History & Mission
Preparing competent, compassionate, and ethical physician assistant pioneers who will provide quality patient-centered care broadly across local communities.
In harmony with the overall mission of CUNY School of Medicine, the Physician Assistant program seeks to provide a comprehensive educational program designed to impart to students the knowledge and skills needed to become competent professionals. The Program strives to motivate its future graduates to develop attitudes which stimulate continuing pursuit of professional excellence, compassionate caregiving, and lifelong learning.
Our Mission
The mission of The City University of New York School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program is to improve community health by providing increased access to high-quality physician assistant education. Through rigorous education and mentoring, the program prepares a highly skilled workforce that delivers primary care and supports healthcare delivery across all communities but especially where care is most needed.
Meeting Our Mission
Alumni Working in Primary Care
The CUNY School of Medicine PA Program encourages graduates to practice primary care in health workforce shortage communities. The PA program is located within the Central Harlem Community and fosters a strong connection between students and the surrounding community and healthcare institutions.
Alumni Advancing Healthcare Delivery in Provider Shortage Areas
The CUNY School of Medicine PA Program is mission-driven, attracting students committed to delivering excellent care in communities where there are provider shortages. In a recent survey of five alumni classes, nearly half of responding graduates reported practicing in areas with limited access to care.
Our History
The Harlem Hospital Physician Assistant Program was founded in 1970 as a joint project of the Harlem Hospital Center and the Columbia University School of Public Health. Our Program is one of the oldest in the country, founded only five years after the birth of the profession. The Program was developed to train individuals with prior healthcare experience to practice primary care in communities of greatest need. The first class was admitted in 1971, graduating in 1973.
In 1972, the Program developed an academic affiliation with Antioch College which continued until the New School for Social Research assumed responsibility from 1974-1978. In 1978, the Program partnered with the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education of the City College of New York (CCNY) and now is The CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program.
Give to CUNY School of Medicine
Support the Next Generation of Healers and Leaders
Your gift helps the CUNY School of Medicine expand opportunities for future physicians and physician assistants, improve access to healthcare delivery, and support communities through education, research, and service.
