News
September 16, 2022
Preceptor of the Year Awarded to OSPAF Program Director
Loma Linda University Department of Physician Assistant Sciences Class of 2022 selected Heidi Turpen-Folks as Preceptor of the Year. Mrs. Turpen-Folks, PA-C has precepted MD and PA students for 13 years at ARMC’s Orthopedic Care Center. Her teaching style and passion to share knowledge in a clear manner has led to her accomplishments as an educator. The OSPA Fellowship is honored to have a unique leader to head up a renowned post-graduate training program.
July 1, 2022
Appointment of New OSPAF Medical Director
Dr. Mudge, the founder and legendary leader, Medical Director of the OSPAF program since 1995 is passing the torch to our esteemed Orthopaedic Traumatologist, Dr. Joseph Elsissy. Dr. Joseph Elsissy completed his Orthopaedic Residency at Loma Linda University and Trauma Fellowship at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Elsissy brings a new energy and passion to PA postgraduate education, and we welcome him to the team! We are blessed to have Dr. Mudge remain within the OSPAF program as Instructional Faculty to provide expertise in the realm of pediatric orthopaedics.
Summer 2022
Five Year Anniversary with Lynchburg College’s Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) Degree
We are proud to announce that 16 PA Fellows have completed their DMS degree with Lynchburg College since their inaugural year. We encourage those interested in educating the next generation of PA’s and advancing in healthcare leadership to pursue this amazing opportunity.
February 2022
APPAP Nominates OSPAF Program Director to join the Board as a Director at Large
The Association of Postgraduate PA Programs (APPAP) nominated the OSPAF Program Director to become a Board Member. Heidi Turpen-Folks, PA-C accepted the position as Director at Large and is looking forward to assisting in the development and organization of post-graduate accreditation processes.
June 2021
OSPAF Accredited by the ARC-PA
In June of 2021, the Fellowship was awarded Accreditation by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). This endeavor took one year to accomplish and guarantees the Fellowship is delivering an excellent education. The program focuses on hands-on training for PA’s interested in taking their education to the next level and becoming expertly trained in orthopaedics.
November 09, 2017
APPAP Makes Dr. Kidd President Elect for 2017/2018
On November 9, 2017, The Association of Physician Assistant Postgraduate PA Programs (APPAP) voted to make Dr. Deon Kidd President-Elect for 2017/2018. Dr. Kidd will become the president of APPAP in 2019. APPAP represents nearly 100 postgraduate PA programs.
November 01, 2017
Dr. Andrew Lowe Joins OSPAF Faculty
On November 1st, 2017 Dr. Andrew Lowe Pharm D was added to the list of OSPAF faculty. Dr. Lowe is well known througout the academic community and teaches at multiple PA programs in the area. In addition, Dr. Lowe is the Director of Pharmacy at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, level 2 teaching hospital. Dr. Kidd is happy to welcome Dr. Lowe to the faculty and is looking forward to his contribution in helping to ensure Orthopaedic PA Fellows receive training on how to positively impact the opioid epidemic.
May 03, 2017
PA Fellows Accepted Into Doctor of Medical Science Program
Two Orthopaedic Surgery PA Fellows were accepted into the inaugural Doctor of Medicine Science cohort. Their course of study will begin in the Summer of 2017. Both fellows are excited about the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and learn the nuances of effective leadership.
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According to fellowship director, Dr. Deon Kidd, "this DMS degree is the evolving doctorate for post graduate PA education." Dr. Kidd feels the DMS degree coupled with clinical fellowship training will provide PA fellows with additional opportunities while preparing them for the evolving practice of medicine. The orthopaedic surgery physician assistant fellowship program (OSPAF) is a joint effort by Arrowhead Orthopaedics and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, which has been training physician assistants since 1995.
March 23, 2017
OSPAF Signs Agreement With Lynchburg College to Offer Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) Degree
Arrowhead Orthopaedics - The Orthopaedic Surgery Physician Assistant Fellowship (OSPAF) Program has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Lynchburg College (soon to be University of Lynchburg) to soon offer a Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) degree for eligible physician assistants.
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We feel this is the next step in the evolution of physician assistant postgraduate clinical education. The OSPAF program is the first civilian clinical fellowship program to offer this opportunity in partnership with Lynchburg College. Arrowhead Orthopaedics is excited about being on the cutting-edge of postgraduate clinical education as we look to revolutionize the model of educating the next generation of orthopedic physician assistants for the advancement of healthcare and leadership. This aligns with our educational goals and strategic priorities.
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We will continue to offer the 12-month accredited (OSPAF) fellowship program track leading to a certificate of completion. However, we will now add a doctoral track consisting of an 18-month fellowship experience that will lead to a DMS degree for eligible PA Fellows who complete the online DMS course requirements and the OSPAF program.
For more information about our OSPAF program visit our admissions page: www.orthosurgerypafellowship.com/pa-fellowship-admissions
For more information on the DMS program visit Lynchburg College website: