Graduate Health Professions in Medicine
About the Department
We strive to improve the health of our community through education of competent, compassionate and culturally aware health professionals (anesthesiologist assistants and physician assistants) who will improve access to care in Missouri and the Kansas City region. We prepare clinicians to become future leaders in medical education and research.
Our Programs
Health Professions Education
These graduate degree options support future healthcare leaders by providing a strong foundation in educational research, teaching, assessment and leadership. The Graduate Certificate in Health Professions Education offers 18 credit hours of blended instruction focused on teaching, assessment, and educational research to enhance healthcare education. The Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE) includes eight core courses and three electives, emphasizing applied projects and an educational portfolio. Both programs develop skills in program design, effective instruction, assessment, and reflective leadership while promoting cultural awareness.
Master of Science in Anesthesia
Our Master of Science in Anesthesia (MSA) program boasts a 100% pass rate on the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants certifying exam and job placement. Over 29 months, students receive cutting-edge didactic and clinical training, combining foundational medical knowledge with hands-on practice and extensive clinical experience in anesthesia care specialties.
Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant
Explore our Physician Assistant (PA) program, where you can be ready to practice medicine in just 29 months. Our rigorous curriculum combines comprehensive didactic instruction, simulation training and diverse clinical experiences, equipping you with the skills needed to excel and meet workforce demands in today’s medical field. We aim to produce highly competent physician assistants prepared to advance the profession.Explore Our Department and Kansas City
Meet our people
Learn more about the the faculty and staff.
Admissions questions
Email us at medicine@umkc.edu.
Why Kansas City?
Explore all the benefits of living, studying and working in Kansas City.
Contact Us
Julie Wright Banderas, Pharm.D., FCCP
Associate Dean of Graduate Health Professions
Chair of the Department of Graduate Health Professions in Medicine
Professor
Phone:
(816) 235-5249
Email:
banderasj@umkc.edu
Laura Begley, Ed.D., MBA Assistant Dean, Student Support Services Phone: (816) 235-5412 Email: begleyl@umkc.edu
Lance Crawford Carter, MSA, CAA
Master of Science in Anesthesia Program Director
CAA, Associate Teaching Professor
Phone:
(816) 462-9855
Email:
carterla@umsystem.edu
Eric D. Johnson, M.S., PA-C
Associate Teaching Professor
Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant Program Director
Phone:
(816) 235-1789
Email:
johnsoneric@umkc.edu
Phillip Daniel Byrne, Ed.D.
Program Director of Health Professions Education
Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education
Designated Institutional Official
Phone:
(816) 235-5462
Email:
byrnepd@umkc.edu