Mitzi D'Aquila

Mitzi D'Aquila serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Director of the Physician Assistant Program at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. A distinguished graduate of the USC PA Program (Class of 2001), she has held progressive leadership roles including Director of Clinical Education (2017-2021) and Associate Program Director before becoming Program Director.

Her academic credentials include:

• Master of Academic Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC (2014)
• Physician Assistant Program, University of Southern California (2001)
• Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) participant

Dr. D'Aquila's research pioneers physician assistant education innovation, with groundbreaking work in technology-enhanced pedagogy and evidence-based preceptor recruitment. Her development of web-based video resources revolutionized clinical educator engagement, while her national workshops established new standards for PA faculty development through the Physician Assistant Education Association.

Analysis of her publications (2012-2017) reveals a strategic focus on solving critical challenges in clinical education: optimizing preceptor engagement through motivational frameworks, integrating digital tools into core curriculum, and refining assessment methodologies for clinical rotations. Her work consistently bridges educational theory with practical clinical training solutions.

Her distinguished recognition includes:

• Top PA in Pediatrics (POCN, 2022)

As Program Director, Dr. D'Aquila oversees all aspects of student training while securing competitive funding like the 2015 PAEA grant for preceptor recruitment innovation. She has delivered over 30 national presentations and leads faculty development initiatives that shape PA education standards nationwide through structured workshops and retreat facilitation.

Her leadership extends to the California Academy of Physician Assistants (Board of Directors, Director-At-Large), American Academy of Physician Assistants, and Society of Physician Assistants in Pediatrics, where she drives policy development and professional standards for pediatric PA practice.