Which university was the first to establish a PA program?

Duke University was the first to establish a Physician Assistant (PA) program in 1965. This pioneering program was created by Dr. Eugene Stead, who was looking to address the shortage of primary care physicians and improve access to medical care. The program at Duke modeled a new educational path for individuals who wanted to work in healthcare, specifically focusing on training providers to deliver care under the supervision of a physician.

Duke’s program laid the groundwork for the PA profession and is often credited with shaping the role of PAs in the medical field. This included establishing a curriculum that emphasized medical knowledge, clinical skills, and practical training, which has influenced subsequent PA programs across the country. The other universities listed, although they have developed significant PA programs, were not the first to implement this educational model.