Doctoral Commission Adds Members, Forms Advisory Group 

Since its first meeting this fall, the Doctoral Commission has been making steady progress on its work. It recently added two new members selected from the 44 who responded to the commission’s call for volunteers. Those new members are: 

In addition to expanding its membership, the commission also formed an advisory group to provide feedback on work plans and act as a sounding board as the commission gathers information. The advisory group is made up of people who were either identified as having specific, useful skills or experience or who applied but were not selected to serve on the commission itself. Among the group’s first tasks will be to provide feedback as the commission develops its work plan. 

In May, members of the commission will deliver a talk at AAPA’s 2025 Conference in Denver. The talk is called “The PAEA Doctoral Education Commission: What It Is All About,” and will provide an overview of the commission’s progress.  

Over the past several years, the potential switch to an entry-level doctoral degree has sparked conversations throughout the PA education community. In response to this and the growing number of institutions offering post-professional doctorates, PAEA set up a Doctoral Commission last year to address the issue. The PAEA Board charged the commission with investigating the implications of an entry-level doctorate and providing a detailed analysis including: 

• how a move to an entry-level doctorate would affect PAs already in practice and those nearing practice 
• how it would affect efforts to attract a more diverse group of students and faculty  

• how it would affect programs and their home institutions  

To learn more, ask a question, or join an interest list, visit the Entry Level Degree webpage.    https://paeaonline.org/entry-level-doctoral-degree