Drury hires new head of physician assistant program

Drury University has hired a new leader for its physician assistant program, the higher education institution's first health-related master's degree that debuted last year.

Justin Gambini is serving as program director for Drury's physician assistant program, according to a news release issued late last week. Gambini's LinkedIn profile indicates he started in October.

Kathleen Flach, the Drury degree program's founding director who was hired in 2021, this summer was hired as physician assistant program director at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee, according to an announcement from that school.

Gambini brings to the Drury role nearly two decades of experience in clinical practice, graduate medical education and program leadership. His LinkedIn profile includes career experience as program director of the physician assistant program at College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska.

“With over a decade of leadership experience in PA education, including program development, accreditation success and national advocacy, I am confident in my ability to elevate Drury University’s PA program into a premier destination for future health care leaders," Gambini said in the release. “My track record includes building top-tier faculty teams, securing clinical partnerships and enhancing student success through innovative curriculum design and personalized mentorship. I am passionate about shaping a forward-thinking program rooted in excellence, collaboration and service, positioning Drury’s physician assistant as a nationally recognized leader in PA education.”

The PA program at Drury officially launched in fall 2023.