Patricia Elizabeth Kelly, EdD, PA-C, was a pioneering PA and innovative health science educator who made significant contributions to medical education and public health throughout her career. Her professional journey spanned clinical practice, international volunteer work, and higher education, where she rose to become professor and program director of the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) Program at Nova Southeastern University – Ft. Lauderdale.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 10, 1952, Kelly demonstrated a commitment to healthcare and public service from an early age. She earned her PA degree from Stanford University School of Medicine, a premier institution known for training exceptional clinicians. Following her PA-C credentials, Kelly pursued advanced degrees, earning both a Master of Health Science (MHS) and a Doctor of Education (EdD), demonstrating her dedication to continuous learning and professional development.
Clinical and Community Health Practice
Patricia Kelly spent fourteen years in clinical practice as a PA, providing direct patient care and building the practical expertise that would later enrich her teaching. Early in her career, she answered the call to service beyond clinical walls. As a Peace Corps volunteer, she applied her medical training to underserved communities, embodying a commitment to global health equity.
In Sacramento, California, Kelly was one of the founding volunteers at the Aquarian Effort Free Medical Clinic, which later became Wellspace Health. For sixteen years, she dedicated herself to providing compassionate healthcare to those without resources, working at the intersection of medicine and social justice. This extended commitment to free and charitable medical care reflected her core values of accessibility and human dignity in healthcare.
Academic Leadership
Transitioning from clinical practice to academia, Kelly brought her extensive field experience and passion for health care into higher education. She became an influential educator in the health sciences, where she shaped the next generation of health professionals and leaders. Her career culminated in her appointment as professor and program director of the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) Program at Nova Southeastern University, a prestigious role that recognized her expertise, leadership capabilities, and vision for doctoral health science education.
In this leadership position, Kelly guided students in advanced health sciences, contributing to the development of scholars and practitioners prepared to address complex healthcare challenges at the policy, organizational, and individual levels. She also served as adjunct faculty for A.T. Still University creating the inaugural education track for the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) Program. She was known for extending her educational influence across multiple institutions. She was loved by her doctoral PA students as well as her faculty colleagues.
Later Life and Legacy
In her retirement years, Kelly made her home in Charlevoix, Michigan, in the beautiful Grand Traverse region. There, she enjoyed the natural beauty of Northern Michigan and remained active in her community. Dr. Patricia Kelly passed away on May 17, 2021, at the age of 68, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jean McCulley.
Dr. Kelly’s legacy extends through the numerous health professionals and doctoral students she mentored, the clinical care she provided to vulnerable populations, and her unwavering commitment to advancing health sciences education and practice. Her life exemplified the integration of clinical excellence, educational innovation, and humanistic values in service to others.
Acknowledgments:
This biography was written by Randy Danielsen. It was submitted to the Society in January 2026. The photograph is courtesy of Mortensen Funeral Home Obituary, December 17, 2025. Accessed at https://www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/drpatriciapat-kelly
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