Constance Burke

Constance Burke, JD, PA-C, MS, is an Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Physician Assistant Science program at the School of Health Sciences, Oakland University. She is based in the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences and plays a key leadership role in advancing interprofessional education across the School of Nursing and OUWB School of Medicine. With over 25 years of clinical experience and 14 years in PA education, she is deeply committed to healthcare innovation, diversity, and legal integrity in medical training.

Educational Background:

• JD, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
• M.S., Physician Assistant Studies, University of Detroit Mercy
• M.S., Biology, University of Detroit
• B.S., Biology, University of Detroit

Her research and teaching interests center on diversity and inclusion in healthcare education, integrative and alternative medicine, and the legal aspects of clinical and educational practice. She emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and has led curriculum development in accelerated PA programs. Her scholarly work reflects a strong commitment to policy, ethics, and equity in medical education.

The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on legal and ethical issues in PA education, interprofessional training, substance abuse, and integrative approaches to chronic disease and women’s health. These works span disciplines such as healthcare law, medical education, public health, and clinical practice, with subfields including regulatory compliance, cultural competency, addiction medicine, and patient-centered care models.

Scientific Awards and Grants:

• Grants from the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA)
• Grants from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
• University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) research grants

Professor Burke has made significant contributions to academic leadership and clinical training. As Academic Law Editor for the Journal of Physician Assistant Education for seven years, she published extensively on legal standards in PA programs. She has secured external funding for initiatives in diversity, inclusion, and substance abuse training. Her advising likely extends to program development and curriculum design, though specific student names are not listed. She continues to mentor through her editorial and administrative roles.

She is clinically active as a women’s health specialist in hormone replacement and weight management and serves as a provider at Beaumont Wellstreet Urgent Care. Her work bridges academic scholarship with frontline healthcare delivery, contributing to both education and patient care. She is a member of the Michigan Academy of Physician Assistants, American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Physician Assistant Education Association.