The University of Lynchburg’s Doctor of Medical Science program, or DMSc, has partnered with PA Moms, an inclusive, global organization that supports mothers in the PA medicine community.
Through this partnership, PA Moms members are eligible for a tuition discount when they complete the 100% online DMSc at the University of Lynchburg.
“[We’re] excited about this partnership and the impact it can and will have for our PA profession, while supporting our colleagues in pursuit of a doctoral degree for both professional and personal growth, as well as career development,” said Dr. Jeremy M. Welsh, DMSc program founder and dean of Lynchburg’s College of Medical Science.
When DMSc candidate Raquelle Akavan founded PA Moms in 2016, she was looking for a community that would support her as a PA and mother.
“My profound passion lies in advancing the PA profession, supporting my fellow colleagues, and striving to be the best PA and mother I can possibly be,” said Akavan, director of clinical education and assistant professor at South University in Austin, Texas.
“When I initially established PA Moms, my primary aim was to find a community for myself. Little did I know then [of] the tremendous impact it would have today, and [of] its immense potential to influence the broader health care community.”
According to its website, PA Moms — which boasts more than 15,000 members — aims to “provide each other with support, friendship, and camaraderie, while offering a safe space to share each other’s medical knowledge. As mothers and medical professionals, we recognize the hardships of balancing life at home and our fulfilling careers as PAs.”
Dr. Jenna Rolfs, DMSc program director and PA Moms member, can relate.
“I have two small children, ages 6 and 2,” she said. “I’m truly passionate about both motherhood and my career as a PA. I’m also not immune to the daily struggle of motherhood and professional growth as a PA.
“I have found that the PA Moms community lifts each other up, supports, and encourages members who desire growth in their careers without feeling guilty. The University of Lynchburg DMSc program is excited to partner with PA Moms to offer its members a supportive path to obtaining their doctorate degree.”
For more information about the DMSc and its partnership with PA Moms, contact the DMSc program at [email protected] or 434.544.8770.
