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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 a wonderful journey this has been thus far! My spirits lift with each recruitment event as future learners arrive on this picturesque campus or meet us online, their minds full of questions and hearts brimming with excitement. The application and provisional phase of a Physician Assistant program’s inception serves as a time of communication and connection as we hire a full cadre of faculty and staff committed to our mission. Campus and virtual spaces are abuzz with creativity and innovation. Final drafts of syllabi are being drawn up. Faculty and staff are prepping their hearts and minds to soon welcome learners. Throughout all my years in higher education, this time of optimism and elation serves as a reminder of the beauty of higher education and our vital role in society. It is my honor and pleasure to welcome you to the Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program.

– 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

WEBINAR Events  6:00 - 7:30 PM

2025

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 June 1, 2024 through – September 1, 2024 with a potential extension through October 1, 2024. 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.