Physician Assistant Studies

Director's Message

Dear Interested Candidate,

Thank you for taking the time to consider the University of Kentucky Physician Assistant Program as your gateway to a new and rewarding career in medicine. As a physician assistant with over 30 years of experience, I personally believe you are considering one of the finest professions of the 21st century. The physician assistant profession is poised to help transform the medical care industry by serving as one the keys to improving access to care in a cost-effective manner.

Physician assistants are dependent medical providers who work with a physician in delivering the finest team care possible. Physician assistants complete many of the same duties of a physician to include: performing comprehensive and problem-focused history and physical examinations, interpreting laboratory and diagnostic tests, developing a differential diagnosis, rendering a treatment plan to include, if necessary, prescribing of medications, and providing patient education.

Part of the attractiveness of the profession is the opportunity to stay in one medical discipline (i.e. Family Practice) your entire career, or having the opportunity to move to different medical and educational areas throughout your career. It is truly is a profession with limitless possibilities and opportunities.

Photo of Bradford W. Schwarz, M.S., PA-C, DFAAPA The Physician Assistant Program is located on the beautiful campus of the University of Kentucky, which is quickly becoming a model for land-grant universities of the 21st century by fully engaging its teaching and research resources in the service of the state and the nation. If you are a prospective PA student, please come and explore the exciting opportunities we offer at the University of Kentucky Physician Assistant Program. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Best Wishes,
Bradford W. Schwarz, M.S., PA-C, DFAAPA
Division Director of Physician Assistant Studies
University of Kentucky