HIGH POINT, N.C., July 3, 2024 – Mallary Clay, one of the inaugural graduates of High Point University’s Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program, wasted no time putting her skills to work on behalf of children and their families.
She works full-time as a pediatric physician assistant in Kernersville, North Carolina, and part-time as a child psychiatric PA in High Point.
“I love interacting with the kiddos and never have a dull moment at either worksite,” said Clay, who also earned her master’s degree in physician assistant studies at HPU. “I love connecting with the families, laughing with the patients, encouraging and supporting their goals, and cultivating a trusting environment for them to grow and know that they are loved.”
Clay’s commitment to young patients was no surprise to Dr. Linda Sekhon, professor of medical science and physician assistant studies and founding chair of HPU’s Department of Medical Science, the first of its kind in North Carolina. Sekhon described Clay and other DMSc alumnae who completed the program’s rigorous requirements and received their doctorate degrees on Dec. 15, 2023, as remarkable individuals who demonstrated exceptional dedication, perseverance and commitment to patient care.
“Our DMSc program was launched with the vision of advancing medical knowledge and expertise, preparing our students to become leaders in the field of health care,” said Sekhon. “Dr. Mallary Clay has emerged as a trailblazer in the field of neurology, mental health and pediatric development disorders. Her research on ‘The Primary Care’s Guide to Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders with Alternative Medications’ will capture the interest of leading experts in the field. We commend Dr. Clay on her groundbreaking work and applaud her commitment to her selected concentration in health professions administration and the impact she will have on future PA providers.”
Continuing a Legacy of Health Care Education
The Doctor of Medical Science degree specifically provides the next level of education for practicing physician assistants who may be looking to advance their career. It is one of the only fully online degree programs HPU offers, and it complements HPU’s successful PA program.
HPU launched the master’s degree program in physician assistant studies in June 2015. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities in Congdon Hall were what originally attracted Clay, who had almost three years of experience working as a biology teacher at Christ School, a private school for boys in the mountainous area near Asheville, North Carolina. After interviewing with one of the PA professors at HPU, Clay felt an immediate connection.
“She matched my energy and made me feel supported before I was even a student,” Clay said. “Her passion to serve others was obvious. I knew it was the place for me then.”
In September 2021 Clay became part of the sixth cohort of PA students who were presented white coats, symbolizing their entrance into the clinical phase of their training.
“We received our white coats like we were receiving team jerseys, and now it truly feels like we are fighting on the front lines with our preceptors,” Clay said at the time.
The Next Step for PAs
The Doctor of Medical Science program offers several “pathways” that culminate in a graduate degree. The DMSc Bridge Pathway is an avenue for PAs who have graduated from an Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)-accredited PA program within one year prior to matriculation into the DMSc program. The bridge option is provided for students interested in expanding their understanding of issues involving clinical practice and development of research and leadership skills culminating in the achievement of a DMSc degree. The bridge curriculum differs from the standard DMSc program by focusing on the development of targeted leadership and research skills for clinically focused PAs and providing students with options to gain additional skill sets to enhance their success and movement toward future career endeavors, Sekhon said.
The bridge from the PA to the DMSc program seemed like an obvious choice for Clay due to her history of teaching and her desire to return to academics in the future. She found HPU’s DMSc program was flexible, transparent and established by a team she was familiar with and trusted.
“During my time as a PA student, my research project involved treating the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in the primary care setting,” said Clay. “In the project, I was able to develop an algorithmic approach, which I have since shared with colleagues and even parents that are navigating the diagnosis and treatment options. My communication skills and approach to teaching patients continue to develop every day, however the program expedited and amplified that process.”
“This doctoral degree is designed for certified PAs who are out there working, so flexibility with online education is essential,” said Sekhon. “Obtaining this doctoral degree ensures the recipient can provide continued quality patient care with added upward mobility. PAs are already at the table when it comes to making health care decisions that positively impact patient care, but this will help them contribute more. In North Carolina, the birthplace of the PA profession, we are seeing PAs start to own their practices that address provider shortages. As the health care environment continues to evolve with continued growth in the profession, this doctoral degree provides their next steps for advancement.”
