Vision, Mission, Values, Goals, and Competencies

Vision

Mercer University’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies strives to improve healthcare by promoting excellence in education and clinical practice.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies is to educate patient-centered medical providers of the highest quality who are critical thinkers and lifelong learners.

Core Values

The core values of the Mercer University Physician Assistant Program are compassion, collegiality, service, ethical behavior, integrity, and respect.

Program Goals

The Mercer University Physician Assistant Program will:

1. Admit highly qualified applicants who are successful in completing the Mercer Physician Assistant curriculum.

2. Provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level practice as a physician assistant.

3. Prepare students to deliver primary care in a variety of clinical settings.

*Click on each of the program goals for applicable data to demonstrate the success in achieving the goal.*

Program-Defined Competencies

• Medical Knowledge: Apply foundational medical knowledge to patient care.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Exhibit appropriate interpersonal communication skills in the clinical setting.
• Person-Centered Care: Utilize clinical skills, technical skills, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving skills to provide person-centered care.
• Professionalism and Ethics: Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior.
• Interprofessionalism: Demonstrate the ability to provide team-based patient care.
  
• Practice-Based Learning and Improvement: Engage in the critical analysis of medical literature, scientific evidence, and other medical resources.
• Society and Population Health: Demonstrate an understanding of the Social Determinants of Health.