PA Studies Recognizes MMS and DMSc Graduates
The Wake Forest University School of Medicine Department of PA Studies hosted its annual Hooding and Commencement Ceremony on May 15 at Wait Chapel on the Wake Forest Reynolda Campus.
The celebration recognized 85 Master of Medical Science (MMS) graduates and eight Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) graduates, the first cohort to complete the degree program since it was launched in 2024.
Ebony Boulware, MD, MPH, dean of the School of Medicine and chief academic officer for Advocate Health, offered the institutional welcome and Terri Yates, PhD, vice dean for the School of Medicine and vice chief academic officer for Advocate Health, delivered the keynote address. Kathy Black, a 2001 graduate of the Wake Forest PA program, gave the charge to alumni.
Find a full list of graduates and speakers in the commencement program at go.wfu.edu/pa-hooding-2026.
DMSc Program Celebrates Inaugural Graduating Class
The first class of DMSc graduates poses with program faculty and advisers after commencement on May 15.
The DMSc program is post-professional, online degree for practicing PAs. The program emphasizes doctoral-level scholarship, leadership development, and meaningful professional impact. All graduates complete a capstone project that addresses a challenge or improves a process in the healthcare system.
The inaugural DMSc class researched and analyzed a wide range of topics, as demonstrated by the titles of their final capstone manuscripts.
Benjamin William Cartner, Kernersville, NC
Stacy Schmauss, EdD, Project Advisor
Capstone Project: Understanding the Relationships Between Burnout, Fulfillment and Outcome Orientation for Advanced Practice Providers in Emergency and Urgent Care Settings
Alisha Tomlinson DeTroye, Clemmons, NC
Chris Gillette, PhD, Project Advisor
Capstone Project: Perceptions and Outcomes of a Hospital Medicine (HM) Advanced Practice Provider (APP)-Led Care Model: A Qualitative Study
Peter Guertin, Davidson, NC
Kelly R. Conner, PhD, MMS, PA-C, Project Advisor
Capstone Project: Structured Onboarding Feasibility in Community EDs
Kelsey Ford Kehrli, Greensboro, NC
Natalie Smith, DMSc, MS, PA-C, Project Advisor
Capstone Project: Team-Based Learning Versus Lecture-Based Instruction for Chest Radiograph Interpretation in Physician Associate Education: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Sloan Warren Kelly, Stanton, TX
Sam Pendergraft, PhD, PA-C, Capstone Project Advisor
Capstone Project: Addressing the Triage Training Gap: Effects of Brief SALT Training on Triage Accuracy Among Non-Medical Military Personnel
Hannah Muthersbaugh, Summerfield, NC MMS
Chris Gillette, PhD, Project Advisor
Capstone Project: Factors Influencing Low-Acuity Emergency Medical Services Use: An Observational Study Guided by the Andersen Behavioral Model
Ashley Green Nordan, Benson, NC MHPE, MSCR, MPAP, Campbell University Leadership Track Gayle B. Bodner, DHSc, MMS, PA-C, Project Advisor
Capstone Project: Determinants of Collaborative Physician-PA Teams in Ambulatory Care: A Qualitative Study
Kimberly Stabingas, Apex, NC
Stefanie Rachis, EdD, Project Advisor
Capstone Project: Motivators and Barriers to PA Preceptorship in North Carolina