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Faculty

The Department of Physician Assistant Studies is led by an expert faculty recognized for excellence in academics, research, and clinical care. Faculty members have received prestigious teaching awards and hold important leadership positions in the physician assistant profession.

Their knowledge, expertise, and dynamic teaching create a rich environment for learning and professional growth.

Our faculty members include:

Temple Howell-Stampley, M.D., M.B.A., MACP

Professor; Department Chair and Program Director
P. Eugene Jones, Ph.D., PA-C Professorship in Physician Assistant Studies
Cissy and W. Plack Carr, Jr. Professorship in Medical Education
Education: M.D. East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine,1993; M.B.A. UT Dallas Jindal School of Management, 2015
Interests: General internal medicine, primary care, physician assistant education, medical education, clinical integration of advanced practice providers, quality improvement and patient safety.

Arlene Betancourt, M.D.

Assistant Professor and Medical Director, Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Education: MD University of Puerto Rico 1995; Fellowship in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine 2019
Interests: Primary care and prevention, medical education, interprofessional collaborations, integrative medicine, health equity, workplace wellbeing, positive psychology, mind-body medicine.

Carolyn Bradley-Guidry, Dr.P.H., M.P.A.S.

Associate Professor and Dean for Student Affairs and Engagement
Education: Dr.P.H., University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, 2019; M.P.A.S., University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2006; B.S., UT Southwestern Medical Center, 1998, B.S.N, Texas Christian University, 1987.
Interests: Health equity, health professions workforce diversity, hypertension management.

Sadaf Charania, M.P.A.S, PA-C

Assistant Professor
Education: M.P.A.S., UNT Health Science Center, 2013; Bachelor of Radiologic Sciences B.S. Midwestern State University, 2010
Interests: Quality improvement and patient safety, medical oncology and cancer care delivery, general internal medicine, health informatics, palliative and end of life care delivery.

Veronica L. Coleman, M.P.A.S., B.S.

Associate Professor and Director of Admissions
Education: M.P.A.S., Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2012; B.S. B.S. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2010, B.S Louisiana Tech University, 2002
Interests: Plastic and reconstructive surgery, surgical oncology, PA surgical skill development, professionalism and leadership

John Giacona, Ph.D., PA-C

Assistant Professor
Education: Ph.D., UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2023; M.P.A.S., UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2020; B.S., The University of Texas at Austin, 2017
Interests: 
Preventive Cardiology, Resistant Hypertension, Lipid Metabolism, Skeletal Muscle Function, Autonomic Control of Blood Pressure

Bethany Grubb, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.P.A.S., B.S.

Assistant Professor
Education: Ph.D., Pepperdine University, 2024, M.P.H., UT Health Science Center, 2014; M.P.A.S., University of Nebraska, 2003; B.S., UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2002; B.S., Baylor University, 1999
Interests: Evidence-based medicine, Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, Global Health and Leadership, Public Policy

Elizabeth Johnston, M.S.

Assistant Professor
Education: M.S., A.T. Still University, 2005; M.S., Brigham Young University, 2003
Interests: Family Practice, Adult Ambulatory Medicine, Medical Education, Health Promotion

David J. Klocko, D.M.Sc., M.P.A.S., B.S.P.A.

Associate Professor and Distinguished Teaching Professor
Education: D.M.Sc, University of Lynchburg, 2020; M.P.A.S., University of Nebraska, 1998; B.S.P.A., King’s College, 1986
Interests: Innovative teaching methods, technology in the classroom, educational outcomes assessment, improving access to care.

Laura Mattingly, M.H.S.

Assistant Professor
Education: M.H.S. University of South Alabama, 2003
Interests: Primary Care, Chronic Disease Management, Patient Empowerment, and Curriculum Design

Jasmine McElhany, M.P.A.S., PA-C

Assistant Professor
Education: M.P.A.S., Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 2009; Spanish, B.A. Texas Tech University, 2007
Interests: Rheumatology and Lung Transplant, Interprofessional Development and Education for Physician Assistants

Teresa Sanders, M.P.A.S., B.S.

Assistant Professor
Education: M.P.A.S., UT Southwestern Medical Center School of Health Professions, 2011; B.S.,Louisiana State University, 2004
Interests: Medical oncology, adult ambultory medicine, curriculum development, health informatics, integration of technology in healthcare delivery and education

Bau P. Tran, Pharm.D., M.M.S., B.S.

Assistant Professor
Education: Doctorate of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, 2000; M.S., St. Francis University, 2008
Interests: General internal medicine, interprofessional development, educational advancement using technology, underserved populations

Jessica White, M.M.S., B.S.

Assistant Professor
Education: M.M.S., Midwestern University, 2010; B.S. Oklahoma Baptist University, 2007
Interests:  Neurology, critical care, health literacy, and patient experience, health workforce