Physician Assistant Mission Statement, Vision, Competencies, Goals and Learning Outcomes

Mission Statement:

Loma Linda University Department of Physician Assistant (PA) Sciences educates primary care physician assistants who will provide healthcare in collaboration with physicians as active members of a professional healthcare team. We are committed to excellence and compassion for the whole person and quality healthcare for disadvantaged communities locally and globally, in accordance with the mission of Loma Linda University and the School of Allied Health Professions.

Vision:

Graduates of the Loma Linda University Master of Physician Assistant program will be recognized for professional excellence, integrity, empathy, teamwork, and advocating lifestyle changes to promote wholeness.

Program Competencies:

Medical Knowledge

1. Acquire foundational medical knowledge and apply evidence-based medicine in clinical practice to develop comprehensive plans of care that are effective and equitable across all ages, populations, and conditions.

Interpersonal and communication skills

2. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication with patients, families, and other members of the health care team to individualize patient education, care recommendations, and informed health care decisions with cultural competency and humility.

Clinical and technical skills

3. Perform clinical and technical skills that foster the development of a differential diagnosis and treatment plan that is patient-population specific. 

Clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills

4. Integrate findings from the patient history, physical exam, and diagnostic studies, with consideration of social determinants of health, to develop a comprehensive management plan.

Professional behaviors

5. Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning, and an understanding of professionalism in a PA practice environment, including all interactions with patients, caregivers and members of the health care team.

Program Goals 

1. Prepare students to address the health care needs of the underserved community. 
2. Recruit and matriculate students from diverse, multicultural backgrounds. 
3. Promote life-long learning and active engagement within the PA profession. 
4. Equip students to provide culturally competent care to diverse populations. 
5. Train students to collaborate with other members of an interdisciplinary health care team to provide quality patient care. 

Program Learning Outcomes 

By graduation, students will… 

1. Accurately identify, diagnose, and manage common acute, chronic, and emergent conditions across the lifespan. 
2. Develop prioritized differential diagnoses and evidence-based treatment plans from patient data. 
3. Develop clinical and technical skills to perform comprehensive and focused patient histories and physical examinations. 
4. Adapt to communication strategies to meet varying health literacy levels and cultural backgrounds. 
5. Model professional behavior, including respect, compassion, and cultural humility, as evaluated by faculty and preceptors.