Emergency medicine (EM) is one of the most intense and demanding fields in healthcare; entering it as a new graduate Physician Assistant (PA) can be daunting. In 2015, Progressive Emergency Physicians (PEP) launched an 18-month Emergency Medicine PA Fellowship Training Program at Good Samaritan University Hospital. The program is designed to develop new PAs into competent emergency clinicians with appropriate supervision and support.
A Fellowship That Mirrors Physician Residency Training
This fellowship is unique in its approach. PA Fellows participate in the same educational modules and clinical learning experiences as the EM residents at Good Samaritan University Hospital and now St. Joseph Hospital. From day one, they’re building the clinical foundation and decision-making skills needed to function as key members in the Emergency Department. Over 18 months, fellows work under the direct guidance of attending physicians, gaining critical hands-on experience and achieving progressive responsibility throughout.
Unlike other PA roles where supervision can vary significantly, this program ensures that every patient case a PA fellow handles is reviewed and guided by an Attending physician. This real-time feedback provides support, accelerates growth, and ensures patient safety, which is paramount for new graduates just stepping into the field.
Serving Across the PEP Network
The PA Fellowship is part of the broader PEP system and has a rolling admission process rather than a traditional cohort model. This allows the program to be responsive to the dynamic needs of all the PEP-run Emergency Departments. PA Fellows are spread across multiple sites, with current placements including thirteen active and twelve post-fellowship PAs still practicing within the group.
Streamlined Admission with a Personal Touch
The admission and acceptance process is refreshingly direct. PEP’s senior clinical recruiter handles the initial screening of candidates, often seeking out new PA graduates who are eager to enter Emergency Medicine but lack experience. Once a match is identified between the fellow and a hospital site with capacity, the candidate interviews directly with the site’s ED Medical Director and, in some cases, the Chief PA. This streamlined process bypasses traditional HR channels, helping fellows receive a contract and begin training quickly.
A Pathway for New Graduates
One of the strongest selling points of this fellowship is its accessibility to new graduates. Because many Emergency Departments require prior Emergency Medicine experience, getting hired straight out of school can be incredibly difficult. The PA fellowship bridges that gap, offering intensive training and mentorship that makes those who successfully complete the Fellowship more confident in their skills and more competitive in the job market.
Fellowship Capacity & Growth
Emergency Department volume directly influences the number of fellows admitted at any time. As the demand for PAs in EM grows, so too does the program’s capacity. With emergency medicine continuing to expand, PA fellowships like this one are becoming more common nationwide.
A Launchpad for a Career in EM
What makes this program truly unique is its purpose: to train competent, confident, and comprehensive Emergency Medicine PAs from the ground up. It’s tailored to those with no prior experience in Emergency Medicine, yet by the end of the 18-month journey, PA fellows are equipped with the knowledge and clinical skills to thrive autonomously in a chaotic ED setting.
Whether you’re a new graduate looking to break into Emergency Medicine or a hospital seeking to strengthen your ED PA team, the Progressive Emergency Physicians EM Fellowship is a model of how structured, hands-on education can elevate care for providers and patients alike. Contact our team to learn more.