Pepperdine University is excited to invite applications for the position of Medical Director for its upcoming Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program. This pivotal role, reporting directly to the Dean of the School of Physician Assistant Studies, will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of physician assistants. The Medical Director will ensure that both the didactic and supervised clinical practice components of the MSPAS program meet or exceed current practice standards for PAs in providing patient care. 

We seek an accomplished professional who is passionate about mentoring future physician assistants and possesses innovative thinking skills to enhance our community and preceptor partnerships.

The School of Physician Assistant Studies (SPAS) is set to begin operations in August 2027, within the newly established College of Health Science (CHS). Aligned with Pepperdine's mission and vision, both the college and school are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of academic excellence, clinical preparation, and Christian values. Our goal is to develop skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals ready to lead and serve their communities and the world.

Pending necessary approvals, SPAS will join the Schools of Nursing and Speech Language Pathology within the CHS. Future expansions of the college will include programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other allied health fields, all benefiting from strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations near Pepperdine’s Calabasas campus.

The MSPAS program will be licensed by the Physician Assistant Board of California, fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), and approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The Medical Director position is part-time and onsite at Pepperdine University’s Calabasas campus, with an estimated commitment of 0.2 FTE, requiring approximately 8 hours per week dedicated to the SPAS and MSPAS program.

Primary Responsibilities

The Medical Director will play a vital role in the success of the School of Physician Assistant Studies (SPAS) and the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program. Specifically, the director will be an active participant in the program and support the development of program competencies to meet current practice standards for PAs. Additionally, the director position encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities aimed at fostering a supportive and effective educational environment for students and faculty alike. Key responsibilities include:

• Curriculum Development: Collaborate with the Dean and faculty to design, implement, and evaluate the MSPAS curriculum, ensuring alignment with current standards of practice for the Physician Assistant profession.
• Community Advocacy: Act as a champion for the MSPAS program within the local medical community, promoting its values and objectives.
• Clinical Partnerships: Assist the Dean and Clinical Coordinator in developing and maintaining relationships with existing clinical partners, while actively seeking new opportunities to enhance supervised clinical practice experiences for students.
• Clinical Evaluation: Participate in the assessment of supervised clinical practice experiences to ensure compliance with Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) standards and guidelines.
• Accreditation Support: Work closely with the Dean and program faculty/staff to secure and maintain full accreditation of the SPAS and its degree program by ARC-PA.
• Instruction: Teach and provide instruction in areas of expertise, contributing to the academic development of students.
• Advisory Role: Support the Dean in shaping the vision for the MSPAS program by serving on the program’s advisory board.
• Guidance: Offer counseling and advice to students, faculty, and staff as appropriate, fostering a supportive academic environment.
• Leadership: Demonstrate effective leadership through experience, innovative ideas, strong Christian values, impeccable character, and excellent communication skills.

Administrative support will be provided to facilitate the Medical Director’s responsibilities and enhance overall program performance.

Qualifications and Attributes

Pepperdine University is seeking candidates for the Medical Director position who are dedicated to advancing Physician Assistant Studies education.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently licensed as an allopathic or osteopathic physician in the state of California.
• Board certified by an ABMS- or AOA-approved specialty board.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of current Physician Assistant standards of practice.
• Experience in educating and mentoring students within medical education and clinical practice.

Personal Attributes:

• An active and abiding Christian faith, with a sincere commitment to furthering Pepperdine University’s Christian mission.
• A dedication to the highest moral, ethical, and academic standards.
• The ability to cultivate trust and confidence across a diverse range of constituents.
• The capacity to inspire others through integrity, self-confidence, and demeanor.
• Exceptional collaboration, team-building, and communication skills.

The selected medical director is expected to commence their role in May 2025.

Expressions of interest and applications will be treated with complete confidentiality. To apply, candidates should submit the following materials to employment@pepperdine.edu:

1. A letter of interest
2. A curriculum vitae
3. Contact information for three professional references

The salary range for the Medical Director position is $42,000 to $70,000, reflecting Pepperdine University's reasonable expectations at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors, including work experience, market conditions, education and training, and skill level.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University. Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context which celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, staff, and members of the Board of Regents represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine reserves the right to seek, hire and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists. It is the intent of the University to create and promote a diverse workforce consistent with its stated goals and mission.