Kevin Lohenry, PhD, PA-C

Interim Dean and Clinical Professor of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Arizona, Tuscon, Arizona

“This four-part text provides the reader with the requisite knowledge and tools to have a very successful transition from clinical practice to education. Dr. Whitehorse provides an outstanding framework for shifting our mindset, setting expectations for ourselves, and navigating the key steps to a successful academic career in higher education. I had the privilege of seeing Dr. Whitehorse navigate these challenges when we worked side by side and she provides a plethora of information that mirrors how she successfully mentored all of our new faculty members in PA education. In my current role as an Interim Dean of a college overseeing the development of a new PA program, we’ll be purchasing this comprehensive text for all of our faculty.” 

Eve Hoover, DMSc, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA

Associate Professor, Midwestern University Physician Assistant Program, Glendale, Arizona.

"Becoming a PA Educator: A Practical Guide for Physician Assistant/Associate Faculty provides countless aha-moments with valuable tips and pearls for PA educators to embrace the joy in our work, troubleshoot challenges, save time, and set boundaries. This resource, compiled from almost 30 years of rich, varied expertise in PA education, provides a valuable reminder that we are not alone as we navigate PA education hurdles and as we share the gift of training PA students who represent the bright future of our profession. This book will provide relevant, foundational information for PAs new to academia but also innovative, practical insights for PA educators with many years of experience. Dr. WhiteHorse’s enthusiasm and passion for teaching come alive within the pages of the book, as she shares lessons learned, resources, and recommendations that will undoubtedly serve as a valuable guide to success for PAs within academia. The book leaves the reader feeling energized, motivated, and prepared to foster an engaging, supportive, experiential educational journey for students while also prioritizing collaboration and resourcefulness in our daily work. Dr. WhiteHorse has enriched the lives of many PAs, including myself, over decades, dedicated to mentorship and professional development as an educational consultant, author of the bi-monthly newsletter, The PA Educator, and developer of the innovative online curriculum Faculty Development Academy. Becoming a PA Educator: A Practical Guide for Physician Assistant/Associate Faculty is yet another incredibly useful resource that will have far-reaching benefits to PAs, students, and the patients we all serve."

Christopher RA Sim, D.Sc., PA-C, DFAAPA 

Founding Chair, Department of Health Sciences and Clinical Practice, College of Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, East Falls, Pennsylvania

"Becoming A PA Educator by Dr. Emily Whitehorse seeks to fill a distinct void in information available to Physician Assistants (PA) seeking/starting a career in education. This work has been long-needed and ably fills just that void. Dr. WhiteHorse is an experienced clinician, educator and researcher who has held a variety of roles in Physician Assistant programs for nearly three decades. 

One of the greatest challenges for new faculty is becoming familiar with the accreditation body and standards for PA education. Dr. Whitehorse provides an organized introduction from which new faculty can build their insights and abilities. 

Dr. WhiteHorse presents the basics of education theory as utilized in PA education. The need for early career educators to understand and build a repertoire of skills is evident in this work. From course design, establishing learning objectives, the development and validation of assessments, and the evaluation of educational success, all are presented in detail in a way that is appropriate for the new faculty member."

Greta Vines-Douglas, MSHS, PA-C

Academic Coordinator, Physician Assistant Program, College of Science and Health, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Willowbrook, California 

"Dr. Whitehorse lays the foundation and sets the stage for new PA faculty to succeed and thrive. The book acknowledges that a paradigm shift is often needed for clinicians turned educators and provides reassuring advice as faculty move forward in establishing and embracing their new identities. PA educators will gain insight into how students learn best, study skills techniques, and evidence-based teaching. This book will help PA educators develop and create learning environments that are student-centered and effective. Dr. Whitehorse delivers a clear view of the PA educational landscape and how to become a great PA educator!"

Gerald F. Smith, DMSc, MPH, PA-C 

Associate Program Director and Vice Chair, Physician Assistant Program, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

"Becoming a PA Educator: A Practical Guide for Physician Assistant/Associate Faculty by Emily WhiteHorse, PhD, PA-C is a highly approachable and practical guide to life as a PA educator which is likely to become the foundational text for new faculty while, at the same time, serving as a valuable reference for experienced PA educators. 

As Dr. WhiteHorse notes, the transition from full-time clinician to PA faculty member is challenging. Often, the primary context for new faculty entering the world of academia and PA education is their own experience as PA students; I know I drew from my time as a student on entering my first role in the academic world. Dr. WhiteHorse’s work provides a broader perspective, based on her years of experience in the field, to address all aspects of life as a PA faculty member, which must be quickly understood, practiced, and mastered by a new faculty member. The text is all-encompassing, ranging from foundational concepts such as understanding course construction, student assessment, and accreditation to more nuanced topics, such as self-care for faculty and establishing a professional student-faculty dynamic. 

Most PA faculty enter the academic arena with little to no formal educational theory and practice training. Dr. WhiteHorse is successful in balancing theory with practical strategies for application. The work’s readability and conversational tone make you feel like Dr. WhiteHorse is there with you, providing one-on-one mentorship and guiding you through your initial days, weeks, and months as a new faculty member. This guidance is invaluable and may not always be readily provided by a faculty member’s new program; a copy of Dr. WhiteHorse’s guide should be waiting on the desk of all new faculty members on day one of their new endeavor. The text is a blueprint for PAs to make the transition to faculty a smoother experience, ultimately benefiting students’ experience in their program and impacting the care of their future patients.

Dr. WhiteHorse is an accomplished teacher. I’ve been fortunate to benefit from her expertise and guidance during several stages of my PA life, as her student and advisee during my time in PA school, as a colleague during her tenure consulting with a program where I was on faculty, and via her professional development work. Her ability to make complex concepts understandable by offering clear examples of applicability and implementation, her focus on outcomes and results, and her evident passion for educating future generations of PAs make her a highly sought-after resource and expert in our field. The enthusiasm she holds for the field of education and her commitment to improving and enriching the practice of PA educators is evident from the first words of this vital work."

Mark Freeman, MBA, MEd, PA-C

Visiting Professor, Chatham University, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania 

"Never has there been such a comprehensive guide providing both the core knowledge needed to begin an academic career and the higher-level guidance for the more experienced PA educator in one work.  Dr. Emily WhiteHorse has successfully done this monumental task in Becoming a PA Educator.

Dr. WhiteHorse calls upon her vast experience in education, and specifically PA education, to write what should be considered required reading for every PA in academia. Whether you have been working in a PA program for years, contemplating a career change to academia, or currently working with students in a clinical setting, this book is for you. She reveals practical guidance for providing students with the optimal learning experience as well as the vital information needed for securing educators’ academic success and longevity. This book addresses topics related to teaching and learning, scholarship and service, and program management and organization, including the impact of accreditation. Each chapter is full of valuable information, presented with clarity, simplicity, and brevity; that is Emily’s style. As an experienced PA educator and former PA Program Director and Chair, I was especially drawn to the final chapters describing “Teaching Principles, Approaches and Methods.” It provides much food for thought, making me recognize things I did well and things I might have done better throughout my career. It is very thought-provoking and stimulates many creative ideas for positively impacting our students’ journey.  Many years ago, as a new faculty member, I remember sitting in national presentations by Emily and being in awe of her knowledge and experience. Since that time, I have had the pleasure and honor to work with her while I was starting a new PA program.  Simply stated, she consistently lives the words found in this book and “walks the walk.”

This is a must-read for everyone, regardless of whether you are new to academia or have been working in a PA program for years.  This should be on your desk as THE go-to reference for every PA in academia striving to become a better educator.  What a great faculty development tool this book would be for every PA program. Working through each chapter as a group would only make a program better, stronger, more effective, and efficient and will undoubtedly foster faculty’s creativity, motivation, and enthusiasm. (And through an accreditation lens, this would be a great way to demonstrate and support a program’s commitment towards ongoing faculty development efforts) My only regret is not having this book early in my academic career.  It would have made my learning curve much more manageable and prevented a lot of heartache and stress during my journey, as well as benefitting those who I mentored over the years!"

Matt Dane Baker, PA-C, DHSc, DPAAPA 

Provost, Chief Academic Officer, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

"Becoming a PA Educator by Dr. Emily WhiteHorse is the best resource I have seen in my 39+ years involved in PA education. This is a must-read for new PA faculty and those who will supervise and mentor them. It is easy to read and practical and covers all the aspects that are most critical to our role as educators, from program accreditation and course design to teaching and assessment.  It is a highly readable guide and map to navigating, surviving, and thriving in the academic environment. This is especially relevant for those of us who have transitioned from the clinical to the academic world. The basic knowledge and skill set needed to succeed in these environments are vastly different but complimentary. 

 Dr. WhiteHorse has brought years of experience to this work. I have found her workshops, courses, and consultation services in the PA Faculty Development Academy to be amazing resources that I have used in my roles as faculty, program director, and Dean.  She is truly a master educator and mentor. This is evident in the valuable “Lessons Learned” pearls of wisdom in this book. I wish I had this book when I was starting out on my journey in PA education!"