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Atkinson Physician Assistant Education PA Education
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Our Mission

The University of California San Diego School of Medicine Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program will recruit and retain learners who reflect the diverse population of California. Graduates will be prepared to provide safe, effective, person-centered healthcare in various settings to improve the health and well-being of the patients and communities we serve.

About Our Donors

Telemedicine Building, UC San Diego

Welcome from the Dean

What an exciting time for the Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program! We have officially launched, and our inaugural cohort is fully immersed in their didactic education. Their enthusiasm, professionalism, and intellectual curiosity have brought our vision to life in ways that are both inspiring and affirming. As the program continues to grow, so has our team. We’ve welcomed new faculty and staff who bring fresh insight, diverse experience, and a shared commitment to academic excellence and inclusive education. Across classrooms, labs, and case-based learning environments, the energy is palpable—our curriculum is no longer just in development; it’s in action. We’re thrilled to now be welcoming the Class of 2027—future physician assistant leaders who recognize the unique opportunity to train in a program intentionally built for innovation, inclusion, and academic excellence. Their interest affirms our mission and the growing momentum behind the Atkinson experience. This is more than the next phase—it’s a continued evolution of something bold, meaningful, and needed in PA education. Bienvendidos y bienvenidas!

– Elias Villarreal, Jr., DMSc, PA-C
Associate Dean & Founding Program Director

Dean Elias Villareal

Globally Recognized

A "Top Tier" Medical School*

#1

Health care system in San Diego*

#21

Best Global Universities*

#7

Best Public Universities in the U.S.*

* U.S. News & World Report

Meet the Program

Partner Events*

2025

*Partner events may be by invitation only or require registration. Contact the organizers for more information.

Clinician Educators

We welcome your interest in educating the future of the physician assistant profession. We are conducting a survey to gauge our clinician educator partners' interests, assess opportunities and determine best placements for both learners and educators. We are looking for clinicians to participate in either or both didactic and clinical phases of the program.

Join our team

Discover available positions and apply.

We are seeking seasonal admissions application readers for May 1, 2025 through – September 1, 2025 with a potential extension through October 1, 2025. The program follows a holistic application review process that is designed to identify and enroll an academically competitive class that contributes to a vibrant learning community. Follow the Admissions Application Readers button to apply.