Welcome

Dear Potential Applicants and Community Members;  

The PA profession is one of healthcare's most dynamic and impactful opportunities, and I am honored to welcome you to the Frostburg State University Physician Assistant (FSU PA) Program. As a public institution dedicated to serving Western Maryland, we take great pride in our mission to educate and empower the next generation of healthcare providers who will make a difference in our medically underserved and rural communities. 

Our program stands out among the more than 300 PA programs nationwide through our unwavering commitment to matriculating students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with strong ties to Western Maryland and its unique healthcare needs. We have consistently succeeded in building cohorts that reflect the rich diversity of our region, supported by robust inclusion and equitability initiatives that ensure every student can thrive in their journey to becoming a PA. 

The practice of medicine remains one of the most noble and challenging pursuits, demanding excellence, resilience, and compassion. Our experienced faculty and staff, with their extensive clinical expertise across various medical specialties, are deeply committed to advancing both student excellence and our profession as a whole. They bring not only their considerable knowledge but also their dedication to mentoring the next generation of PAs who will serve our communities. 

We understand that choosing the right PA program is a crucial decision. At FSU PA, we've thoughtfully crafted our program to prepare healthcare providers who understand and are prepared to address the unique challenges of rural and underserved populations. Our curriculum, combined with our supportive learning environment, ensures that students develop both the clinical excellence and cultural competency needed to serve diverse communities effectively. 

I invite you to explore what makes our program special and discover why the FSU PA Program might be the perfect fit for your journey into the PA profession. Here in Western Maryland, you'll find a program that combines academic rigor with a genuine commitment to community service and healthcare equity. 

Kerry Birney, PA-C, MSHS 
Interim Program Director and Department Chair
Department of Physician Assistant Medicine