What are the advantages of this degree for PAs?
The Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) is an advanced medical training program for Physician Assistants. The medical curriculum is taught by physicians who are experts in their field of medicine. Utilizing a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous online didactics, the case based curriculum design allows the students to interact with and learn from each other and these physician experts. While enrolled in the program, students continue in their clinical environment and/or educational environment with their supervisor or professional colleague who participates in periodic competency evaluations.
SMS-DMS curriculum equips the highly skilled PA with:
How is the curriculum delivered?
The DMS is a doctoral program comprised of academic courses leading to the Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) degree. The DMS student will take online didactic courses supported by periodic on-campus residencies for the purpose of face-to-face training and competency evaluations. The curriculum uses a hybrid delivery model which includes an online learning management system (asynchronous) with regularly scheduled online face-to-face classes using web-conferencing software (synchronous).
What is the curriculum based on?
The DMS medical curriculum aligns with the six (6) core competency domains of standard medical professions (Medical knowledge; Interpersonal and Communication Skills; Patient Care; Professionalism; Practice-Based Learning and Improvement; Systems-Based Practice) to build on the physician assistant training and medical model.
What is the goal of the Doctor of Medical Science?
The goal is to provide the already highly trained and experienced PA with an even higher level of clinical skill, knowledge, and competence for the purpose of improving clinical care services or medical education provided by these individuals.
Is travel involved?
Students are required to travel to campus for one week of training. During the on campus component, students will receive hands-on ultrasound and radiology training, participate in high yield medical seminars, present their research projects and more.
What technology is required?
Specific technological requirements are made available during the new student orientation. However, general requirements are a modern desktop, laptop or tablet (Windows or Mac), videoconferencing capability and high speed internet. Strong computer skills and or the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technology is a must for success.
Is the program accredited?
Lincoln Memorial University is a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The SACSCOC is the "regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states" (http://www.sacs.org/) and is recognized by Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) which affirms "that the standards and processes of the accrediting organization are consistent with the academic quality, improvement and accountability expectations that CHEA has established" (www.chea.org). The Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) degree program has been reviewed by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees who issued the following statement:
The Board of Trustee of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges reviewed the materials seeking approval of the Doctor of Medical Science degree program. It was the decision of the Board to approve the program and include it in the scope of the current accreditation. Nov 11, 2015.
There are currently no other regulatory bodies to accredit this new program.
