Larissa Whitney

Larissa Whitney, DBA, MHS, PA-C, is an Assistant Dean and Program Director of the Physician Assistant Program at Penn State College of Medicine, as well as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has served in PA education for eight years, holding roles such as didactic faculty member, clinical coordinator, and program director across Pennsylvania institutions. Her clinical work involves precepting students in outpatient clinics.

Education includes a DBA in Health Administration and Leadership from California Intercontinental University (2021), an MHS from Nova Southeastern University (2010), and a BS in Physician Assistant Studies from Pennsylvania College of Technology (2010).

Research focuses on PA education, student mental health, interdisciplinary education, and trauma care. Notable publications include studies on Amish population injuries at trauma centers and disability curriculum integration in PA training. She has presented at conferences like the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation and the Academic Surgical Congress.

Professional recognitions include the Distinguished Honors Graduate (2021), Healthcare Hero (2018), and Patient Safety Fair 1st Place award (2021). She actively contributes to healthcare policy as a delegate for the American Academy of Physician Assistants and reviews presentations for the Physician Assistant Education Association.