Physician Assistant

Missions Statement

The South University Physician Assistant (MSPA) exists to educate a diverse student population as providers of high-quality, cost-efficient health care who will make a positive impact while practicing the art and science of medicine with physician collaboration.

Vision Statement

The South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) degree program strives to provide educational experiences where faculty, staff, clinical instructors, students, and other health care providers work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect, cooperation, and commitment. The program’s primary focus is on the development of physician assistants capable of expanding into clinical leadership roles by demonstrating proficiency in critical thinking and creative problem solving, utilizing evidence-based skills gained through innovative approaches.

Master of Science Physician Assistant Degree Program Technical Standards

In order to ensure that patients receive the best medical care possible, the faculty of the South University Physician Assistant program has identified certain skills and professional behaviors that are essential for successful progression of physician assistant students in the program. A student must possess skills and behaviors at a level of capability to perform a variety of duties required of a physician assistant as a health care professional.

Students with disabilities who can perform these skills and successfully execute professional behavior either unassisted, with dependable use of assistive devices, or by employing other reasonable accommodations are eligible to apply for enrollment in the program. Minimum performance standards include critical thinking, communication skills, observation skills, motor skills, and interpersonal abilities. Interested parties may contact the Physician Assistant program office for additional information about South University performance standards. These skills and behaviors include, but are not limited to;

Critical Thinking: A student must possess the intellectual, ethical, physical and emotional capabilities required to undertake the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the faculty. The ability to solve problems, a skill that is critical to the practice of medicine, requires the intellectual abilities of measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis and synthesis. Students  must be able to perform demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences.

Communication Skills: A student should also be able to speak, to hear, and to observe patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and to perceive nonverbal communications. The student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written forms.

Observation Skills: The student must be able to observe a patient accurately, both at a distance and in close proximity. This ability requires the functional use of vision and somatic sensation.

Motor Skills: A student should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic techniques. A student should be able to execute movements reasonably required to move from area to area, maneuver in small spaces, calibrate and use large and small equipment, position and move patients, and provide patients with general care and emergency treatment.

Interpersonal Abilities: A student for the Physician Assistant program must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities required for the diagnosis and care of patients and the development of professionalism through mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients, families, and colleagues.

Jonie Fawley, MPAS, PA-C
Program Director and Assistant Professor

Ms. Fawley is an Ohio native. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education from The Ohio State University, Physician Assistant (PA) Certification from Kettering College of Medical Arts, and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from The University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Medicine.

Ms. Fawley has 16 years of experience as a practicing physician assistant in the fields of family medicine, geriatrics, and neurology. Prior to arriving at South University, she served as adjunct faculty, Wright State University School of Medicine, Family Medicine Department and Assistant Professor, Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, PA Program.

Ms. Fawley is a member of the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants, Physician Assistant Education Association, American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants. She received the 2018 GAPA Faculty Achievement Award and the 2019 GAPA Faculty of the Year Award. She completed the Woodruff Health Educators Academy’s Fellowship in Educational Scholarship at Emory University in 2020.

Her teaching and research interests include active learning and critical thinking in medical education. She enjoys traveling, hiking and riding her Vespa or Can Am Spyder.

Liza Bashambu, MSPA, PA-C
Director of Didactic Education and Assistant Professor

Mrs. Bashambu is a native of northeast Ohio. She began her career in the medical field in 2010 as a Respiratory Therapist, gaining experience in neonatal and pediatric critical care. Prior to matriculation at South University, Mrs. Bashambu obtained a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care from Boise State University. She is a 2018 graduate of South University Savannah’s Physician Assistant Program and holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant. She worked in Allergy/Immunology prior to returning to her alma mater as a faculty member.

Mrs. Bashambu is passionate about education and takes an interest in program admissions, pulmonology, arterial blood gas analysis, allergy/immunology, and behavioral medicine. She facilitates standardized patient events for the students each quarter, is the chair of the South University Physician Assistant Program Admissions Committee and serves on the Physician Assistant Education Association Exam Development Board for the Family Medicine and Internal Medicine End of Rotation Examinations.

She lives in Savannah with her husband and two children.

Marcy King, MSPA, PA-C
Assistant 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(location)’s 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.

John Balser, DMsc, PA-C
Assistant Professor

Mr. Balser has lived in the Savannah area since 2000, but is well traveled throughout the United States. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oklahoma, after completing the United States Army Physician Assistant Program in 1990. He has also earned a Master of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies in Orthopaedic Surgery from the University of Nebraska, a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College and a Doctorate of Medical Science with an emphasis in PA Education from the University of Lynchburg.

Mr. Balser is a 40-year Army veteran and retired at nearby Fort Stewart in 2021. During his Army career, he worked in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Orthopaedics, General Surgery, and EENT Surgery, both state-side and during multiple operational deployments. He joined the South University, Savannah, PA Program in 2021.  

Mr. Balser lives in Richmond Hill, with his wife of 38 years, and their dog. His children currently live in Richmond, Virginia and Gaithersburg, Maryland, and are an eclectic blend of Arts and Science, which makes for great conversations at dinner. 

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

Mr. Burns is a native of Savannah Georgia.  He has been a member of the South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Program faculty since 2001.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Health Promotion and Behavior, from the University of Georgia.  He is a 1997 graduate of the Emory University Physician Assistant Program.  Upon graduation, he began his clinical career in Family Medicine at Fayette Medical Clinic in Fayetteville, Georgia.  In 1999, he returned to his hometown of Savannah and began clinical practice in Endocrinology.  In 2001, he joined the faculty of South University as the Associate Clinical Coordinator.  He has also served as the program’s Academic Coordinator and Associate Director.  In 2009, he assumed the role of Program Director.

His academic/teaching interests include PA admissions, medical communication, endocrinology, ophthalmology and physical assessment.  His clinical interests include endocrinology, specifically Type 1 diabetes, and thyroid disorders.

He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Georgia Association of Physician Assistants, and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).  He currently serves as Lead Faculty for the PAEA Admissions PANDO Workshop.  He previously served as a committee member for the CASPA Advisory Committee.

He lives in Savannah with his wife and their two children.  His hobbies include reading, gardening, and golf.

Dr. Krystal Goodwin, DC, MPH
Assistant Professor

Dr. Krystal Goodwin, DC, MPH has been with South University for 10-years and is also a South grad. She currently serves as Assistant Professor for the Physician Assistant Program at South University and has taught for the AA, MA, and PTA programs. Prior to joining South University, she taught Human Biology, Environmental Biology, and A&P at Armstrong State University, worked as an allied health instructor for pre-clinical and clinical education, as rehabilitation consultant in primary care practices and served in private practice. She has worked with local Savannah organizations, such as Healthy Savannah and the YMCA to improve community health through addressing barriers, and ultimately promoting healthy lifestyle.

As a graduate of McKendree University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Logan University with a Doctorate of Chiropractic with emphasis in biomechanics and sports rehabilitation, Dr. Goodwin strives to reveal the interrelationships between structure and function of the human body by utilizing radiologic imaging, 3-dimensional models, illustrations and dissection. She is also a South University alumnus, with a Master’s Degree in Public Health. Dr. Goodwin has been awarded honors for her excellence in teaching at the college-level and distinctions form research and clinical practice. She effectively shares her educational passions and clinical experience with students through her lectures.

Ray Rudolph, M.D., MPH, FACS
Medical Director and Assistant Professor

Raised in Houston, Texas, Dr. Rudolph served in the Army completing his studies as a licensed practical nurse at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.  He worked as a chief line medic in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 where he received the Bronze Star for valor. After eight years as an LPN, he entered the Physician Assistant Program at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, graduating in 1976. His first assignment as a Physician Assistant brought him to South Dakota to serve the Sioux Nation at Lower Brule for four years. Dr. Rudolph then had the opportunity to attend the University of South Dakota, where he earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees. He completed his surgical residency training at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia where he joined the faculty upon graduation in 1991. Dr. Rudolph received his master’s degree in public health from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah in 2004.

In 2001, he and Dr. Paula DeNitto established the Center for Breast Care, the first practice in the region dedicated exclusively to care of the women with breast problems. He was nominated for the Association of Medical Colleges Humanism in Medicine Award in 2008, received the Alumni Achievement Award, Baylor College of Medicine, Physician Assistant Program in 2009, was named Surgical Oncologist of the Year 2010, National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer; Savannah Coalition, and earned the Cancer Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Award 2009 from the American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer. 

He has done volunteer medical work in Ecuador in the area of tuberculosis and has shared breast surgical techniques in China. Dr. Rudolph is an assistant professor of surgery at both the Georgia Regents University (Medical College of Georgia) and Mercer University School of Medicine. Before becoming the Medical Director of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program at South University, he acted as a clinical assistant professor of surgery in the program since 2005. Although Dr. Rudolph retired from the active practice of surgery in late 2014, he remains a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Breast Surgery.  

He is married to Barbara, a nurse practitioner and wife of 40 years and has two children and four grandchildren. 

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.

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

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 PA at Southern Urgent Care on Whitemarsh Island since 2018, where she enjoys the variety of patients seen in Urgent Care, 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 4 dogs, family, and friends.

 

Robert C. Dichiera, DSc Clinical Orthopedics, PA-C
Assistant Professor

Mr. Dichiera was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Sciences with a specialization in Athletic Training from the University of Florida in 1998. He worked as an Athletic Trainer for several years at the clinic, high school, and Collegiate levels prior to enlisting in the United States Army. He is a graduate of the Uniformed Services Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) where in 2010 he earned a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.  In 2014 he completed the U.S. Army – Baylor University Fellowship in Clinical Orthopedics leading to a Doctor of Science in Clinical Orthopedics. 
Mr. Dichiera is a 20-year Army veteran and has worked as an Army Physician Assistant at home and abroad. He has served as a Primary Care and Orthopedic Provider, Orthopedic Clinic Chief, Fracture Clinic Chief, as well a Site Clinical Coordinator for the Interservice Physician Assistant Program. 
Mr. Dichiera lives in Richmond Hill with his wife of 30 years.  They have four wonderful adult children working as professionals in various fields. His hobbies include woodworking and wood turning as well as outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. 

Jeffrey Morgan, DMSc, PA-C
Assistant Professor

Briana Evans, MSPA, PA-C
Assistant Professor

Catherine A. Whiddon, CMA
Administrative Assistant for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program

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, (location)’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.

Nartaka Walls, MPH
Clinical Manager for the College of Health Professions

Ms. Walls 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 in various private practice settings throughout Savannah, GA to include family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, and hematology/oncology.

Ms. Walls joined South University in 2017 as the Clinical Coordinator. In 2020, she earned a Master of Public Health Degree with Honors at South University, Savannah. In 2022, she was promoted to Clinical Manager of the College of Health Professions. She is passionate about education and enjoys teaching credentialing classes to prepare students for their upcoming clinical year. She has received numerous accolades and recognition for her dedication and commitment to students and the clinical program.

Ms. Walls lives in Savannah with her family and two dogs. She enjoys cooking and traveling with her family.     

Simone Baker
Clinical Coordinator

Ms. Simone Baker 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, working at a local hospital and a few physician practices.
 
Ms. Baker 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 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, as 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 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 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 gain clinical exposure in the following disciplines: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Women's Health, Behavioral Medicine, Emergency Medicine and the Clinical Elective.

Clinical sites are recruited by the Program’s Clinical Department and personnel from the Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Sites offer the students the 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 department. Alternate rotation sites may be provided by the student to the Clinical Department personnel. Clinical Department personnel 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.

The South University Physician Assistant program immunization policy is aligned with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations for health professionals. After acceptance into the program, but before registration can be successfully completed, all students must complete the South University Health Requirements. 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.

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 technical and procedural skills, and to become competent in communication, physical diagnosis, succinct recording and reporting, problem assessment, and development of a logical approach to further studies and therapy.

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 skills to actual patient care.

Physician Assistant Learning Outcomes

(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.