Physician Assistant Medical Director
Part-time position, posted 9/2/2026
John Brown University seeks a part-time (0.2 FTE), inaugural Medical Director to support the development and launch of its Physician Assistant (PA) program, with a start date immediately upon hiring. The program is being developed with the goal of enrolling its first cohort in 2030. Primary responsibilities will include assisting the Program Director in program development, administration, and the strategic recruitment of clinical partners and faculty. The Medical Director will support curriculum planning, development, assessment, and analysis; assist in the review of program policies and procedures; and serve as an active advocate for the program to ensure it meets ARC-PA standards and policies throughout the accreditation process and maintains compliance with all requirements for continuing accreditation.
Program
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program seeks to prepare students to become highly competent and compassionate physician assistants who serve patients and communities with excellence and a commitment to JBU's Christian mission. The 24-month residential program will provide rigorous academic and clinical preparation for PA practice, integrating medical knowledge, clinical skills, professional formation, and a biblically based worldview. Through partnerships with regional healthcare providers, students will gain clinical experience in a variety of settings and specialties. The program is being developed in response to significant healthcare workforce needs in Arkansas, particularly the shortage of physician assistants and other primary care providers.
The PA program is part of JBU's broader expansion of graduate healthcare education, supported by a $34.5 million gift commitment from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation to launch JBU's new PA and nurse practitioner programs. The funding will support facilities, program startup and accreditation, faculty support, and student scholarships. If accredited, JBU's PA program will be the first in Northwest Arkansas and is expected to welcome its first cohort in 2030.
Institution
John Brown University's mission is to provide Christ-centered education that prepares people to honor God and serve others by developing their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Founded in 1919, JBU is a Christ-centered, Biblically-faithful, interdenominational university that represents the best of Protestant evangelicalism in our commitment to the following theological principles: the fundamental human need for conversion and lifelong discipleship; the centrality of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection for the redemption of human beings; high regard for, and obedience to, the Bible as our authority; and active involvement in a local church, in missions and in ministries that work for Biblical justice and serve people in need. At JBU, we seek to integrate faith and learning, foster holistic Christian formation, promote pragmatic liberal arts education, and prepare people to follow Christ's call to serve others in all areas of life. Consistent with its evangelical identity, JBU's board of trustees has articulated institutional commitments on certain theological issues or university practices. With God's help, JBU seeks to live out these commitments faithfully and humbly with grace and truth. All employees must affirm JBU's Employee Expectations and Articles of Faith.
Required Qualifications
- An earned MD, DO, or PA degree from an accredited institution
- Current or previous licensure as an allopathic physician, osteopathic physician, or PA
- Current or previous board certification by an ABMS- or AOA-approved specialty board (if a physician) or NCCPA certification (if a PA)
- A committed follower of Jesus Christ
- Ability to contribute to the mission and vision of the institution in the department and more broadly at the institution
- Ability to serve as an active advocate for the PA program through participation in curriculum and competency development
- A commitment to the integration of Christian faith and teaching
- A commitment to supporting and collaborating with students, faculty, and staff from varied academic and cultural backgrounds
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience serving as a clinical preceptor for PA or medical students
- Experience supporting or developing clinical placement networks for PA or other health professions programs
- Experience with PA program development and/or the ARC-PA accreditation process
- Experience with systematic assessment and analysis of program effectiveness and continuous improvement
- Experience in clinical leadership, personnel supervision, or healthcare administration
- Evidence of successfully teaching, mentoring, or working with people who have different perspectives, life experiences, and cultural expressions
Important Dates
Position begins July 1, 2027. The screening process begins September 15, 2026 and continues until the position is filled.
Salary
A competitive salary exists which will be commensurate with training and/or experience. In addition, JBU offers a comprehensive benefits package including 403(b) retirement plan, medical and dental insurance, tuition remission, leave related to the birth of a child, adoption leave, and moving expenses.
More Information About JBU
A summary describing the university is available on-line.
The employee is expected to adhere to all University policies.
Applications
Please upload the following documents to the "Upload Your Documents" page:
- Letter of Interest
- Your resume or CV
- A completed and signed Faculty Application
- Statement of Christian Commitment - regarding your relationship with Jesus Christ and your Christian Commitment (integration of faith and learning) related to your teaching, scholarship and/or service. (Please Note: This is not the same as answering the faith questions on the application, although there may be some overlap. The search committee will be expecting to see a separate document regarding the integration of faith and learning related to your teaching, scholarship and/or service.)
Contact Information:
Office of Human Resources
John Brown University
2000 West University Street
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
Phone: 479.524.7197
e-mail: jobs@jbu.edu
