Physician Assistant

Mission Statement

The mission of the South University Physician Assistant (MSPA) degree program is to educate a diverse student population and prepare graduates to practice the art and science of medicine while providing high-quality, equitable, and inclusive patient-centered healthcare.

Vision Statement

The South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) degree program strives to provide an educational environment that empowers students to practice evidence-based, patient-centered medical care. With an emphasis on increasing access to care, reducing health disparities, and engaging in community outreach, we aim to provide inclusive educational experiences for students, faculty, and staff. As future clinical leaders, the program’s focus is to graduate physician assistants who will promote cultural humility and patient advocacy.

John J. Burns, III, MMSc, PA-C
Program Director and Associate Professor

 Mr. Burns is a native of Savannah, Georgia. He received a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Georgia and a Master of Medical Science from Emory University.

Mr. Burns has 18 years of experience as a practicing physician assistant in the fields of family medicine and endocrinology. He joined the faculty of the South University-Savannah Physician Assistant program in 2001.

Ms. Burns is a member of the Physician Assistant Education Association, American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants. He has held positions with PAEA as Lead Faculty for both the Program Directors Workshop and Admissions Workshop.  He also previously served as a committee member for the CASPA Advisory Committee.

Mr. Burns was selected as the program’s Didactic Teacher of the Year for 2024. He received 2014 Health Care Heroes Award from the Georgia Medical Society, the 2005 GAPA Faculty Achievement Award and the 2004 South University Postgraduate Faculty of the Year Award.

He resides in Savannah with his wife and their two children.  In his free time, he remains very involved in his church and also enjoys reading, snow skiing, travelling, and playing golf. 

Micah Dellany Hiers Riegner, M.D., FAAP
Medical Director and Assistant Professor

Dr. Riegner is a native of Savannah, Georgia. She received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Armstrong Atlantic State University in 1995 and a Doctor of Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia in 1998. She completed pediatric residency at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia.

Dr. Riegner was the recipient of the State Medical Education Board Scholarship and thus started her career in rural Georgia before returning to the Savannah area in 2004. Dr. Riegner’s relationship with South University began in 2002 as a preceptor for students interested in a rural pediatric experience. She continues to precept in the Savannah area and is also involved in the didactic learning experience for physician assistant students, teaching on pediatric topics such as nutrition, breastfeeding, psychosocial issues and gastrointestinal pediatric issues. 
Dr. Riegner’s professional interests include adoption, breast feeding, and adolescent gynecology.

Dr. Riegner and her husband, Charlton, have seven children and three grandchildren.  They are advocates for foster care and adoption as well as mentoring youth and young adults. They are very involved with their church, First Baptist Church of the Islands, and have worked with various age groups of children for more than 15 years.

Dr. Riegner loves to exercise, cook, travel and read.   

Mallory Capps, MSPA, PA-C
Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor

Mrs. Capps is a native of Wheeling, West Virginia. She completed an accelerated program at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, completing her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in five years. She began her medical career working in Urgent Care in her hometown before moving to Savannah, Georgia in 2018. Mrs. Capps continued to work in Urgent Care as a front-line worker through the COVID-19 pandemic. After six years of clinical practice, she joined the faculty at South University in July 2023. She is passionate about teaching women's health, medical decision making, and procedural skills.
 
Mrs. Capps is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Georgia Association for Physician Assistants. She currently lives in Richmond Hill, Georgia with her husband and son. Her husband is also a Physician Assistant. She enjoys gardening, attending church, and spoiling her golden retriever, Ollie.

Briana Evans, MMSc, PA-C
Interim Assistant Program Director
Chair of Admissions and Assistant Professor

Mrs. Evans is a native of Savannah, Georgia native. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science before earning her Master of Medical Science from the Physician Assistant Program at Nova Southeastern University in Jacksonville, Florida, where she graduated with Highest Honors. She began her medical career in 2020 in outpatient internal medicine, where she enjoys the variety of patients and the broad scope of care she provides.

Mrs. Evans’ passion for teaching emerged early in her career through precepting clinical students. In 2023, she transitioned into academia, joining South University’s Physician Assistant Program as full-time faculty while continuing to practice in the clinic one day a week. Her clinical interests focus on primary care with an emphasis on preventative medicine, women’s health, diabetes management, and geriatrics. She is an active member of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants (GAPA). Outside of medicine, she enjoys exercising, reading, and spending quality time with her family.

Marcy King, MSPA, PA-C
Interim Director of Didactic Education and Assistant Professor

Mrs. King is a native of Southern Illinois.  She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences with a Minor in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale in 2012.  She began her medical career working in Hematology/Oncology in Southern Illinois before moving to Savannah, GA in 2014.  She then graduated South University’s, Savannah Physician Assistant (PA) Program in 2016 and earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant. Her graduation honors included the Academic Achievement Award. After graduation, her clinical career began at an Internal Medicine private practice in the Savannah area where she practiced for 6.5 years.  While practicing in Internal Medicine, she precepted multiple PA students and enjoyed taking part in their education.  She subsequently joined the faculty at South University in March of 2022.

Mrs. King is a member of the Physician Assistant Education Association.  Her clinical interests include many subtypes of Internal Medicine, as well as women’s health and physical diagnosis.  She currently lives in Savannah, GA with her husband and young daughter. Her hobbies include boating, traveling, and cooking.

Nartaka H. Harden, MPH
Assistant Director of Clinical Education, Instructor

Mrs. Harden is a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. An Army veteran, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Saint Leo University. She worked as a medical assistant in various private practice settings throughout Savannah, GA to include family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, and hematology/oncology.

Mrs. Harden joined South University in 2017 as the Clinical Coordinator. In 2020, she earned a Master Degree of Public Health with Honors at South University, Savannah, GA. In 2022, she was promoted to Clinical Manager of College of Health Professions where she worked with several programs assisting with site development, training clinical team members, and contract support. In 2024, she returned back to the Physician Assistant Program- Savannah Campus as the Assistant Director of Clinical Education.

She is passionate about education. She enjoys teaching and working directly with students as they progress through the PA program. She has received numerous accolades and recognition for her dedication and commitment to students and the clinical program.

Mrs. Harden lives in Savannah with family and two dogs. She enjoys cooking and traveling with her family.

Heather Justice, DMSc, PA-C
Director of Student Success and Evaluation and Assistant Professor

Heather C. Justice is an Associate Professor and the Director of Student Success and Evaluation at South University. She has been a PA since graduating from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in 2007. She has practiced in medical oncology and oncologic palliative care for her clinical career.

She has been in PA education since 2016 and completed her Doctor of Medical Science with an educational focus with Southern Illinois University in 2024. She currently volunteers at a free clinic in Iowa and has experience with other free clinics and multiple international medical mission trips. Heather volunteers with PAEA, enjoys public speaking, and trying innovative ways to teach complex information. Getting to know her students and seeing them succeed is her greatest joy in teaching.

Heather used to be an avid triathlete, but her free time is now spent playing, reading, and hiking with her husband and three young children. 

David Payne, MPAS, PA-C
Director of Curriculum and Associate Professor

Mr. David Payne, MPAS, PA-C, serves as Director of Curriculum for South University's Physician Assistant (PA) Program. With extensive experience in healthcare, higher education, and technology, he brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and innovative technological solutions to PA education.

Mr. Payne earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of St. Francis, graduating first in his class, and his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Pre-Medicine from Arizona State University, graduating summa cum laude. His academic career includes founding and directing two successful PA programs, where he established student-centered cultures and innovative curricula emphasizing experiential learning, patient-centered teamwork, and digital literacy.

As a former Vice President of Technology and CIO at a graduate health professions university, Mr. Payne led numerous technological innovations, including the development of custom learning tools and platforms. His expertise in technology integration has resulted in improved student outcomes and enhanced educational experiences. Mr. Payne's professional interests focus on merging cutting-edge technologies with proven teaching and learning methodologies to advance PA education.

Mr. Payne resides in Provo, Utah, with his amazing wife, Ceri. They have three daughters, and at the time of this writing (January 2025), they received the best gift possible when their oldest daughter made them first-time grandparents. In his spare time, Mr. Payne enjoys grilling for and playing board and card games with family, participating in whatever sport is suitable for the season, serving his local community, reading, and learning about and developing skills in AI.

Dawn O'Brien, MSPA, PA-C
Assistant Professor, Principal Faculty

Dawn graduated with honors from South University’s PA Program in 2018. She received her BA in English Literature from the University of Georgia in 2005. Originally from Atlanta, Dawn met her husband in Savannah during PA school. She fell in love with him and with Savannah and decided to stay on here as a "local” herself after graduation!

Dawn has been employed as a PA at Southern Urgent Care on Whitemarsh Island since 2018, where she enjoys the variety of patients, as well as the small practice environment. Dawn is also involved in the care of military reservists and performs disability evaluations for Veterans through the VA. She feels very fortunate for the opportunity to serve this patient population.

Outside of work, Dawn enjoys hiking, yoga, reading, spending time in her garden, being on or around the water in any capacity, and unwinding with her 3 dogs, family, and friends. 

Jeffrey Morgan, DMSc, PA-C
Assistant Professor, Principal Faculty

Dr. Morgan is a native of West Virginia. He has lived in the Savannah area since 2000; however, he has journeyed throughout the United States. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marshall University and graduated from the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska in 2000. In 2022, he earned a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies degree from University of Nebraska. Moreover, he completed a Doctorate of Medical Science with emphasis in Urgent Care and PA Education certificate from the University of Lynchburg. Finally, he has an Advanced Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (ABHRT) Certification from The Academy for Preventive and Innovative Medicine by Worldlink Medical.  

Dr. Morgan is over a 23-year Army veteran and retired from Fort Rucker in 2017. Over his Army career, he worked in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Aviation Medicine, Aeromedical Evacuation, and as an Instructor for Aviation Medicine programs, both stateside and during numerous operational deployments. He joined the South University, Savannah, PA Program in 2023.  

Dr. Morgan resides in Pooler. He has one working professional son. His interests are “learning anything new,” evidenced based medicine, motorcycle riding, and exploring different cuisines. 

Jan McCaleb, DPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor, Principal Faculty

Jan McCaleb, DPAS, PA-C, has been a practicing PA for 28 years and is a graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. After graduating in 1997 as a Health Professional Scholarship Program recipient, she began her career at the Veteran’s Administration (VA) Hospital, where she took on progressively complex roles. Her extensive experience includes serving as a hospitalist on a Spinal Cord Injury unit, acting as the sole provider for 290 homebound veterans in Dallas, TX, and leading as Director of the Home-Based Primary Care Program at the Orlando VA Medical Center, where she managed a team of over 50 employees and provided care for more than 300 veterans across six counties.

Dr. McCaleb’s leadership training includes certification as a “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” facilitator and completion of the VA’s High-Performance Development Model for Leaders. After 22 years with the VA, she transitioned to academia as an Assistant Professor at Duquesne University, where she developed and delivered both didactic and clinical content, including a Telemedicine course that supported the program through the pandemic.

She earned her Doctor of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and joined South University three years ago, serving as Assistant Program Director in West Palm Beach before relocating to the Savannah campus. Dr. McCaleb is honored to bring her extensive expertise in clinical practice, leadership, and education to South University."

Holly Martyn, M-PAS, PA- C
Assistant Professor, Principal Faculty

Holly Martyn, M-PAS, PA-C is a native of Dayton, Ohio and graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago where she received her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. She then pursued a master’s degree of Physician Assistant Studies at Chatham University in Pittsburgh.

Holly has worked as a PA for over 20 years. She started her career as a pediatric transplant PA at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and then eventually moved into pediatric emergency and primary care medicine. She has also worked extensively in adult emergency medicine.

Holly’s clinical interests include multiple pediatric subspecialties including transplant and emergency medicine, though pediatric primary care holds dear to her heart. 
Amusing note: Holly has a degree in Acting and Musical theatre from Mountview Theatre School in London, England. In her spare time, she enjoys cycling, traveling and improv theater.

Denkenesh Dobbins, PharmD, MBA
Assistant Professor, Principal Faculty

Denkenesh Dobbins is a native of Tampa, Florida. She earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She began her pharmacy career working as a Pharmacist Manager in a pediatric clinic. In this role, she focused on medication therapy management and regulating medication dispensing.  
 
In addition to pharmaceutical roles, Denkenesh has held roles in finance, including managing venture capital portfolios as a Senior Banker at Silicon Valley Bank. She also worked as a Venture Capital Analyst at Anzu Partners assisting in due diligence processes for potential investments, including financial modeling, market analysis, and identifying investment opportunities. 
 
Outside of work, Denkenesh enjoys relaxing at the beach, diving into a good book, and spending quality time with her loved ones. As a passionate traveler, she thrives on exploring new destinations and embracing different cultures. Some of her favorite travel memories are from Jordan, Jamaica, Israel, and Bali, where she found inspiration in the beauty and uniqueness of each place.

Garrett Rogers, MSPA, PA-C
Interim Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor

Garrett Rogers is a native of Savannah, Georgia. He earned his BS in Biology from Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. As an undergrad, he became a nationally registered EMT and began working in the ER setting before starting the Physician Assistant Program at South University, Savannah Campus. During his time in the program, he served as class president and as a student ambassador. He was also presented with the Student Leadership Award upon graduation. After graduation, he began a career in Emergency Medicine. He continues to practice in emergency medicine where he helps patients at the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and at a rural, critical access hospital ER. 

Mr. Rogers’ clinical interests include procedures, radiology interpretation, and medical decision making. He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants, and the Society of Emergency Medicine PAs. In his spare time, he enjoys playing piano and guitar, golfing, and enjoying all Savannah has to offer.

Todd Stringer, MMSc, PA-C
Assistant Professor, Principal Faculty

Mr. Stringer is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology, both from Louisiana State University.

Prior to pursuing a career as a physician assistant, Mr. Stringer worked in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. He graduated with honors from the Physician Assistant program at Wake Forest School of Medicine in 2001. Over the past 24 years, he has gained clinical experience in cardiology, hematology/oncology, vascular surgery, hospital medicine, urgent care, and primary care.

Mr. Stringer previously served on the faculty of the South University, Savannah Physician Assistant program from 2019 to 2021 and returned in March 2025.

He lives on St. Simons Island, Georgia, with his wife, Gail. They have been married for 30 years and have two daughters, Samantha and Delaney, who both attend the University of Georgia. In his free time, Mr. Stringer enjoys fly fishing, traveling, hiking, and managing his online outdoor apparel company, Fly Days.

Catherine A. Whiddon, CMA
Program Coordinator

Ms. Whiddon was born and raised in Bridgewater, NJ before moving to Dover, DE then Wahiawa, HI before coming to Hinesville, Georgia. While in Hinesville, she followed in her grandmother’s footsteps and became an Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate, graduating from Savannah Technical College in the first graduating class from the Liberty Campus.

Ms. Whiddon then worked as an EMT-I with MedLift Ambulance in Savannah, Georgia until its closing due to the merging of St Joseph Hospital with Candler Hospital. Ms. Whiddon worked with the former owner and became Co-Owner/ Operator of MedLift Transport which was a non-emergency transport company contracted with Hospice Savannah. 

Ms. Whiddon then attended South University, Savannah’s Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Degree Program, graduating class of 2013 working as a Medical Assistant for more than 9 years.

Ms. Whiddon resides in Port Wentworth, Georgia and has two daughters. Hobbies include home improvement projects, history, learning and anything medical.

Simone Mitchell
Clinical Coordinator

Ms. Simone Mitchell is a native of Savannah, Georgia. At an early age, she became passionate about the medical field. She started her studies with a goal to become a nurse like her mother, but transitioned her interests into administration. In 2013 she completed her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration at Saint Leo University. Prior to, throughout college, and after she acquired administrative and clinical experience. She worked at a local hospital and a few physician practices.
 
Ms. Mitchell acquired most of her clinical working experience in Mental Health Research in which she thoroughly enjoyed. During her time in research, she became interested in adult education and the work required to create and validate programs. She returned to school and obtained her Master’s degree in Adult Education and Community Leadership. After completing her graduate studies, Ms. Baker held positions in the local government and educational sectors. She joined the South University Physician Assistant Program in 2023 as the Clinical Coordinator.

Trish Dillon
Graduate Program Coordinator

Trish Dillon is a native of Oakland, California. She later moved to Montana and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Art from the University of Montana. She is currently working on completing her Master’s in Art History from Academy of Art University. She has 16 years of experience in youth and college preparatory services, and spent six years working for Montana Technological University’s TRIO programs.
 
Ms. Dillon, an  Army veteran, worked as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer with the 1-163rd Infantry Regiment, both state side and during an operational deployment in the middle east. She joined the South University PA program in 2023.
 
Ms. Dillon lives in Savannah Georgia with a lot of art and baking supplies as she has mastered the art of baking cheesecake.

Lloyd McCray
Graduate Program Coordinator

Lloyd McCray is a native of West Palm Beach, Florida. He moved to Savannah and obtained his Bachelor’s in History from Savannah State University. In 2012, Mr. McCray received his Master’s in Academic Advising/Counseling at Kansas State University. He has 16 years of experience in Academic Advising and Higher Ed. Prior to his academic advising role, he was a high school history teacher, behavior interventionist, and head basketball coach.

Mr. McCray has a passion for mentoring and advising. He has led numerous mentoring programs for youth, teens, and college students. His passion is mentoring, teaching, and advising tomorrow’s future leaders. Mr. McCray utilizes his mentorship through teaching and instructing Karate.

Mr. McCray resides in Savannah, Georgia, with his wife and children. His hobbies are competing and teaching Karate, mentoring youth and young adults, and spending time with family.

Physician Assistant (PA) Clinical Rotations

The clinical phase is 12 months in length. Eight, five-week clinical rotations are conducted at a variety of clinical sites. Students will have the opportunity to gain clinical exposure in the following disciplines: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Women's Health, Behavioral Medicine, Emergency Medicine and the Clinical Elective.

Clinical sites are recruited by the Program’s Clinical Education Team (CET) and personnel from the Georgia Area Health Education Centers (AHECs). Sites offer the students a wide variety of clinical experiences for that specific clinical rotation (course) and service delivery system. Students are not required to supply their own clinical sites or preceptors for clinical rotations. Sites for rotations will be determined by the PA Program. Alternate rotation sites may be provided by the student to the Clinical Education Team. The CET will evaluate sites suggested by students for viability as a clinical rotation site. In order to qualify for rotations outside of South University sites, or in student suggested sites, a student must demonstrate successful academic, clinical, and professional progress in the program. Providing a referral does not guarantee the site will be secured or that the student will be assigned to the site for a rotation.

Physicians, physician assistants, and other health care providers serve as preceptors for clinical students in direct patient care, providing the opportunity for the student to perfect clinical and technical skills, and to become competent in communication, physical diagnosis, succinct documentation, problem assessment, and development of a logical approach to patient management.

Our students rotate in busy clinics, private physician offices, teaching hospitals, large institutions, and military hospitals and clinics. Rotations exist both in small towns and metropolitan cities. Our students are offered a wide variety of experiences and locations for their clinical rotations that are designed to round out the application of knowledge and development of patient care skills.

After acceptance into the program, but before registration can be successfully completed, all students must complete the South University Health Requirements. The South University Physician Assistant program immunization policy is aligned with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations. Be aware that additional immunizations may be required by some clinical training sites and are the students’ responsibility. If students choose not to be vaccinated, they will not be allowed to rotate at clinical sites that require immunizations unless expressly permitted in writing to the program by the appropriate personnel at that site. If any of the core (required) rotations cannot be completed because the student voluntarily chose not to be vaccinated as required by the clinical rotation site, the student will not be eligible for graduation from the Physician Assistant program. In addition, if the number of clinical sites available to students who have not been vaccinated does not meet graduation requirements, those students will not be eligible for graduation from the Physician Assistant program.

Graduates are required to sit for and pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field.  (Exam names vary by program) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for program and state specific information.  South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations.  Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. Students must pass the required licensure to work in their respective field.

Clinical/Medical programs have a required ground clinical, practicum, or externship requirement. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program. 

(Graduate Competencies)

The following are the program learning outcomes (Graduate Competencies) for the South University Physician Assistant program.

Prior to graduation from the program, students will:

• PLO-1. Integrate behavioral, social, and medical knowledge established from the evolving biomedical and clinical sciences in recognizing, evaluating, and managing patient disease states across the lifespan during acute, chronic, preventative, and emergent encounters.

• PLO-2. Demonstrate the interpersonal and communication skills required to sustain effective, multi-directional information exchange within a diverse population of patients, their caregivers, and members of the healthcare team.

• PLO-3. Demonstrate the ability to elicit an accurate patient history, perform an appropriate physical examination, and perform appropriate clinical procedures using essential clinical and technical skills to provide quality patient care.

• PLO-4. Collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team through clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills to formulate a logical differential diagnosis, select and interpret appropriate diagnostic studies, and synthesize a comprehensive, patient-centered management plan for the promotion of wellness and disease prevention.

• PLO-5. Demonstrate the ability to interpret and integrate an evidence-based approach to clinical and professional practice through clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making processes to improve patient care practices.

• PLO-6. Demonstrate professionalism through personal behaviors, sensitivity, and accountability essential to patients, society, and the profession.