Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Clinical Skills Lead, College of Medicine

Primary Purpose: Reporting to the MPAS Academic Director, the Clinical Skills Course Lead will provide specialized leadership in the development and implementation of clinical skills training for the newly launching Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program. This highly specialized role is crucial to the success of the MPAS program, guiding the course design and delivery in line with national standards and ensuring that Saskatchewan’s inaugural cohort of Physician Assistants (PAs) is equipped to meet the unique needs of Saskatchewan’s healthcare system. The Clinical Skills Course Lead will be among the first Physician Assistants employed in Saskatchewan, requiring a demonstrated awareness of the rapidly evolving PA landscape in Canada and the ability to provide a high level of expertise to guide the development of this first-of-its-kind program in the province. The Clinical Skills Course Lead will not only oversee the academic and operational aspects of the course but will also play a key role in systems change and the broader transformation of healthcare training in Saskatchewan. This position involves significant leadership responsibilities, contributing to curriculum innovation, change management, and program development in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. Nature of Work: As a senior leader within the MPAS program, the Clinical Skills Course Lead is responsible for the overall direction, implementation, and evaluation of clinical and procedural skills training. The position requires significant engagement in change management as part of a new academic unit and profession in Saskatchewan. The incumbent will collaborate extensively with other leaders in admissions, curriculum, and clinical education and actively participate in key program committees to ensure the MPAS program meets the highest standards of competency-based graduate medical education. This role demands a high degree of autonomy and decision-making in navigating complex systems and relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Saskatchewan Health Authority, faculty, and program committees. The Academic Director will direct the work of this position, while the MPAS Program Manager will serve as the line manager, approving timesheets and vacation requests. The successful candidate will work within tight timelines and evolving priorities, managing the challenges of establishing a new professional program in a high-demand field. Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Clinical Skills Leadership: Lead the design, development, and implementation of the Clinical Procedural Skills courses, ensuring alignment with the Canadian Physician Assistant Competency Framework. Curriculum Innovation and Systems Change: Drive curriculum innovation and systems change to align clinical skills training with evolving healthcare needs. Assessment and Accreditation: Develop and implement assessment strategies to ensure alignment with national standards and support program accreditation. Leadership and Strategic Oversight: Provide strategic oversight for Clinical Skills, collaborating with senior leaders to integrate the curriculum effectively. Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and maintain relationships with health authorities and external stakeholders to support clinical skills curriculum implementation. Change Management: Lead change management initiatives, addressing challenges related to clinical training approaches, resource needs, and faculty development. Clinical Teaching and Engagement: Participating in supplemental clinical teaching, either as a preceptor in clinical settings or through course instruction, fostering hands on skill development building key competencies for learners. Education: A Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies, Medical Education, or a related field, with significant experience in clinical education and program development. Additional qualifications or training in admissions management, diversity recruitment, or higher education administration are highly desirable. Licenses : Current PA Certification with the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada (or eligibility to become certified). Experience: At least 10 years of clinical practice as a Physician Assistant (PA), along with demonstrated leadership experience in medical or clinical education, such as curriculum design, clinical skills training, or simulation-based education. Experience in change management, systems change, and working within multidisciplinary teams is strongly preferred. Prior experience with program development or the launch of new educational programs is an asset. Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead and innovate in the development of clinical education programs. Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to navigate complex systems and manage multiple stakeholders. Excellent communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills, with the ability to drive systems change and engage a wide range of partners. Experience in assessment development, including OSCEs, MCQs, and other clinical evaluations, with a commitment to national accreditation standards. Ability to manage high-stakes, fast-paced environments with flexibility and resilience. Impact and Accountability: The Clinical Skills Course Lead plays a pivotal role in the success of the MPAS program, directly influencing the quality of clinical education and the long-term integration of Physician Assistants into Saskatchewan’s healthcare system. Errors in judgment or execution could have significant consequences for program accreditation, student success, and the broader healthcare workforce development efforts.