WSU Physician Associate Behavioral Health Fellowship

BH fellowship application and pen
bh specialist with patient

Thank You for Your Interest

We appreciate your interest in our fellowship. Our goal for this application process is to identify candidates who are passionate about the mental health field. Kansas has persistently ranked among the lower half of the states in terms of both adult and adolescent mental health.1 We aim to improve this statistic by providing Kansas with top-notch behavioral health specialists.

 
PA student viewing medical charts

Who We Are

The Wichita State University Physician Associate Behavioral Fellowship is a comprehensive program designed to prepare physician associates for a career in behavioral health. This fellowship aims to enhance the knowledge and skills acquired during PA school training, enabling fellows to competently provide care in various subspecialty areas of behavioral health.

History of Wichita State University

Wichita State University (WSU) has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1895. Originally established as Fairmount College, it became the Municipal University of Wichita in 1926 and was renamed Wichita State University in 1964. WSU has grown to become a leading urban public research university, known for its commitment to providing impactful applied learning experiences and driving prosperity for the people and communities it serves.

History of the WSU PA Program

The WSU PA Program opened in the fall of 1972 and started its first class of 12 students in January 1973. Initially housed at the VA Medical Center, the program moved to Ahlberg Hall on the WSU campus in 1980 and later to the WSU Old Town Campus in 2017. The WSU PA Program was the first PA program in Kansas and is one of the older and larger programs in the U.S. Over the years, the program has evolved, with graduates initially receiving a Certificate of Completion or a Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) and later a Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) degree. The Class of 2023 was the first cohort to be awarded the Master of Physician Associate (MPA) degree. The program has graduated over 1,700 PAs and has been fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for PA (ARCPA) since its inception.  

 

About the Fellowship

The Wichita State University Physician Associate Behavioral Health Fellowship is a comprehensive program designed to prepare physician associates for a career in behavioral health. The fellowship aims to enhance the knowledge and skills acquired during PA school training, enabling fellows to competently provide care in various subspecialty areas of behavioral health .

 

The fellowship program offers:

  • Specialization in Behavioral Health: Fellows have the opportunity to specialize in the growing field of behavioral health, receiving extensive training that covers essential clinical skills and knowledge necessary for effective practice .
  • Diverse Clinical Experiences: The program provides a variety of clinical experiences across different healthcare settings, including inpatient, outpatient, substance abuse, and consult liaison psychiatry .
  • Mentorship Opportunities: Fellows receive mentorship from experienced professionals at Ascension Via Christi and local clinics, guiding their development and ensuring comprehensive training .
  • Leadership and Supervision: The program emphasizes the development of leadership skills and provides direct supervision and mentorship from experienced professionals .
  • Research and Education: Fellows are encouraged to participate in research projects and educational activities, fostering critical thinking and evidence-based practice .

 

The fellowship program spans 13 months, commencing in the first week of October. Throughout the fellowship, participants will rotate through specialty assignments approximately every month, which include inpatient, outpatient, transition clinic, and consult roles. Fellows will gain experience with patients of all ages, from adolescents to the elderly. Additionally, fellows will participate in Grand Rounds, Morbidity and Mortality conferences, and leadership training. This is a full-time, paid position with benefits. Salary and detailed job responsibilities will be communicated to applicants upon inquiry.

 

 

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Who We Are Looking For

Ideal candidates for our fellowship will possess the following qualifications:

  • Applicants must be graduates or students in good standing from an Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) approved PA program.
  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
  • Applicants must have passed or be eligible to take the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Examination before the program begins.
  • A Kansas PA license must be obtained before the program starts. 

 

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Steps to Apply - Applications Accepted Until Positions are Filled

  1. Ensure that you have the appropriate documents ready to upload to our site
    1. Application letter - One to two pages telling us about you, your career path, your goals, and why you would be the right fit for our fellowship
    2. Curriculum Vitae
    3. Copy of your current license to practice medicine
    4. Copy of your unofficial grade transcript from your PA program

Apply Now

 

 

1. : Reinert, M, Fritze, D & Nguyen, T (July 2024). “The State of Mental Health in America 2024.” Mental Health America, Alexandria VA.