Duke Physician Assistant Program

Congratulations to rising second-year Duke PA student Daniel Toole on his recent election to the AAPA Student Academy Board of Directors!🥳

Daniel will serve as Southeast Regional Director, representing PA students across the region and helping connect them with opportunities through the Academy.

Daniel shares:

"Thank you to all the PA students in the AAPA Southeast Region for trusting me to represent your voices and perspectives in the Student Academy. Together, we will continue advocating for and shaping our profession as we prepare to meet the needs of our future patients and communities."

Read more about Daniel's new role and his goals for the year:
https://medschool.duke.edu/blog/duke-pa-student-daniel-toole-elected-2026-aapa-student-academy-board-directors

Learn more about the 2026 AAPA Student Academy Board of Directors:
https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2026/06/aapa-student-academy-board-of-directors-2026-election-results-are-in/

"PA school is undoubtedly challenging, but it is also two years of your life. So, if there's one thing I hope future students take away from my experience, it's this: let yourself enjoy it! Choose the elective that excites you. Take the trip if you have the opportunity. Spend time with the people you love. Chase experiences that make you a more compassionate, well-rounded person - not just a better test taker or more hirable candidate.

Medicine will always ask a lot of you. Don't wait until graduation to start living the life you're working so hard to build."

Read more here:
https://medschool.duke.edu/blog/second-year-student-blog-lindsey-zipperer

Alumni Spotlight: Bill Tozier (COL Ret), PA, MPH, PhD

We wanted to highlight one of our alumni in an Alumni Spotlight post and thank him for his words of encouragement and support for the next generation of PAs:

"As a graduate of Class 9, 1976, I wish the best future for the PAs of Class 2026. Fifty years is a long time. There were no job boards to find a position and the annual AAPA in Atlanta that year only had listings for four positions. The starting salary was $14,500. Yet our class went on to pioneer leadership positions, start new state chapters and specialty organizations.

The future holds tremendous opportunities for Class 59. I truly wish you all the best. You have chosen a wonderful career."

Come join us at the Virtual PA Admissions Fair this Saturday. We’ll be available via chat from 11–2 to answer questions about the program.

Registration is free, and you’ll have the chance to connect with our admissions team and other schools represented.

More info here: https://www.careereco.com/events/pa-July11

“Wearing a white coat comes with tremendous responsibility to always put the patient first and more importantly, the person first,” she said.

“It means that you commit to care for every patient with kindness and ensure the best possible care is delivered.”

Read more here!
https://medschool.duke.edu/blog/duke-physician-assistant-program-celebrates-class-2027-white-coat-ceremony

Today, Class of 27 wrapped up their last day of the pre-clinical year with a celebration! This included the distribution of their white coats, which they’ll wear tomorrow at the White Coat Ceremony.

Inside each coat was a special surprise, a handwritten note from DPAP alumni, shared to encourage them as they head into the next chapter of their PA school journey.

We’re so excited to celebrate all they've accomplished so far!

Before you hit submit, make sure you’re not making these common application mistakes!

Red Flags in a PA Application (and How to Avoid Them) With CASPA open, our admissions team (A-team) here at DPAP review a large number of applications each day. While each applicant is unique, we still come across a couple of common mistakes and patterns that could negatively impact an application.

We love to see it! Shoutout to our very own Kim Howard, MHS, PA-C, for her recent interview based on her CME session presentation at AAPA, “Heartburn or Something Spicier: Evaluating Esophageal Symptoms.”

Click the link below to view!
https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/features/cause-of-heartburn-diagnosis/

"To quote one of my last patients, “Duty is what you do, honor is how you do it, and sacrifice is what you’re willing to pay”. I feel indebted to these veterans, not only for their service, but for allowing me to continue learning clinical medicine and, more importantly, about the human spirit from them. "

Read more about Brian's experience in Orthopedic Surgery while at the VA.
https://medschool.duke.edu/blog/second-year-student-blog-brian-nguyen

We want to share this event from the Duke Cancer Institute with you all!

Duke Rides: Join Duke Nation in the Fight Against Cancer

Duke Rides is Duke’s new signature indoor cycling fundraiser, bringing Duke Nation together to support breakthrough cancer research, clinical trials, and patient care. Join us Oct. 3, 2026, at Wilson Recreation Center (Duke West Campus) for a high-energy, four-hour experience featuring music, inspiring stories, and moments that highlight the impact of cancer care and research. All fitness levels are welcome. Ride or cheer from the sidelines — every effort makes a difference!

Learn more and create a team at dukerides.org.
https://www.supportdukehealth.org/site/TR?fr_id=3332&pg=entry