Whitney Balmert, DMSc, PA-C

The department chair/program director is responsible for the oversight and operation of the PA program. The chair/director participates in the development of the didactic and clinical aspects of the program as well as being responsible for the faculty and staff. The position also encompasses participation in management-level committees within the University.

The clinical director is responsible for oversight of the clinical curriculum, developing and maintaining clinical sites, visiting and evaluation of preceptors and clinical rotations to ensure ARC-PA standards are met. The clinical director is also responsible for coordinating and teaching clinical courses as well as providing support, evaluations, and advisement to students during their clinical phase.

Professor Whitney Balmert graduated from the University of Central Florida Burnett Honors College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Service Administration. In 2010, she received a Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies at Nova Southeastern University. Then in 2024, she earned her Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) in Medical Education from the University of Lynchburg. Since graduation she has been practicing clinically in the field of pediatrics with experience in outpatient, inpatient, and urgent care pediatric settings.

In practice, she has served as the lead training provider and has also served as a preceptor to both medical and PA students from several universities. She also served on an advisory board for an electronic medical records (EMR) company, assisting with healthcare provider-friendly development and training. In addition to her clinical experience, she served as adjunct faculty at both AdventHealth University (AHU) and Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Physician Assistant Programs. In recognition of her achievements, Professor Balmert was inducted into the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants. In 2018, Professor Balmert joined the faculty at AHU as an assistant professor. While continuing to practice pediatrics clinically, her primary responsibility at AHU is as the clinical director, overseeing students through their clinical phase of training. Professor Balmert also supports the didactic phase PA students and is involved in student teaching and clinical training.