Catherine Gemmiti has joined College of StJoseph as founding program director for its planned Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant Studies (MMScPAS) Program.Upon accreditation, CSJ, based in Rutland, will offer the first PA program in Vermont in 2016.
Gemmiti has extensive experience in physician assistant education. In addition to success as founding director of the University of New England, PA Program, she comes to CSJ more recently from Franklin Pierce University, where she worked as the director of the Master of PA Studies Program. She also has served as the chair of the Department of PA Studies at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
“I am fortunate to be a part of the evolution and growth of the physician assistant profession, which is rapidly becoming an integral part of the modern, inter-professional health care team. I am especially excited for the opportunity to do so in the beautiful heart of the Green Mountain State,” Gemmiti said.
A graduate of Dartmouth Medical School’s Medex New England, she also holds a Master of PA Studies from the University of Nebraska.
CSJ is currently in the process of completing the feasibility study and application for the program. The program will be housed in the recently acquired properties in Proctor, Vt.
“College of St. Joseph is poised with resources, dedicated administration and faculty to offer a unique, master’s level physician assistant education program designed to help meet the needs for increased access to quality medical care. Our graduates will contribute to keeping Vermont healthy,”Gemmiti said.
David Balfour, vice president for academic affairs, said he is very excited that CSJ is building Vermont’s first physician assistant program.
“We feel this fulfills a vital need in the local community, the state, and the region, and that it reinforces the college’s mission to prepare our students for lives of service to the community,” Balfour said. “We are also thrilled to have Catherine Gemmiti as our founding director. She comes to us with great skills, a wealth of experience, and a tremendous track record of success in developing and maintaining such programs. We feel she is the perfect choice for the school and for the position.”