PALLA -- housed within the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore -- is a statewide initiative dedicated to strengthening and expanding the PA profession across Maryland. Our mission is to build faculty capacity, support clinical educators, and equip the next generation of PA leaders to advance education, research, and policy. At its core, PALLA fosters an inclusive learning community committed to excellence in PA education and expanding healthcare access for all Marylanders.
PALLA offers a competitive 10-month fellowship that prepares practicing PAs to transition into academic roles and become effective, innovative educators. Fellows participate in a mix of in-person and virtual sessions covering adult learning theory, curriculum design, instructional strategies, and assessment methods tailored to health professions education. The fellowship also incorporates and leverages the latest research and expertise in teaching, learning, and workforce development. Participants gain access to a robust library of resources, peer mentorship, and faculty development tools designed to help them thrive as leaders in the classroom and beyond.
In its inaugural year (2019–2020), the first cohort of PALLA Fellows—Dave Bunnell, MSHS, PA-C; Matt Kearney, MS, MPAS, PA-C; Jeffrey Russell, MMS, PA-C; and Kyle Schiller, MS, PA-C—developed a longitudinal telehealth curriculum for integration across Maryland’s PA programs. This project not only addressed the growing demand for virtual care but also aligned with accreditation requirements, ensuring that Maryland-trained PAs are equipped with essential technology skills to serve patients in rural and underserved communities.
Data and Reports
The following reports represent internal reporting based on PALLA's mission and goals as well as external reporting on the state of PA education and practice within Maryland.
