A cross-sectional study of fellowship programs and clinical doctorates designed for physician assistants in 2024

A growing number of dermatology physician assistants (PAs) are earning doctorate degrees. Survey research has indicated that PAs interested in earning doctorates prefer clinically relevant courses (including fellowship-like programs) over those related to administration, research, or teaching. We sought to characterize the existing opportunities for PAs to pursue formal clinical dermatology training, by analyzing the course descriptions of PA doctorate programs and reviewing specialty fellowships affiliated with the Association of Postgraduate PA Programs (APPAP). Among the 12 specialties employing the highest numbers of PAs, only dermatology (which ranks fourth) lacked any APPAP-affiliated fellowships. Among the 23 PA-specific doctorate programs we identified, 6 advertised emphasis tracks on 9 different clinical topics, none of which were dermatology-related. Because PA numbers are growing faster in dermatology than all other specialties and the growth of dermatologists is modest by comparison, our findings may inform thoughtful workforce planning, that is, how the disproportionate influx of future dermatology PAs will be trained for patient care, and by whom.