Chairman named for physician assistant program

Paul B. Allen Sr., D.Sc., PA-C, has joined the Health Science Center as chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies.

Dr. Allen, a licensed physician assistant, recently retired with 26 years of military service, including combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. His most recent position in the Army included serving as assistant dean for graduate education for the U.S. Army Physician Assistant branch.

He also recently served as a Baylor University graduate faculty member for the U.S. Army Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant Doctoral Residency and assistant director for operational medicine for the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Emergency Medicine Physician Residency Program.

David C. Shelledy, Ph.D., dean of the School of Health Professions, said Dr. Allen brings a wealth of medical, educational and leadership expertise.

“I am delighted that Dr. Allen is joining our outstanding team of faculty and staff as our new chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies. Under his stewardship, I have the utmost confidence our program and department will continue to be considered among the best in the nation.”

Dr. Allen said he is thrilled to be joining the School of Health Professions and the distinguished faculty in the department. “We will work together closely to increase the scope of educational opportunities for our students and provide important health care services for our patients, and to develop an outcomes-oriented research program for the department.”

The Department of Physician Assistant Studies prepares health care providers who oversee the mental, social and physical well-being of their patients. Demand for physician assistants is high in both primary care and medical specialty areas. The 30-month program prepares students for careers in hospitals, private clinics, not-for-profit health care facilities and the military.