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.

The South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program welcomes you!

The South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program

Dr. Ilaria Gadalla, DMSc, PA-C, FHM
Dean of the College of Health Professions, Associate Professor

Dr. Ilaria Gadalla joined South University in January 2016 and founded the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) program. A native of New Orleans, she brings over 14 years of clinical experience as a Physician Assistant in the fields of Hospitalist Medicine, Cardiology, Nephrology, and outpatient Internal Medicine. She graduated with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Albany Medical College in Albany, New York. She completed a Doctor of Medical Science with the University of Lynchburg in Virginia. She previously worked as a Respiratory Therapist and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Dr. Gadalla was nationally recognized with an Award of Excellence in the category of Clinical Leadership for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants by the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) in 2020. The Clinical Leadership Award recognizes outstanding contributions to patient care and quality improvement, leadership of clinical care in hospital medicine, promotion of clinical knowledge, innovations in the role of a NP/PA or contributions to their hospital/hospitalist group, and excellence in creative collaboration, excellence in operations, and/or excellence in program development. In addition, she published with SHM the Hospital Medicine NP/PA Practice Integration and Optimization Statement to assist clinicians and administrators in Hospital Medicine and to promote exceptional care for hospitalized patients.

 Dr. Gadalla has a variety of leadership experience across her professional career. Most recently, she was nominated by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) to serve as a Commissioner on the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). She has been recognized as a Fellow in Hospital Medicine, appointed the Southeast Florida Division Advance Practice Providers Director for the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM), and the first PA member of the Hospitalist Editorial Board. In addition, she has served as the chair of the SHM NP/PA Executive Council, and as a committee member of the SHM Practice Management Committee, the PAEA Governance and Ethics Board, and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Cardiovascular Team Physician Assistants Committee.

She is an active member of the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA), a fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), the Palm Beach County Medical Society, and the South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association.

Dr. Gadalla continues to serve the local community as a Hospitalist and volunteer clinician. She enjoys boxing, cycling, swimming, and painting in her spare time.

Dr. Kristen Smethurst, DMSc, PA-C
Program Director, Assistant Professor

Dr. Kristen Smethurst joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program in January 2020. She was born in Texas and raised outside of Washington, DC. She attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, she earned a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Florida. Ms. Smethurst has practiced clinically for over 19 years in the areas of Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Women’s Health, and Urgent Care. In prior academic settings, she served as the Director of Clinical Education and was active on several institutional committees.

 In 2014, Dr. Smethurst moved with her family to Australia for 3 years. While there, she was an avid volunteer and traveler. Since returning to Florida in 2017 she worked in urgent care and currently volunteers in the community doing HIV testing and counseling. Dr. Smethurst has experience teaching: women’s health, behavioral health, clinical procedures, epidemiology and biostatistics, clinical laboratory medicine, amongst others. She has completed a Doctor of Medical Sciences degree with Rocky Mountain University in Provo, Utah. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family and watching her daughter play volleyball. She is proud to be part of the founding faculty for the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program!

Dr. Jeffrey M. Bishop, DO
Medical Director

Dr. Jeffrey Bishop is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician who earned his degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1985. Prior to medical school, he spent 10 years in the United States Navy and earned his undergraduate degree as Bachelor of Science in Medicine as a Physician Assistant from the University of Nebraska. He was one of the youngest Physician Assistants (PA) in the United States Navy and achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, which guided his path towards medical school. Dr. Bishop has been a resident of South Florida for over 60 years, and has been in the Wellington/Royal Palm Beach area servicing patients and the community for the past 30 years. He joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program in 2019.

He was a former owner and practicing physician at Western Communities Family Practice, the largest Primary Care Practice of its time in Palm Beach County, and retired from his very active Family Medicine Practice in 2006. He then became the Chief Medical Officer at Wellington Regional Medical Center (WRMC) and the Director of Medical Education where he served until 2013. Over the years, Dr. Bishop has held several leadership positions at WRMC and the community. He was on the Board of Governors at WRMC for 25 years, the Chairman of the Board for 5 years, Vice Chief and Chief of Staff for a period of 6 years combined, Chairman of the Utilization Management Committee, and developed the Surgery and Medicine Peer Review programs at WRMC. Dr. Bishop was awarded a Proclamation from the Mayor of Wellington in 2007 in recognition for his dedication to the local community. He developed the Medical Board of Governors in 2011 on which he continues to serve on through the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce. In his spare time, Dr. Bishop had a professional racecar team for 15 years, which raced throughout the eastern coast of the United States.

Lysa Diggins, MMS, PA-C
Director of Didactic Education, Assistant Professor

Mrs. Lysa Diggins joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program in May 2021. She was born in New York, and raised in Florida. She attended Williams College in Massachusetts as a QuestBridge National Scholar, and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Psychology, and Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. Her senior capstone project focused on the lack of access to quality healthcare for transgender patients. She then completed a Post-Baccalaureate program in Biology at Indian River State College. Throughout her studies, she worked in a research laboratory involved in vaccine development and gene therapy involving HIV/AIDS clinical research.

She began her medical career in nursing, and worked at Martin Health System in Stuart, FL, for 3 years as a Patient Care Technician II in Cardiology and Team Center Coordinator of Orthopedics. She then earned a Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree at Nova Southeastern University in 2018. Since then, Mrs. Diggins has worked in both Family Medicine at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Miami, and Urgent Care, where she continues to practice clinically. Mrs. Diggins is a distinguished scholar of both the National Health Service Corps and Horatio Alger Association. She is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants & the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants, of which she served as a member of the Cultural Diversity Committee from 2016-2018. She is also a National Certified Medical Examiner for the Department of Transportation, and actively working towards obtaining her HIV Specialist certification through the American Academy of HIV Medicine.

Mrs. Diggins is passionate about continuing to serve the medically underserved, as well as mentoring first generation college students. Throughout her career, she has passionately served as a preceptor to many medical and PA students. She is eager to advance her career into academia in empowering future Physician Assistants to practice competently and compassionately.

Kimberly Dawkins, DMSc, PA-C
Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

 Mrs. Kimberly Dawkins joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program since 2019 as a Program Advisory Committee member prior to joining as principal faculty. Raised in Somerset, New Jersey, Mrs. Dawkins received her Bachelor of Science from Hampton University and a certificate of Physician Assistant studies from Hofstra University in New York. She received her Master in Physician Assistant Studies from Touro College In New York and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg, Virginia.

Prior to pursuing a career in academia, Mrs. Dawkins practiced with the Abdominal Transplant program at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx for 3 years. Mrs. Dawkins then transitioned into the General Surgery program at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan where she expanded her clinical skills by working with the bariatric, colorectal, vascular programs and precepting students. After moving to South Florida in 2014, she began practicing and currently works in Hospitalist medicine where she has mentored future PA students. She continues to serve on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and other local medical chapters to support the Palm Beach community with development and improvement of programs dedicated to the underserved communities. Outside of working as a physician assistant, she has taken on leadership roles with Jack and Jill of America and other networks of  community service. She enjoys needlework, podcasts, and cooking in her spare time.

Monique Jaquith, DMSc, PA-C,
Director of Admissions, Assistant Professor

Dr. Monique Jaquith, joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program in June 2021. She earned her Doctoral Degree in Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg in 2021, her Master of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Keiser University in 2011, and her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Florida Atlantic University in 2009. Dr. Jaquith also serves as the faculty advisor for the Student Government Association supporting several student and faculty endeavors demonstrating service-learning in the Palm Beach community. She has over a decade of experience as a physician assistant in family medicine and urgent care - where she continues to work clinically. Dr. Jaquith is also a member of the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Medical Group Management Association. 

In her spare time, Dr. Jaquith enjoys outdoor adventures such as hiking and bike riding. She also enjoys watching binge-worthy TV shows. She is a huge animal lover, and she has multiple four-legged fur children at home. Dr. Jaquith is proud to be part of the South University, West Palm Beach, PA Program and help foster the next generation of physician assistants!

Jan McCaleb, MPA, PA-C
Assistant Director of Didactic Education, Assistant Professor

Jan McCaleb, MPA, PA-C has been a practicing PA for 25 years and is a graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She entered the workforce at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital as a Health Professional Scholarship Program recipient shortly after graduation in 1997.  She took progressively more complex roles, first as a hospitalist on a Spinal Cord Injury unit, where she learned the art of team-based interdisciplinary care, then moved into Home Based Primary Care where she became the sole provider for 290 homebound veterans leading a team of 12 under the direction of the Chief of Geriatrics in Dallas, Texas. She later moved to Montana to begin working in progressively more complex administrative and leadership roles, moving her career ultimately to the Orlando VA Medical Center to become the Director of the Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) Program. She developed a team of more than 50 employees taking care of over 300 veterans across six counties. During that time, she was trained as a facilitator for the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and completed the VA “High Performance Development Model for Leaders in the 21st Century Program” to become a VA senior executive. She left the VA after 22 years to leave a legacy for her profession by joining the faculty of Duquesne University as an Assistant Professor teaching Health Policy, Ethics and Law, Introduction to the PA Profession, and developing a Telemedicine course as a subject matter expert. She is honored to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to South University West Palm Beach where she has recently accepted the position of Assistant Director of Didactic Education in the PA Program.  
 
Fun Facts: Professor McCaleb also holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Florida, still paints and draws, and has become very fond of playing the Native American Flute. She has twin daughters who attend the University of Florida and a son who is currently in the Marine Corp.

Caitlin Spaulding, MSPA, PA-C
Assistant Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Mrs. Caitlin Spaulding joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program in 2022. Hailing from Needham, Massachusetts, Mrs. Spaulding received her Bachelor of Science from Boston College where she was a two sport D-1 Varsity athlete in both ice hockey and sailing. After graduating from college, she moved to Florida and worked on a billionaire’s mega yacht, traveling around the Bahamas, US & British Virgin Islands, and the West Indies.  After several years of fun Mrs. Spaulding went on to get her Masters of Medical Science from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  

After graduation, Mrs. Spaulding worked in General, Bariatric, & Orthopedic surgery, and eventually joined up with a surgical assist group where she assisted in many different specialties. In 2013 she transitioned into Emergency Medicine, and currently works at Palms West Medical Center. Outside of working as a physician assistant, she enjoys traveling with her husband and three children, as well as sailing, surfing, fishing, paddleboarding, snorkeling- basically anything involving water!

Tammy Gaines, MPAS, PA-C
Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor

Tammy Gaines joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program in September 2021. She was born and raised in Connecticut. She attended Western Connecticut State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree. She later earned a Masters of Physician Assistant studies from Damen College in Amherst, New York.  Mrs. Gaines has practiced clinically for over 15 years in the areas of Orthopedic Medicine and Pain Management in an outpatient and hospital setting.

In 2018, Mrs. Gaines moved to Florida with her family. She continues to practice in Pain Management. In her free time she enjoys traveling, jogging and spending time with her family. Mrs. Gaines is eager to advance her career in academia where she can help shape future Physician Assistants.

Sondra Nantes, MMS, PA-C
Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor

Ms. Sondra Nantes joined the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) program in October 2021. She was born in Massachusetts and attended Mount Holyoke College as a Frances Perkins Scholar and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. Throughout her undergraduate studies she worked in clinical research with a focus on heart failure. She then earned a Master of Medical Science from Yale Medical School Physician Associate program and completed her thesis on “Long-term high-dose thiamine supplementation for the treatment of heart failure”. Prior to pursing academics, she worked for the cruise industry traveling the world to remote locations. For the last 11 years, she has been practicing in the specialty of Emergency Medicine and has worked in a variety of settings including: urban hospitals in Miami, rural ERs in Maine, and even as a solo emergent medical provider on the island of Nantucket. In her spare time she enjoys being by the ocean, playing with her dogs, cooking, travelling, and going on flying adventures in single engine aircraft with her husband. 

Caroline Kamel, MD
Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor

Dr. Kamel joined the South University West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program in April of 2021 as a faculty member. She began her academic career with South University, West Palm Beach in 2015 instructing in the Health Sciences and Public Health department. She received her medical degree in Cairo University in 2001 and practiced as a hospitalist with nephrology training. In addition, she completed residency in pediatrics and NICU before practicing in outpatient family practice.

Her main passion through her medical and academic years continues to be serving lower socioeconomic areas and participating in health education and preventative screenings to disadvantaged communities. She looks forward to engaging the students in service-learning opportunities within the Palm Beach County area as the faculty advisor to the student government association.

Rebecca Magwood, MMSc, PA-C
Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor

Rebecca Magwood, PA-C, is board-certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, NCCPA. Throughout her 10 years as physician assistant, she has provided compassionate, patient-focused healthcare with a commitment to medical excellence. Mrs. Magwood earned a Master of Clinical Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Barry University in Miami, Florida, in 2011. She obtained a Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, in Health Education and Behavior at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, in 2005. Mrs. Magwood’s academic distinctions also include Student Diversity Chair Representative, Barry University, PA Program 2009-2011; nominated for Graduation Speech 2011; and Rookie Teacher of the Year 2011. Mrs. Magwood has practiced as a physician assistant in diverse clinical settings since 2012. These include pain management, orthopedics, and neurosurgery in West Palm Beach, Florida; family medicine in Loxahatchee, Florida; internal medicine in Palm Springs, Florida; primary care in Wellington, Florida, and urgent care centers since 2012. 

Prior to her career as a PA, Mrs. Magwood taught biology for three years at Miami Coral Park Senior High in Miami, Florida, where she planned and instructed each content area using a wide variety of learning aids and strategies to engage students in active learning. She was a lactation intern at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, in 2005. She worked as a patient care representative at HCI Specialty Pharmacy, LLC, in Miami, Florida, and on an investigative drug research team at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, in 2003 and as an intern in 2002. She enjoys time with her family, the outdoors, and travel.

Max Benlulu, MPAP, PA-C
Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor

Mr. Benlulu grew up in Boca Raton, Florida and earned his Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Central Florida. After graduation, he and his wife moved to California where he worked as an Emergency Medical Technician in Los Angeles County. He then attended PA school at the University of Southern California where he was the class vice president. Post-graduation, Mr. Benlulu attended and graduated from an ER fellowship in Riverside County, California and has been practicing in emergency medicine since. He is excited to be bringing his experiences and clinical skills to the program.

Mr. Benlulu lives in south Florida with his beautiful wife and daughter where they love to be outdoors, spend time with their families at the beach and pools, and explore nature. 

Mallorie Williams, MBA
Graduate Program Coordinator

Mallorie Williams is a Florida native with over nine years of experience working in higher education. Mallorie joined South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program in January 2020. She graduated cum laude with her bachelor’s from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers and later went on to complete an MBA with Strayer University. With a passion for leadership and development, she earned a Graduate Leadership Certificate from the Jack Welch Management Institute. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, scuba diving, and volunteering within the community. Mallorie has a passion for helping students achieve their goals, and relishes watching them succeed from the day they step on campus to the day they proudly earn their degree.

Claudine Ellis, BS
Clinical Coordinator

Claudine Ellis joined South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program in June 2021. She earned her Associate of Science in Tourism Management from Western Hospitality in 2012 and has over ten years working in hospitality as an Administrative Assistant supporting senior-level managers. She later went on to complete her Bachelors of Science Degree from Keiser University and worked as a Healthcare Coordinator where she was able to provide superior care, optimal client support and increase patients’ satisfaction.

She brings her passion for organization, creativity, dedication and hard-working mindset to her work. She uses her positive attitude to help and motivate students to accomplish their goals.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time exploring towns, reading, listening to music, visiting the beach, volunteering within the community, and spending time with her friends and family.

She believes that her commitment to each individual student’s success will support their growth and make a positive difference in the community. She is excited to bring her enthusiasm and experiences to the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program.

Sheryl Hicks-Williams, MS
Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Sheryl Hicks-Williams joined South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) program in June 2022. Born in New York, raised in New Jersey, she relocated to Florida 25 years ago. She brings over 20 years combined administrative assistant experience including Operations Manager in a Florida hospital's inpatient mental health unit and as an office manager/administrative assistant with several New Jersey hospital and outpatient medical facility settings.  

Sheryl Hicks-Williams earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management and her Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She later went back to school to become a Licensed Massage Therapist. She served in this field as a therapist caring for individuals with alcohol and substance abuse issues in two drug rehabilitation programs.

Her sense of servant leadership offers strong support to the PA program for successful outcomes of students relative to the program's vision. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Sheryl enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, expanding her knowledge in new areas, volunteering, and faith-based activities.

Anna Wilson, MS
Administrative Assistant

Anna Wilson joined the South University PA Department in September 2022 as their newest Administrative Assistant. She has prior university experience, as she previously worked at Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL in their HR Department and was an Academic Coach and Tutor in Lynn’s Institute for Achievement & Learning. As a coach and tutor, Ms. Wilson assisted students struggling with various learning differences by helping them identify their strengths and weaknesses, develop appropriate skills to succeed in class, and increase their confidence and self-esteem to thrive outside the classroom. Also, while at Lynn University, she received her Master of Science Degree in Applied Psychology with a concentration in Counseling. Prior to receiving her Master’s degree, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She then earned her License in Mental Health Counseling and worked in the mental health field, primarily in drug rehabilitation facilities, before transitioning careers to work as a Purchasing and Inventory Coordinator and overseeing a Customer Service Department. After time away from the university setting, Anna is now returning and is excited to work with students, faculty, and staff once again. She loves working with others, assisting students and supporting them throughout their academic career, and utilizing her mental health skills in any way that improves the workplace. In her spare time, she enjoys CrossFit, participating in local 5k races, cooking, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

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.