News
2025
Since immigrating to the U.S. in 2013, Joe Bolanos — who earned a doctorate in medicine in El Salvador — has engaged in health sciences research.
2024
Physician Assistant Student Kenny Nguyen Answers Frequently Asked Questions
“The Schools of Medicine’s track record for producing skilled, compassionate, and evidence-based practitioners really impressed me,” said Heather Gebauer, M.S., PA-C, director of learner success and wellness for the newly launched Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program. “As a physician assistant (PA), I've worked with many physicians trained at UC San Diego. I’ve appreciated the high-quality education they received and the care they provide.”
With nervous smiles and anticipation, the students lined up outside the Ong Family Auditorium at University of California San Diego. Inside, it was standing room only as family and friends gathered to witness a historic White Coat Ceremony. The Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program, which officially launched in June 2024, welcomed the very first cohort of students.
Watch the Ceremony Presentation
In 2020, the California Health Care Foundation estimated that nearly 688,000 people in San Diego and Imperial Counties lived in an area with a shortage of primary care physicians, and the situation is expected to worsen. To help address this critical health care issue in the community, University of California San Diego School of Medicine has launched the new Richard C. and Rita L. Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program. The school welcomed the inaugural class of physician assistant (PA) students on Monday, June 3.
2020
Former University of California San Diego Chancellor and UC President Emeritus Richard Atkinson and Rita Atkinson have committed to give nearly $7 million via a charitable trust to establish and endow the Richard C. and Rita L. Atkinson UC San Diego Physician Assistant Education Program. The gift, which contributes to the Campaign for UC San Diego, is contingent on the establishment of a physician assistant education program at UC San Diego if approved by the University of California.