Diversifying the Physician Assistant Workforce

In Spring 2025, Cummins reached out regarding a proposal Meharry submitted some time ago, giving us the chance to connect directly and discuss a new program: the PA-Next Pipeline Program, a mentorship and academic development initiative designed to increase the representation of African American males (currently less than 4%) in the Physician Assistant (PA) profession. After leading the call to build interest in the concept before drafting and submitting the proposal aligned with Cummins’ expressed priorities within the multinational manufacturing company’s CARE Black Equity commitment, I framed the pitch as a workforce-equity investment in which Cummins employees mentor, lead workshops, and host site visits. Anchored in a $100,000 budget covering CASPA fees, professional attire, a leadership retreat, and 1,000 collective mentorship hours for an inaugural cohort of ten, the proposal positioned representation not as a diversity gesture, but as the mechanism by which a healthcare workforce earns the trust of the patients it serves. The request was fully awarded.