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The UAB Physician Assistant Studies’ Preceptors will guide learners in various settings in regards to clinical reasoning skills, history taking, physical examination, effective communication, physical diagnosis, documentation, presenting patients, and development of patient-centered assessments and plans.

Those who can serve as preceptors include PA-C, Board-Certified M.D. or D.O., and CRNP.

  • Why should I serve as a preceptor?

    In a general survey we asked: What aspects of clinical precepting did you find most valuable? Our preceptors cited many valuable experiences such as strengthening their own skills as a provider, giving back to the PA community, and answering thought provoking questions from the students. Please see the following quotes from some of our current preceptors:

    • “Teaching is important to me, it gives me a chance to give back”
    • “Having students encourages us to continually learn, think about things in new ways, and stay up-to-date with evidence-based medicine”
    • “Precepting not only allows one to keep up their knowledge base through teaching, but is a wonderful way to give back to the PA community”
    • “I always learn something valuable while precepting. It encourages me to stay abreast of research-based practices”
    • “Developing students’ confidence and clinical decision making skills”

    The UAB PA program values our preceptors and the time dedicated to our PA students’ clinical education. Thank you for being a part of our team. As always, if you have feedback, we would like to hear from you.

  • Benefits of serving as a preceptor
    • Opportunities for guest lecturing during the didactic and/or clinical year
    • Category 1 CME Credits for PA preceptors
    • Category 2 CME Credits for MD, NP preceptors
      • Documentation of weeks/hours served as a preceptor may be provided to obtain Category 2 CME credits
      • Please refer to the appropriate accrediting body for further information
    • Annual Preceptor of the Year Award
    • Annual Preceptor Appreciation Mixer
  • Featured Preceptors
    • 2020 Preceptor of the Year: Dr. Brandon White, Internal Medicine/Hospitalist, UAB West
      • Dr. White is a 2007 graduate of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and received his Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia State University in 2000. Dr. White currently practices as a Hospitalist at UAB West in Bessemer, Alabama, and he is also the current Medical Director for Alabama Hospice Care in Birmingham. In March 2020, he started BHMcares, a charity that hires local restaurants to feed healthcare workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. White came on board as a full-time preceptor in 2018 and is always excited to host students on his service.
      • When asked to provide his thought on serving as a UAB PA preceptor, here is what Dr. White had to say:
        • “I remember how much it meant to me as a student to have a preceptor that seemed happy with me being there and took time out of their schedule to make sure I was included and learning. It seemed special at the time and I really appreciated it, and now being on the other side of that relationship, I realize how much extra effort it is to really engage with the students and I appreciate it even more. It's very rewarding to teach them and see the light bulb go on over their head, when they wrap their mind around a concept.”
    • 2019 Preceptor of the Year: Dr. Ray Browne, Mayfair Internal Medicine
      • Dr. Browne is a 1985 graduate of George Washington University School of Medicine. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from State University of New York at Albany and his Masters of Public Health from the University of Michigan. He has practiced as an Internal Medicine Physician in Birmingham since 1989 and has served as a UAB PA preceptor for over 10 years.
      • When asked to provide his thought on serving as a UAB PA preceptor, here is what Dr. Browne had to say:
        • “It has been one of the best decisions I've made regarding my practice of medicine. I really enjoy the interaction with the students. I am so impressed with their preparation before they start their clinical rotations. In addition, the politeness and enthusiasm the students display is not lost on my patients. Often when I enter a room without a student - a patient will ask "where is your student?” There is no greater compliment to your program than this.”

Become a Preceptor Today

To invest in the future of health care and tomorrow’s PA leaders, please fill out this quick, simple form and we will be in touch soon to discuss next steps.

Contact Us

Heather Neighbors

Heather Neighbors
Co-Director of Clinical Education
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205-975-0342

Jana Villanueva

Jana Villanueva
Co-Director of Clinical Education
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205-996-2911