When Kimberly Stabingas, PA-C, began considering doctoral programs, she looked for one with a curriculum that would enable her to grow both personally and professionally. Stabingas already had an MS in PA Studies, more than a dozen years in clinical practice, precepting and teaching experience, and a Master of Health Professions Education. When a colleague forwarded her an email about the new Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Stabingas was impressed by the program’s expectations of applicants and its emphasis on research.

“Being in academia, there are three buckets to fill: teaching, service, and scholarship,” said Stabingas, who became Director of Experiential Education for the Campbell University PA Program in 2022. “As PAs, unless you have a research background, scholarship is where we can improve. I wanted a doctorate program to gain mentorship to develop a project and manuscript for publication, which I felt was an objective of Wake Forest.”

After talking with DMSc Program Director Natalie Smith and other faculty members about the program’s goals and the benefits it could offer, Stabingas became part of the inaugural cohort of eight students who began coursework in May of 2024.

The class members, who will graduate from the two-year program in 2026, have successfully completed their core courses and progressed to their track-specific courses. The DMSc offers three track options – leadership, research, and medical education – to help students reach their individual goals. All members of the Class of 2026 have also obtained IRB approval for their research projects and are now collecting data and meeting with their project advisors. For her research project, Stabingas is examining factors that influence North Carolina PAs’ willingness to serve as preceptors.

“We’re incredibly proud of our inaugural cohort’s progress,” said Smith. “It’s been really rewarding to watch them lean into the research process and grow as scholars. Our faculty have been great mentors, and the projects these students are developing are already showing real potential to impact both clinical practice and academia in ways that advance the PA profession.”

Wake Forest’s support for original, PA-led research also appealed to Peter Guertin, MSPAS, PA-C, EM-CAQ, another member of the first DMSc class. Guertin said the flexibility of the program’s fully online, asynchronous format was another important feature, along with the interdisciplinary curriculum that drew on expertise from the schools of medicine, business, law, and professional studies.

Guertin, the Lead APP for Wake Forest Emergency Providers in the Iredell Health System, said he decided to pursue a doctoral degree to deepen his impact as a clinician and leader.

“After years of clinical practice, I recognized the need for a broader perspective—one that combines advanced clinical knowledge with skills in leadership, healthcare policy, and research,” he said. “The doctoral path allows me to not only grow personally and professionally, but also to better advocate for patients, support my colleagues, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the APP profession. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what I can do to improve care and drive change in a complex healthcare system."

Guertin’s research project focuses on increasing provider satisfaction with onboarding and clinical orientation in high acuity specialties. Even though graduation is about a year away, Guertin said he is already putting to use what he has learned.

“Each day, I apply the concepts I've learned to enhance my work,” he said. “The interprofessional collaboration throughout the coursework has deepened my understanding of how various challenges impact the entire healthcare team. While the program will ultimately provide me with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare leadership, it has already made me a stronger leader and clinician."

Application for admission to the DMSc opens in September. Learn more and apply.