Doctor of Medical Science, DMSc

Upon completing the Doctor of Medical Science program, graduates will be able to: 

• Apply advanced biomedical and clinical knowledge to patient care. 
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams to enhance learning and care delivery. 
• Lead interprofessional teams to provide safe, effective, patient- and population-centered care. 
• Reflect critically on practice, literature, and data to support lifelong learning and continuous improvement. 
• Practice ethically and legally, demonstrating professionalism and accountability in delivering quality, affordable care. 
• Deliver evidence-based, person-centered care that promotes safety and health equity. 
• Integrate social, environmental, and policy determinants of health into clinical decision-making. 
• Use intercultural leadership and health systems science to address complex challenges and improve care outcomes. 

As the PA profession continues to grow rapidly, so does the need for advanced education. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 27% increase in PA roles from 2022 to 2032¹. Nearly a quarter of new PAs plan to pursue further education. The DMSc at UMSGS offers a flexible curriculum with specialty training in high-demand areas.  

Leadership among PAs is on the rise, with 40% serving in formal leadership roles. Yet only a small percentage reach executive positions, and formal leadership training remains limited. National PA organizations have made leadership development a strategic priority, but most PA master’s programs do not offer this training. The Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program is designed to close that gap, empowering PAs to lead confidently in clinical, academic, and community settings. 

¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physician Assistants, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm (visited July 29, 2024). 

We understand investing in your education can be challenging financially. We've gathered up some handy resources to help you out with funding your degree.

Scholarships and financial aid are available, along with opportunities for Graduate Research and Teaching Assistantships for interested candidates.

20% Preceptor Tuition Waiver 

Clinical site recruitment and retention are critical for student success in Physician Assistant (PA) education, and the Graduate School at University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) values the service of PAs who dedicate time and talent to educate the next generation. To reward ongoing preceptorship and encourage PAs currently not precepting, the new DMSc Program at UMB will offer a 20% tuition waiver to Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) students who commit to precepting PA students from our Maryland PA Programs. 

Learn more about our DMSc Preceptor Waiver Policy PDF here.

Flavius Lilly Scholarship Fund

The Flavius Lilly Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to DMSc graduate students who express financial need and exemplify Dr. Lilly’s core values of academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement.

MSHS PA Graduate Perk

Graduates of PA master's programs may be eligible for up to 9 credits toward the DMSc, leaving only 51 credits left to completion.
Graduates of the AACC/UMB and UMB PA master's programs may be eligible for up to 15 credits toward the DMSc, leaving only 45 credits left to completion.

Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program 

The MLARP provides educational loan repayment funds to Maryland physicians and physician assistants who must serve a 2 year obligation in a health professional shortage area (HPSA) or medically underserved area (MUA), either in primary care or mental health.

The PALLA Fellowship: Supported by the State of Maryland, this fellowship provides stipends for experienced PAs interested in precepting and faculty roles. PALLA fellows can now apply their experience for DMSC elective credits while receiving financial support.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after the borrower has made:

• 120 qualifying monthly payments
• under a qualifying repayment plan
• while working full-time for a qualifying employer

For detailed information and to determine your eligibility, students are encourage to utilize the PSLF Help Tool through Federal Student Aid.  

Borrowers who are employed by UMB must submit their Employer Certification Form to UMB Human Resources. More information about this process can be found through HR Service Center and Records.