician Assistant Education, and Guest Editor of Toxics, an international environmental epidemiology journal.

He has a long history of graduate-level teaching in human physiology and research design, and have mentored PhD students at University of Sydney, George Washington University, and Northeastern University, among others. His clinical background includes many years of primary care in underserved communities, as well as occupational medicine, and urgent care.

Dr. Honda teaches the Capstone courses.

Dr. Brian Nordgren graduated as a PA from Nova Southeastern University in 2002 and has practiced medicine in various areas including surgery, malignant hematology and cardiology. He worked as an adjunct PA professor in Florida and North Carolina teaching both lectures and clinical rotations. He has worked both clinically and administratively within healthcare organizations.

Currently he is working in cardiology (electrophysiology) in Michigan. Dr. Nordgren received his doctorate in Health Science from Nova Southeastern University in 2011. He is published in the areas of hematology, cardiology and has been involved with clinical research most of his career.

Dr. Nordgren teaches the Capstone courses.

Dr. Gaspar A. Rosario is a Physician Assistant currently working in a primary care field. A 23-year military veteran, Dr. Rosario trained initially in family medicine, with additional certification courses through the US Army in Physician Assistant Basic Emergency Medicine, Aerospace Medicine, Occupational Medicine, & mild traumatic brain injury management. He was also designated as a finalist to serve in the White House as part of the presidential medical unit.

Dr. Rosario has also served as clinical family preceptor for the Arcadia and Marquette University Physician Assistant program as well as University of Incarnate Word DO program. In addition, Dr. Rosario also served as a Pathology instructor for the Interservice Physician Assistant program in Fort Sam Houston, Texas where he earned an induction into the Physician Assistant Pi Alpha Honor Society due to his scholarly work. Once retired from military service, Dr. Rosario has practiced in the fields of internal and urgent care medicine.

Dr. Rosario holds a bachelor’s degree in science and a master’s degree in Medicine in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He also holds a Doctorate Degree in Health Science from A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ with a focus in Global & Population Health.

Dr. Rosario currently resides in the San Antonio, Stone Oak area with his wife Jessica and their two boys, Henrik, 16, and Markus, 12. On his spare time, some of Dr. Rosario’s hobbies include road cycling, long distance triathlon, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and weight training but also loves to go to the movies and learn music.

Dr. Rosario teaches the Capstone courses.

Dr. Melinda Rawcliffe has been in the medical field for 30 years and a PA for over 15 years. Melinda began her venture into medicine as an EMT, working for several years in the prehospital setting. Melinda pursued a bachelor's degree in business and consulted in the medical field for over a decade prior to attending PA school at ATSU in 2007. In 2021 Melinda took the next step, receiving a Doctorate of Medical Sciences in Leadership.

As a PA, Melinda has worked in reconstructive plastic surgery, pediatric and adult neurosurgery, and austere environment and emergency medicine. Melinda has worked in 6 countries, 2 war zones, oil exploration, as well as both on land and ocean-based projects in the arctic circle. Melinda discovered that there are always unique opportunities for PAs in rural, remote and austere environment medicine. Melinda is an associate professor for Franklin Peirce University’s Hybrid PA program, an adjunct faculty member and DMSc Capstone facilitator for the DPAS at A.T. Still University. She still enjoys precepting PA students in rural and remote emergency medicine.

Upon entering the academic field, Melinda began developing her ultrasound skills. While completing her doctorate, Melinda developed a curriculum for POCUS integration into PA education. She continues to consult with multiple entities on POCUS integration into rural, remote and austere environment medicine.

Melinda is the current president of the Arizona State Association of PAs and a representative to the AAPA House of Delegates. For the past eight years, Melinda has volunteered with the Flying Samaritans, providing healthcare in rural clinics in Baja of Mexico. Melinda also deploys with the Federal National Disaster Management Services, Az-1 DMAT team.

In her spare time, Melinda travels globally and enjoys scuba diving, flying a little Cessna 172, and spoiling her two grandchildren.

Dr. Anthony Stephas completed his Doctorate in Health Science (DHSc) through A.T. Still University; his research focused on the knowledge and attitudes of practicing massage therapists regarding skin cancer screening. He obtained his Physician Assistant training from Kettering College of Medical Arts, graduating in 1991. He also holds a Master of Science degree in advanced physician assistant studies from A.T. Still University. He previously attended St. Paul technical college and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

Always committed to working with underserved populations, his first clinical position was in family practice at Sea Mar Community Health Center in Mount Vernon, Washington. In 1994 he began work at Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic in Toppenish, Washington, where he worked in urgent care. From 1999 until 2016, he worked at Central Washington Occupational Medicine, also in Toppenish. His current part-time clinical position is providing occupational medicine services and surveillance physicals to workers in the nuclear fuels industry.

Beginning in 2016, he began teaching as principal didactic faculty at the Physician Assistant Education Program at Heritage University in Toppenish, Washington. In that role, he taught various clinical subjects and chaired the Master's Research portion of the program.

He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Pacific Northwestern University of Health Sciences, where he teaches humanism in medicine and is co-director of the clinical skills courses for the first and second-year D.O. students.

Before becoming a Physician Assistant, his medical experience included working as an EMT, Fleet Marine Force corpsman, and a respiratory therapist at the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital.

A licensed pilot and avid outdoor enthusiast with a lifelong interest in history, he currently lives and farms with his wife of 38 years on a small commercial cherry orchard in Central Washington.

Dr. Stephas teaches the Capstone courses.

Dr. Ann Lee Burch is the dean of A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS). Dr. Burch received her doctor of education from Columbia University, Teachers College in 2005. She received her masters of public health from Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health in 2002 and her masters of physical therapy from Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1989. She was a postdoctoral fellow with the Research Group on Health Disparities at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her BA is in psychology from the University of Rochester.

Prior to her appointment as dean, Dr. Burch served as vice dean for ATSU-ASHS. She served as the chair of the Physical Therapy Department from 2008-January 2012. Prior to ATSU, Dr. Burch was the director of physical therapy at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She has held administrative and/or faculty positions at the International Center for the Disabled in NY, NY, Mercy College in NY, and Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY.

Dr. Burch’s area of scholarly interest and application of that interest is in knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy of health care providers and healthcare professional students towards underrepresented patient/client groups.

Dr. Burch is the author of a Guide to Physical Therapy (Vault Publishers) which was written to increase information access about physical therapy to both high school graduates and re-entry adults. She was a co-investigator on an NIH grant at the University of Puerto Rico exploring the feasibility of an exercise program for breast cancer survivors living in San Juan. Dr. Burch has lived in Symi, Greece, Taipei, Taiwan, Ahmdebad, India and San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is committed to research, teaching and service that further the understanding of the impact of socioeconomic and cultural variables on health.

She was a member of the class of 2014 cohort of Women in Educational Leadership at Harvard Graduate School of Education. In 2017 she was the co-PI on a Centers for Disease Control, Association for Prevention and Teaching grant exploring a population health case study format for teaching and communicating the impact of social determinants of health on health disparities. She was recently appointed a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission.

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Dr. Salas-Provance, is professor and vice dean of A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS). Dr. Salas-Provance received her doctorate in speech science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She received her masters of health administration from the University of Missouri School of Medicine-Columbia. She holds both a bachelors and masters in Speech Pathology from New Mexico State University.

Prior to her appointment as vice dean, Dr. Salas-Provance served as associate dean of academic and student affairs for the School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston. She served as assistant dean and chair in the College of Education, Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico and department chair in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Montevallo (AL). She held faculty positions at Fontbonne College and St. Louis University, in St. Louis, MO.

She has made extensive professional contributions to the American, Speech, Language & Hearing Association (ASHA), serving on the Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Council, member of the Financial Planning Board, and the Multicultural Issues Board. She served as coordinator of ASHA’s Special Interest Group (SIG) 14, Communication Disorders and Sciences in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse populations and was a founding member and coordinator of SIG 17, Global Issues in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is an ASHA Fellow and received ASHA’s highest awards for “Special Recognition in Multicultural Affairs” and “Outstanding Contributions in International Achievement.”

Dr.Salas-Provance has served as a clinical educator throughout her academic career, especially related to children with cleft lip and palate. She is a member of an international medical team with Rotaplast International and has traveled worldwide for over 15 years to provide clinical services to children with cleft palate. She implemented a program for graduate students in speech pathology to provide clinical services in Spanish to children with cleft palate in Lima, Peru. In addition to Lima, Peru she has provided clinical services in China, Bangladesh, Philippines, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Venezuela.

Dr. Salas-Provance is coauthor of the textbook Culturally Responsive Practices in Speech-Language and Hearing Science (Plural Publishing, 2019) which meets the needs for training students in healthcare professions regarding practice with individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Her research is focused on attitudes towards disability by diverse populations and addressing the use of language interpreters during healthcare and educational encounters.

Over the past ten years she has lectured extensively to international audiences, both in English and Spanish, including as invited speaker for the Congreso Internacional en Trastornos de la Comunicacion at Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (Speech Language Pathology / Audiology) de la Universidad de Talca, Chile and for the Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Peru, Endoscopic Evaluation of Velopharyngeal Dysfunction. She was invited keynote speaker for the First International Congress in Speech-Language Pathology and Orthodontics in the area of cleft lip and palate in Lima, Peru.

Dr. Salas-Provance was selected for the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Leadership Program and attended the National Women’s Leadership Forum in Washington DC (2017) for advancing female executives in higher education.

Dr. Danielsen is the director of the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program. Since graduating from the University of Utah Physician Assistant (PA) Program in 1974, Dr. Danielsen has distinguished himself as a clinician, PA educator, author, and editor. He received his BS in Health Science (cum laude) from the University of Utah in 1978, his Masters in PA Studies (MPAS) from the University of Nebraska with an emphasis on Internal Medicine in 1997, and his Ph.D. from the Union Institute & University in 2003 with an emphasis on Medical Education. He has been with A.T. Still University for over two decades as PA academic coordinator (1995-1997), chair of physician assistant studies (1997-2004), dean of the Arizona School of Health Sciences (2004-2010, 2012-2018) and recently stepped down as dean to take on the new role with the DMSc.

He has served on the board of directors of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and as a board member and chairman for National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Earlier in his career, he served as president of the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants (UAPA), the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants (ASAPA), and as chair of the Arizona Regulatory Board for PAs. Retired after 28 years of service in the US Air Force and Army National Guard with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Danielsen also is a former president of the AAPA Veterans Caucus and was honored with the Caucus’ Civilian PA of the Year Award in 2003. Dr. Danielsen was named Outstanding PA of the Year by the AAPA in 1993 and by ASAPA in 2011. In 2012 he was honored by the University of Utah, School of Medicine, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, Division of Physician Assistant Studies with the “Patron of the Profession” award for “unwavering dedication and service to the Physician Assistant Profession.” In May 2015 he received the Eugene A. Stead Award of Achievement by the AAPA. This is the Academy’s most prestigious award recognizing an individual for lifetime achievement that has had a broad and significant impact on the profession.

He currently serves as PA editor-in-chief for Clinician Reviews. Dr. Danielsen has published over nineteen peer-reviewed articles, twenty journal editorials, three book chapters, and his first co-authored book, entitled The Preceptor’s Handbook for Supervising Physician Assistants, published by Jones & Bartlett Learning. He is also a Senior Consultant with the Academy for Academic Leadership and a proud member of Rotary International.

Albert (Bert) Simon, DHSc, MEd, PA, is the former chair and current professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS). Previously, he served as founding vice dean at ATSU’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), where he was also chief operating officer for ATSU-SOMA. He was an integral part of the leadership team that developed the most innovative medical school in the U.S. from 2007-2012. For 37 years, Dr. Simon has served as chair of physician assistant studies departments at three universities: Saint Francis University, Baylor College of Medicine, and most recently ATSU. During his years as chair at Saint Francis University, their physician assistant program was the only non-medical school-based program ranked in the top ten physician assistant programs in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report in every ranking poll.

In his years of clinical practice, he has worked in occupational medicine at Volkswagen of America’s assembly plant in New Stanton, Pennsylvania, and inpatient internal medicine at the Van Zantz Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania, as well as working family medicine in the Coalport Area Community Health Center. Being politically active in the physician assistant profession, he has served in a number of national leadership positions including president and vice president of the Association of Physician Assistant Programs (APAP) and author of the Annual Report on Physician Assistant Educational Programs in the U.S. During his APAP presidency, he founded the Leadership-Training Institute as a vehicle to provide needed education to individuals entering into PA education. He has served as an educational consultant to over 25 physician assistant programs across the U.S. He has also served as the co-editor of Appleton and Lange’s Q and A for the Physician Assistant, one of the best selling board review books for physician assistants in the nation.

With an interest in continuous quality improvement, Dr. Simon was trained as a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Examiner for the United States Department of Labor. He was also featured in the book On Q, Causing Quality in Higher Education by Daniel Seymour for his innovative approaches to quality management in an educational program.

Dr. Simon resides in the picturesque mountain community of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, with his wife and two dogs (Allie and Cole).

Jerica N. Derr, DMSc, PA-C is the Associate Director of Capstone and Research Activities for the ATSU DMSc program. She is originally from Indianapolis, IN. She completed her undergraduate training in Biology at Indiana Wesleyan University, a Master in Biology from Purdue University, and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Chatham University. After practicing medicine for several years, she transitioned to physician assistant (PA) education and obtained her Doctor of Medical Science in PA Education and a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration & Management from the University of Lynchburg. Dr. Derr has also been the Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor at the Charleston Southern University PA Program since 2018.

Dr. Derr’s clinical background is in integrative pain management, urogynecology, and hospital medicine. Her educational and research focus is on clinical education and experiential learning, specifically in the area of utilizing gamification in education. She is passionate about enhancing engagement and optimizing the student experience while cultivating an environment of self-directed learning and lifelong curiosity. She is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Physician Assistant Education Association, and the South Carolina Association of PAs where she serves as the regional representative for the Lowcountry. Dr. Derr advocates for PAs at a local, state, and national level to improve patient access to care through PA practice optimization.

Hailey received her Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Utah State University and her Master of Education in Instructional Design and Educational Technology from the University of Utah. Hailey’s specialties are in adult learning and training in online learning environments and educational technology.

Dr. Poppre joined ATSU in 2005 in Student Affairs. After 14 years of serving as the Assistant and Associate Vice President-Student Affairs, Dr. Poppre transitioned to the DMSc program as administrative manager. Dr. Poppre is dedicated to providing excellent student service and helping the DMSc students navigate, succeed, and graduate. Dr. Poppre earned her master’s degree in student affairs Arizona State University and her doctorate degree in educational leadership from Grand Canyon University (online).

Dr. Poppre teaches Foundations of Doctoral Studies.