Sara James, PA-C
Sara James is a Philadelphia native and Emergency Medicine physician associate at Doctors Community Medical Center. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Lincoln University and her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. As a proud graduate of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities, she values representation, mentorship, community, and inclusive education.
Sara's commitment to mentorship began through her involvement with The Franklin Institute, where she has supported youth programming, interviewed prospective participants, and served as an alumni mentor, assistant instructor, and a chaperone. While attending UMES, she served as treasurer of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Physician Assistant Student Society (UMESPASS) and as an AAPA LBGT PA Caucus Student Leader Fellow, contributing to advocacy, representation, and inclusion within the profession.
These experiences strengthened her desire to become the educator she needed earlier in her journey. Her goals include supporting students from diverse backgrounds, serving as PA faculty and eventually becoming a PA program director.
Why PALLA?
I selected PALLA because I want to intentionally develop the skills needed to become an effective, inclusive, and student-centered PA educator. I see value in beginning this development while my own transition from student to practicing PA is still recent, allowing me to remain connected to the challenges learners face and the support that helps them succeed.
As the child of a career educator, I have also seen the lasting influence thoughtful teaching can have on a student's confidence and growth. During PA school, exposure to different teachers and mentor styles helped me begin identifying the qualities I hope to bring into the classroom.
Through PALLA, I hope to strengthen my abilities in instruction, curriculum development, student assessment, mentorship and academic leadership while developing my own educational philosophy in a more structured and intentional way.
