Jeremy M. Welsh has distinguished himself in several areas of the profession, most remarkedly in the arena of PA education. Additionally, he has contributed to the body of knowledge regarding the profession and has served as a global health care provider. His most significant contribution to the profession to date has been as the founder of the first Doctor of Medical Science Program (DMSc) for physician assistants/associates at the University of Lynchburg.
Welsh was born in Syracuse, New York, and graduated from Syracuse University in 2001 with a BS in biology. Welsh’s involvement as a first responder in the roles of EMT (1997-2005) and in the fire department (1996-2005) led to his interest in the PA profession. He attended the Le Moyne College Physician Assistant Medicine program, graduating in 2003, and received his Master of PA Studies degree in Emergency Medicine from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2008. After this, he received his Doctor of Health Science degree in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from the A. T. Still University in 2010.
Welsh has been an active member of the Virginia Academy of PAs, serving as president and CEO of that organization in 2020-2022. On the national level, he has served as an invited member of the PAEA Doctoral Summit and the AAPA Model Legislation Task Force.
While maintaining a role as a PA provider and innovative educator, Welsh has served as a medical examiner for Virginia’s Western District from 2015 to the present. He relates that his most interesting and impactful experience has been the development and growth of the DMSc program and reports that he is very appreciative of having been a contributor to the growth of the concept of PA-specific doctoral education.
Welsh’s academic accomplishments at the University of Lynchburg include:
- Founding Chair of the PA Medicine Program (2013-2019)
- Founder and program director of the Doctor of Medical Science program (2014-2022)
- Dean, College of Medical Science (2022-2023)
- Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Director (Center of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships) (2021-2022)
- Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer (2022-2023)
Jeremy continues to serve the University of Lynchburg as a trusted academic officer.
Currently, he serves as Vice President for Academics and Strategic Operations and Chief Academic Officer/Provost at the University of Lynchburg. In these roles, he continues to serve his profession and the university. He remains passionate about advancing the opportunities for PAs in health care leadership.
In addition to his academic involvement, he is a Diplomat of the American College of Forensic Examiners and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA).
When discussing the most satisfying aspect of his PA career to date, Welsh stated, “Building academic programs that will long live on educating great new PAs. Creating the DMSc program and watching it contribute to so many people’s lives and careers.” He notes that the biggest challenge he has encountered as a PA is “The misperception of what a PA is and what they could contribute.”
Welsh enjoys spending time with his family and enjoys his role as a property developer, buying, selling, and remodeling homes. Welsh adds that he endeavors to live his life believing that “we should all give more than we take.”
Acknowledgments: This biography was prepared by Deb Munsell, DHSc, DFAAPA, PA-C, with the assistance of Jeremy Welsh. It was submitted to the Society in October 2024. Photographs are courtesy of Dr. Welsh.
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