The School of HSHP is pleased to share that Dr. Melissa Murfin, Clinical Associate Professor and currently serving as the Interim Program Director for the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program, will be assuming the role permanently effective April 1.
Dr. Murfin is passionate about PA education and has over 10 years of experience teaching PA learners. She has served multiple roles in PA programs including four years’ prior experience as a PA program director. Dr. Murfin thrives on innovation and developing a variety of methods for students to connect to course material. She enjoys research and has interests in outcomes of game-based learning and improving patient care utilizing pharmacogenetics and has presented nationally on both topics.
Dr. Murfin earned a B.S. degree in Molecular Biology/Microbiology at the University of Central Florida and worked in environmental chemistry and drug discovery research before returning to graduate school. Dr. Murfin earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and Master of Physician Assistant Studies degrees concurrently in a dual degree program at the University of Florida. She has worked primarily as a PA in endocrinology and internal medicine in underserved populations and is also a board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist.
In addition to the appointment of Dr. Murfin, we are pleased to announce that Cecilia Groman, MHSc, PA-C, RN will be joining the program June 1 as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education (DCE). Groman is coming from St. Francis University, where she has served as the Clinical Education Coordinator of their PA program since 2021.
Ithaca College was also notified by ARC-PA, our accrediting agency, that we have successfully maintained our provisional accreditation status following the August 2023 site visit! ARC-PA will return to campus again in October 2025 to make a final determination regarding accreditation status.