Program Director and Assistant Professor, Master of Public Health & Master of Healthcare Administration

[email protected]

Dr. Seccia joined the University of Lynchburg in 2024.

Biography

Dr. Rachel Seccia is a healthcare leader, educator, and clinician with more than 30 years of experience in healthcare and over 18 years as a physician associate. She began her career in prehospital medicine, as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic, before earning her physician associate (PA) degree in 2008. She began her clinical practice as a PA in gastroenterology and subsequently transitioned to emergency medicine, where she has spent the majority of her career providing patient care in diverse emergency department settings.

In January 2026, Dr. Seccia was appointed Director of the Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) programs at the University of Lynchburg. Her academic and professional interests include global and environmental health, patient safety, healthcare leadership, resource allocation, and stroke prevention. She also serves on her organization’s professional peer review committee, contributing to quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

Outside of her professional roles, Dr. Seccia is actively involved in her community, volunteering at her son’s school library. In her free time, she enjoys mountain climbing, gardening, reading, opera, studying Italian, and playing the piano.

Education

• DMSc — University of Lynchburg
• MPH — Eastern Washington University
• MHA — University of Lynchburg
• MPAS — University of Nebraska Medical Center
• PA-C — University of Wisconsin-Madison
• BS, Biology — University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
• EMT-P — Madison Area Technical College

Courses Taught

• MPH 640: Ethical Issues in Public Health
• MPH 653: Practicum I
• MPH 655: Capstone
• MPH 656: Practicum II
• MPH 657: Practicum III
• MPH 669: Public Health Research