Butler University - Doctor of Medical Science Programs

What does it take to build something that doesn't exist yet?

In the newest episode of the DMS Bridge Program Building Bridges podcast, host Bre Garbas, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C, sits down with OB/GYN PA, educator, and national leader Melissa Rodriguez, DMSc, PA-C, for a conversation that goes way beyond the clinical space.

They talk about practicing at the top of your license in one of the busiest OB/GYN emergency departments in the country, shaping the next generation of PAs, and what real advocacy looks like in women's healthcare. It's the kind of conversation that reminds you why this work matters.

Give it a listen: https://bit.ly/buildingbridgespod

It’s Lifestyle Medicine Week! ✨

We’re proud to celebrate the launch of Lifestyle Medicine as a full pathway within our program! Now, you can complete your Butler DMS degree and become eligible to sit for your boards with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM).

As more patients seek a holistic, root-cause approach to care, now is the time to get ahead of the curve. Our Lifestyle Medicine concentration equips you with the knowledge to harness the power of healthy behaviors to prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic disease.

Join us in shaping the future of healthcare—one lifestyle change at a time.

Happy !

There’s never been a better time to earn your DMS! Starting Summer B 2026, Butler University's Doctor of Medical Science program has been redesigned to give you a faster, more efficient path to your degree. 🎓

What does that mean for you?

-Graduate sooner with just 27 credit hours completed through Butler DMS coursework
-Save on tuition with a total program cost reduction

Whether you’re ready to elevate your clinical expertise, step into leadership, or differentiate yourself in a competitive healthcare field, the Butler DMS is designed to help you move forward with confidence.

Check out our website at https://www.butler.edu/pharmacy-health/doctor-medical-science/degree/ to learn more and apply!

What does it take to go from new PA graduate to interim program director in just two years?

In our latest episode of the DMS Bridge Program Building Bridges podcast, hosts Adrian Banning, DHSc, MMS, PA-C, DipACLM, and Cody Sasek, PhD, PA-C, sit down with Pamela Vayda, DMS, PA-C, a member of Mississippi State University's inaugural PA cohort who's now helping lead the program. Pamela shares what it's like to see PA education from both sides of the classroom, the work behind 10-year accreditation, and how her doctorate from Butler shaped the way she teaches and mentors.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/buildingbridgespod

You did it!

Congratulations to the 2026 graduates of the Butler University Doctor of Medical Science and DMS Bridge Programs! We are so proud of all you've accomplished, and we can't wait to see the impact you'll make!

Headed to AAPA 2026 in New Orleans? Let's talk!

Our DMS Bridge Program faculty will be at Booth 3547 during two dedicated windows to answer your questions about the program, whether you're curious about curriculum, clinical experiences, or what life looks like as a Bridge student.
- Booth 3547 | Expo Hall
- Sunday, May 17 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM CDT
- Monday, May 18 | 12:00 – 2:00 PM CDT

Bring your questions, and we'll bring the answers (and some Butler-branded swag)

From the OR to the C-suite: Dr. Brooke Schweitzer, DMSc, MSPA, PA-C, FACHE, joins host Dr. Cody Sasek, PhD, PA-C, on the latest episode of the DMS Bridge Program Building Bridges podcast to share her journey from plastic and reconstructive surgery PA to Executive Director of Advanced Practice Providers at UChicago Medicine, where she now leads a team of 600+ APPs.

Dr. Schweitzer opens up about the unexpected leadership opportunity that changed her career trajectory, why she pursued a doctorate and business residency, and what it takes to advocate for stronger APP representation in healthcare leadership.

Whether you're a current PA, considering the profession, or interested in the future of advanced practice, this conversation offers honest insights on saying yes to opportunities and growing as a leader.

Listen now: https://bit.ly/buildingbridgespod

Butler DMS faculty member Allison Ermol, DHPE, PA-C, DipACLM, shared her expertise at the PAEA Northeast Regional Education Conference this week! Leading a session, "Attend Your Own Lecture: Advising and Self-Reflection," on advising, self‑reflection, and faculty impact on student success.

Love seeing our faculty contribute to conversations about PA education!

Hear it from a graduate.

Christina Agyepong, PA-C, DMS '25, reflects on how the DMS Bridge Program shaped her as both a clinician and a leader.

The DMS Bridge Program is designed for recent PA graduates ready to build on their momentum and grow into leaders in the profession. Two semesters. Fully online. Built around your new PA career.

Summer 2026 cohort starts June 29
Apply by June 8

Ready to take the next step? https://bit.ly/dms-bridge-butler

Congratulations to Butler DMS alumna and Butler Assistant Professor, Anne Geary, DMS, MPAS, PA-C, on her capstone project being published!

Be sure to check out “Screening and management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)” in The Journal of the American Academy of PAs.

We are proud to celebrate Anne’s achievement. You can read the article at the link below.

https://journals.lww.com/jaapa/fulltext/2026/01000/screening_and_management_of_metabolic.4.aspx