Ruth Ballweg, MPA, PA-C, MEDEX Northwest Division Chief

"The times they are a-changing”

Greetings from Seattle!

I just wanted to take this opportunity to update you on our new master’s degree for MEDEX graduates. The first group of practicing PAs is now half-way through the program and they report great satisfaction with the process and the curriculum. We’ll soon be putting some of their remarks on the MEDEX web site so you can see what they have to say!

Many of you have asked me why we are promoting the MEDEX master’s degree for graduates when we were historically so opposed to PA master’s degrees in general. Here’s why: while we still don’t feel that masters degrees should change entry-level training, we do think that having master’s level skills sets in administration/management, global health, health policy, and leadership will move the PA profession forward! I’m sure you’ll all agree that we need that right now!

Some of you express concern that NPs may be progressing faster than PAs. While this may or not be true, much of the progress of NPs is related to their willingness to take leadership positions—while still retaining their clinical practices. In talking with many of you, you say that you don’t feel qualified to be a “Chief PA” or a medical director—even if these roles are only part-time. The MEDEX master’s degree will prepare you for these roles!

While there’s no evidence yet that PAs with master’s degrees earn more clinically, it is the case that PAs with advanced degrees in administrative and leadership positions earn more money either in the form of higher salaries or administrative supplements and bonuses. Your MEDEX master’s degree will quickly pay for itself!

Read the messages below from our faculty who are in leadership roles in the extended master’s degree:

Tim Quigley, MPH, PA-C Primary instructor for Health Policy for Practicing Clinicians

Keren H. Wick, PhD Director or Research and Graduate Programs

We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have, please email exmedex@uw.edu