Physician Assistant Student Perceptions of the Benefits of and Barriers to a Doctor of Medical Science Degree

Abstract

Introduction This study explored physician assistant (PA) student perceptions of benefits of and barriers to the Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) degree. Methods Program leaders from 30 purposively selected PA programs were asked to forward an email invitation to their students to complete a cross-sectional survey of student perceptions of the benefits and barriers of a DMS degree, their thoughts on timing of enrollment, and personal characteristics. Sponsoring institution characteristics were obtained from program websites. Student perception of benefits and barriers and their interest in enrollment in a DMS programs were compared across subgroups of personal and institutional characteristics. Results Respondents to the study's electronic survey included 312 PA students from 15 PA programs. Mean PA student interest in pursuing a DMS degree centers around neutral, with 51.3% of respondents indicating an interest in pursuing a DMS degree, with varied desired timing for entering a doctoral program. Benefits of a DMS degree identified most strongly included skills regarding scholarly activity such as presentations and research and remaining competitive in an evolving professional landscape. Barriers identified included cost, competing priorities, and burnout from PA school. Several significant relationships were found between the number of a respondent's PA faculty with a doctoral degree and student interest in a DMS degree. Gender differences were also identified. Discussion The current study offers perspective on PA student views of the DMS degree. Noted barriers and benefits should continue to be explored to better understand PA student understanding and perceptions of the DMS degree.