Program Overview

Physician Assistant Program

The OU-TU School of Community Medicine Physician Assistant Program offers an outstanding and innovative educational experience for future PAs committed to primary care and the underserved in Oklahoma. The program provides one of the strongest primary care PA programs in the country.

Program Structure

During the first semester, students are exposed to foundational concepts of community medicine as part of the Concepts of Community Medicine course. This unique course integrates principles of public health and the broad determinants that shape the health of community populations. The course prepares students to grasp the many factors that impact health outcomes.

At the beginning of the second semester, students participate in the Summer Institute. This week-long event is the hallmark of the OU Tulsa School of Community Medicine's innovative education program. The immersive experience engages participants in a curriculum of reflective, experiential service learning. Participants serve in an interdisciplinary group of both students and faculty representing colleges from across the Tulsa campus. Participants interact with community members, including patients, healthcare providers, and community agencies, to gain an understanding of the intricacies of the healthcare community within the Tulsa area. As part of the Summer Institute, participants also experience a poverty simulation designed to create an understanding of the challenges facing many members of the community.

Clinical Experience

During the second year, students attend the Student Academy, which is comprised of monthly interdisciplinary seminars over chronic disease management with emphasis on evidence-based treatment algorithms and hands-on clinical skill development. Students then integrate this learning into Bedlam L, a year-long twice-monthly longitudinal clinic for uninsured patients at OU Physicians Family Medicine. This student clinic allows students to manage their own panel of patients, providing a continuous care experience for chronic disease management. Additionally, students provide patient care to patients in the Bedlam E clinic, held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Both PA and MD students, alongside nursing and social work students, provide care in the Bedlam Clinics under the supervision of faculty clinicians. The clinics deliver direct experience in the practice of community medicine, teaching students not only patient care skills but also exposing them to the challenges faced by uninsured individuals.

Access and Opportunity Statement

The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to the collective pursuit of excellence and the determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of the community enrich the learning and working environment at OU, inspiring innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Graduate Performance on Certification Exam

Past graduates have achieved outstanding performance on their certification exam.

Information Sessions

The OU-TU School of Community Medicine hosts information sessions several times a year for students interested in pursuing a MD or PA degree. Each two-hour session consists of a presentation about the OU-TU School of Community Medicine, the details about each program, and the necessary prerequisites. After the presentation, a question and answer session with current medical and physician assistant students occurs.

Itinerary

• Information about the OU-TU School of Community Medicine
• PA Program details and prerequisites
• MD Program details and prerequisites
• Introduction of current MD and PA students
• Q & A with current MD and PA students

Session Details

• The sessions are conducted every month from 4:00pm-6:00pm.
• The sessions take place at the OU-Tulsa Learning Center on the Schusterman Center campus.
• The address is 4502 E. 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74135.

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