Duke Physician Assistant Program

08/20/2026

We still aren’t over graduation! We are so proud of our recent graduates and all of their hard work.🤗

Read more about the ceremony below!

https://medschool.duke.edu/blog/duke-pa-program-celebrates-59th-graduating-class

08/14/2026

Just like that, the Class of 2028 is officially here! Yesterday, we welcomed students to campus for orientation! As part of orientation, students completed a building scavenger hunt and a "speed dating" style icebreaker before heading out for DPAP Community Day service projects. (If you look closely, you might spot some familiar faces from our faculty and staff out in service with students!)

We can’t wait to see all that they will do here at DPAP!

08/10/2026

We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support of Duke PA alumnus Edmund Joseph Wise, Jr., PA-C '74, MPH.

Thank you, Ed, for your commitment to the Duke PA Program, our students, and the future of the PA profession!

Read the full story below:
https://giving.dukehealth.org/stories/gift-creates-immediate-and-enduring-opportunities-duke-pa-students

08/07/2026

We almost forgot this was the whole point 🥹

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 students who graduated from the Duke PA Program today! We can't wait to see all that they accomplish next.

Stay tuned for more photos from today's ceremony!

08/06/2026

Congratulations to Class of '26 students Emily Walden and Skyler Gubbels on completing the Duke BLUE Interprofessional Scholars Program!

During the BLUE Scholars Symposium, the students were recognized for their accomplishments and received stoles in celebration of their completion.

Read more about the celebration and hear the students' reflections on what they learned through BLUE Scholars and how interprofessional learning has shaped their journey at Duke:

https://medschool.duke.edu/blog/duke-pa-program-students-complete-duke-blue-scholars-program-ahead-graduation

08/03/2026

The countdown officially begins...T-minus 4 days until graduation!!

Our second year students will be graduating this Friday, and we CANNOT wait!
Last week was busy at DPAP, with both classes on campus as they prepared for their transitions. Our graduating students in the SGM Track and Global Health Elective presented posters based on their experiences during rotations.

The Class of '27 completed their bridge course, which prepares them for the start of their clinical year, and celebrated with water activities and popsicles.🎉

08/03/2026

"As I prepare to graduate from the Duke PA Program, what I will remember most is not a particular diagnosis or procedure. I will remember summer evenings spent visiting immigrant farmworker camps, conversations with workers who trusted me with their stories, community efforts to improve food access, and opportunities to better understand the challenges facing a population that helps sustain North Carolina's agricultural economy.

The opportunity to provide care for this population has shown me that healthcare is about building trust, recognizing and addressing barriers to care, and partnering with communities to improve health"

Read Pamela's blog here:
https://medschool.duke.edu/blog/second-year-student-blog-pamela-paz

07/30/2026

Whether you’ve made it to Durham and are preparing for PA school or you’re a prospective student visiting town, you may still be wondering, “What’s there to do?”

If you’re looking for ways to explore, here’s a quick guide to a few local favorites that are worth visiting!

Read more here:

Whether you’ve made it to Durham and are preparing for PA school or you’re a prospective student visiting town, you may still be wondering, “What’s there to do?” Well, you’ve stopped by the right place, because with this warm weather, it’s actually the perfect time to get out and see w...

07/23/2026

Congratulations to rising second-year Duke PA student Daniel Toole on his recent election to the AAPA Student Academy Board of Directors!🥳

Daniel will serve as Southeast Regional Director, representing PA students across the region and helping connect them with opportunities through the Academy.

Daniel shares:

"Thank you to all the PA students in the AAPA Southeast Region for trusting me to represent your voices and perspectives in the Student Academy. Together, we will continue advocating for and shaping our profession as we prepare to meet the needs of our future patients and communities."

Read more about Daniel's new role and his goals for the year:
https://medschool.duke.edu/blog/duke-pa-student-daniel-toole-elected-2026-aapa-student-academy-board-directors

Learn more about the 2026 AAPA Student Academy Board of Directors:
https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2026/06/aapa-student-academy-board-of-directors-2026-election-results-are-in/

07/20/2026

"PA school is undoubtedly challenging, but it is also two years of your life. So, if there's one thing I hope future students take away from my experience, it's this: let yourself enjoy it! Choose the elective that excites you. Take the trip if you have the opportunity. Spend time with the people you love. Chase experiences that make you a more compassionate, well-rounded person - not just a better test taker or more hirable candidate.

Medicine will always ask a lot of you. Don't wait until graduation to start living the life you're working so hard to build."

Read more here:
https://medschool.duke.edu/blog/second-year-student-blog-lindsey-zipperer