Adjunct Instructor
Dr. Kerry Whitaker is a medical practitioner with more than 21 years experience in the areas of clinical medicine, medical education and leadership. He has experience as a University Department Chair and Program Director with a demonstrated history of working in the medical education industry leading a PA program to a top performer. He has significant experience in establishing, fostering, and maintaining community and University stakeholder collaborations and partnerships. Dr. Whitaker is skilled in leadership, clinical research, nonprofit organizations, customer service, medical education, strategic planning, and patient/clinical/student education. He is a strong business development professional with a Master’s of Science in health science focused in clinical leadership from The George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences; and a Doctor of Health Science focused in medical simulation from Nova Southeastern University, College of Health Care Sciences.
Dr. Whitaker graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Physician Assistant studies from Kettering College of Medical Arts in 1997 after earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. He went on to earn a Master of Science degree in clinical leadership with a concentration in practice management and research from The George Washington University in 2004 and was conferred a Doctorate in Health Science degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2014.
Dr. Whitaker joined the Nova Southeastern Jacksonville Physician Assistant Program in October 2012 as an assistant professor, department chair and program director. Prior to joining the faculty at Nova Southeastern, he was an assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Surgical Physician Assistant program culminating as the program’s academic coordinator.
Dr. Whitaker has worked extensively in medical simulation as a teaching methodology. While at UAB, he developed and implemented a course for Physician Assistant students utilizing medical simulation as the core teaching method to help ready students for their clinical year. Additionally, he developed, directed, provided faculty simulation training, and oversaw all simulation activities on the Nova Southeastern University Jacksonville campus throughout the didactic year and during end of rotations for the clinical year. His background in simulation has afforded many interprofessional educational opportunities.
Dr. Whitaker became a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants in 2015. He has also earned honors with the Alpha Eta National Honor Society, and the Pi Alpha National Honor Society.
In his spare time, Dr. Whitaker enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with his family, and volunteering.
