Northeastern University Department of Medical Sciences

Congratulations to the Northeastern University Doctor of Medical Science in Healthcare Leadership (DMSc) Class of 2026 on reaching this incredible milestone!

As we celebrate this newest group of graduates, we are also proud to mark a major achievement for the program: 100 DMSc graduates have now completed the program since its founding just three years ago.

This milestone reflects the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff, and the growing impact of DMSc-prepared healthcare leaders. We look forward to seeing all that the Class of 2026 will accomplish as they continue to advance patient care, education, and leadership in healthcare professions.



📸: Denis Sharon Cheruvathoor Shaj - NU Temps Student Photographer

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Davia Fuller 🌟

Congratulations to Davia Fuller for receiving the Bouve Staff Award!

For the past year, Davia has served as the first-ever Program Manager for the DMSc program, setting a remarkable standard through her reliability, efficiency, and creativity. In just one year, she has transformed program operations by supporting faculty, managing student needs, centralizing online forms, and developing policies and procedures that strengthen the program’s foundation.

Working seamlessly across different departments and schools that support DMSc concentration tracks, Davia consistently anticipates needs before they arise and approaches every challenge with calm professionalism. Her dedication, initiative, and collaborative spirit have made an extraordinary impact on the growth and success of the DMSc program.

Thank you, Davia, for all you do!

Her leadership knows no bounds!

Physician Associates from across Massachusetts traveled this week to New Orleans this weekend to represent the interests of Mass PAs at the American Academy of Physician Associates House of Delegates meeting.

The House of Delegates is where PAs from across the country come together to debate policy, shape the future of the profession, and advocate for patients and the PA workforce nationwide. From modernization efforts and workforce mobility to education, reimbursement, and access to care, the decisions made here help guide the future of our profession and direct our advocacy efforts on the state level.

Massachusetts continues to be a national leader in PA advocacy, and we are excited to bring our members' voices to the national stage. Thank you to Cathy Hamel, Carey Barry, Jennifer Pertucci, Nicole Zarba, and Duncan Daviau, who continue to support MAPA, engage in advocacy, and help move our profession forward.

Congrats to DMSc alum, Dr. Mindi Mesmer! Well—deserved!

Congratulations to the 2026 Outstanding Women of New Hampshire! These awards are part of the Celebration of Women’s History Month in March.

The 2026 recipients are:
Student - Amarrah Gates
Faculty/Staff - Nora Traviss and Karen Seaver
Regional - Patsy Beffa-Negrini
Statewide - Mindi Messmer

The national theme, Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future, recognizes many facets of sustainability. It encompasses environmental concerns, financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession, and inter-generational equity.

The 2026 theme spotlights the contributions women have made as they have built bridges across generations, geographies, and disciplines to foster collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning that support both people and the planet.

What can the recent cruise ship outbreak teach us about hantavirus?
In this new story from Northeastern Global News, Northeastern experts break down the risks, symptoms, and prevention strategies behind the deadly virus.

“What makes it dangerous is what comes after the initial symptoms,” says Dr. Joshua Merson, Director of Northeastern’s Extreme Medicine program and DMSc program. “The virus triggers [leaking of blood vessels] that floods the lungs with fluid, causing rapid respiratory failure.”

Read more about the outbreak and what to know about hantavirus.

Hantavirus on small ship may have spread by human contact Three passengers on a Dutch cruise ship have died from hantavirus. Northeastern experts explain how it spreads and what you need to know

What’s really behind rotator cuff pain—and what can you do about it?

In this piece from , experts break down why these common shoulder issues aren’t always caused by a single injury—and how everyday wear and tear plays a major role.

Jason Parente, Program Director of Northeastern's PA Program and associate clinical professor, highlights that “most abnormalities are the result of everyday use of the muscles”, resulting in gradual rotator cuff problems in many cases.

From prevention tips to treatment insights, this article offers practical guidance to keep you moving and pain-free.

🔗 Read more!

Do you have a rotator cuff injury and what to do about it Northeastern experts explain pain, injury, prevention and treatment of the rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder

Help us celebrate a huge accomplishment of one of our esteemed DMSc alums 🎉

Congratulations to Dr. Maribel Cedillo, DMSc, MS, RD, on her promotion to Research Track Assistant Professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Utah!

From her impactful work as a Senior Research Manager and co-investigator, to now leading innovative research initiatives, Dr. Cedillo continues to make a difference. Her DMSc thesis on adapting the National Diabetes Prevention Program for Hispanic populations laid the foundation for her current PASO A PASO Pilot Study—bringing culturally tailored diabetes prevention to Spanish-speaking communities.

With contributions to multiple NIH/NIDDK and AHRQ-funded trials, over 15 peer-reviewed publications, and 30+ conference presentations, her dedication to advancing health equity and research excellence is truly inspiring.

Here’s to this exciting next chapter and the continued impact ahead! 👏



📸: Niki Chan Wylie | University of Utah Health

Wow, what a day! Thank you to all donors who gifted on !

Because of you, Giving Day was a success! Your generosity and support make a lasting impact on the Northeastern PA Program—empowering our students, advancing their education, and strengthening the future of the PA profession.

Every gift, share, and show of support helped move us forward. We are incredibly grateful to be part of such a dedicated and inspiring community.

Thank you for making a difference! ✨

Don’t miss your chance—there are only a few hours left to make your impact on ! ⏳

You still have time to support the PA Program and help provide the resources our students need to succeed—from hands-on training to life-changing learning opportunities.

Every gift brings us closer to unlocking challenge funds and making an even greater difference.

Be part of something meaningful before time runs out—give now through the link posted below!

Our faculty and staff show their commitment to our students not only through their work—but through their giving.

This , our dedicated PA faculty and staff are investing in the Physician Assistant Program Fund— going above and beyond to support the very program they help make possible every day, showing their deep commitment to our students and their success.

Their generosity helps provide critical resources, expand opportunities, and strengthen the future of PA education.

Join them in making an impact—visit the link below to support the PA Program Fund today!