York Alumna and Professor Completes PhD Program in PA Studies

Kudos to Physician Assistant (PA) professor and York alumna Jeanetta Yuan, who recently completed a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University, following her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Stony Brook University, with a focus on curriculum and instruction.

“The York College Physician Assistant (PA) Program proudly recognizes Dr. Jeanetta Yuan, a member of the PA Program faculty, for the successful completion of her Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction,” said Dr. Harrynauth Persaud, director of the Physician Assistant Program. “This milestone achievement reflects Dr. Yuan’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence, research, and the advancement of medical education. Her scholarly work underscores a steadfast commitment to fostering innovation and improving instructional practices within the health sciences.”

For Dr. Yuan, York College naturally served as the foundation for her advanced degrees and thriving career. After earning her undergraduate degree in Physician Assistant studies at York College, she completed a Master of Science in Professional Physician Assistant Studies at Stony Brook University, followed by a PhD in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction at Liberty University.

Her dissertation, “Predictive Effects of Prior Mandatory Healthcare Experiences and Didactic Year Simulation Exposure on Physician Assistant Students’ Practice Readiness for Clinical Training: A Quantitative Predictive Correlational Study,” along with her recently published article co-authored with department colleagues Professors Benjamin Rispoli and Dr. Harrynauth Persaud, titled “Evaluating the Role of the GRE in Students’ Success in the Didactic Phase of PA School,” points to a promising future in her field.

“As a graduate of the York College PA Program (Class of 2011), I felt well prepared and confident in clinical practice,” said the newly minted Dr. Yuan. “Returning to the program as faculty, I have been fortunate to receive incredible mentorship and support from leadership and colleagues, which has greatly influenced my growth as an educator and researcher. This environment made it possible for me to pursue and complete my PhD, and I am proud to give back to the program that shaped my career.”

Dr. [Harrynauth] Persaud also remarked on how Dr. Yuan’s success reflects the strength of York’s PA Program, the only one of its kind within CUNY. “Dr. Yuan’s accomplishment exemplifies the academic rigor and professional leadership that define our program,” he said. “We are honored to celebrate her contributions and continued pursuit of excellence.”

According to Dr. Shawn Williams, chair of the Department of Health Professions, he also complimented Dr. Yuan as “an accomplished alumna of the York College PA Program who has built a distinguished career spanning clinical practice, teaching, and research. By earning her PhD, she joins an elite group of PAs who hold doctoral degrees—further strengthening the program’s academic foundation and inspiring the next generation of clinicians and educators.”

Dr. Yuan’s achievement reflects the mission of the York College PA Program: “To recruit and educate students from surrounding diverse communities to become highly competent, compassionate, and culturally aware providers of excellent medical care to underserved urban areas. Central to this mission is increasing access to medical professional education for racially and ethnically diverse populations, financially disadvantaged students, and first-generation college graduates, while maintaining high expectations for student performance and providing strong academic support.”