Westley Hartley, MHA, PA-C
Westley Hartley is the Director of Clinical Education and Principal Faculty in the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine at Frostburg State University. A nationally certified Physician Assistant, he brings more than two decades of combined clinical, academic, and military leadership experience. His clinical background includes general surgery, urgent care, and hospital-based medicine, while his academic interests focus on clinical education, leadership development, and preceptor engagement. Westley is also a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he has served in various roles during numerous deployments, and has earned the Bronze Star Medal for combat service. He holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus and is pursuing a Doctor of Health Sciences degree at George Washington University with a concentration in leadership in healthcare education.
Why PALLA?
I view the PALLA fellowship as an opportunity to join a community committed to advancing excellence, collaboration, and lifelong learning in PA education. Participation will support my commitment to becoming a more effective educator, mentor, and academic leader. As the Director of Clinical Education at Frostburg State University, I have seen the profound impact that thoughtful curriculum design, inclusive teaching, and strong mentorship have on student success. PALLA's emphasis on scholarship, educational innovation, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership development directly supports the path I wish to follow in pursuit of excellence in healthcare education. I hope to refine my skills through mentorship while contributing my own experiences from clinical practice, military leadership, and physician assistant education. Ultimately, my goal is to translate what I learn into meaningful improvements for our students, preceptors, and curriculum while strengthening the PA profession throughout Maryland and beyond.
