As one of the first to attend PA school from his program at BU, Merson was tapped post-grad to help advise other BU students following this path and serve as an alumni mentor of sorts. He was then asked back to guest lecture. Even in his first few roles as a PA, he was asked to help train his colleagues and physicians.
“I've always loved education,” he shared. “Since undergrad when giving class presentations, I've always liked being at the at the front of the classroom and having the opportunity to educate others.”
So, years later, when Merson heard the IHP was starting a brand-new PA program, he was interested. Though he had only been working in the field five years at the time, he didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to begin his academic career and help build a program from the ground up. He knew this was the team he wanted to be a part of. He applied immediately.
“I knew that the IHP was a strong educational institution within the Mass General Brigham system,” he said “And I knew there would be very significant opportunities for learning and clinical placement for our students, so I thought if I was going to start up program anywhere, this is where I would want to be.”
Since then, Merson has risen through the ranks at the IHP, from instructor and professor, now to PA Chair. He’s been heavily involved in simulation, OSCE examinations, and in continuing professional development.
“While I’ll never say that I’m an expert at educating others, this new opportunity really allows me to support others’ growth in education, allows the continued growth of their own careers, and allows us all to have a subsequent impact on students and patient outcomes,” he said.
School of Healthcare and Rehabilitation Sciences Dean Dr. Laura Plummer is confident in Merson’s ability to lead in his new role.
“Professor Merson has the expertise, talent, and skills to support the faculty, staff, and students in the PA program,” said Plummer. “We look forward to the further success of the program under his leadership.”
The two sides of his career have now come together nicely: emergency healthcare and education.
“My entire career has been focused on supporting others through my advocacy, education, and disaster medicine work. I’ve worked to eliminate red tape and eliminate barriers for others. Being in this role at the IHP will allow me to continue to support the growth of the profession, and that of our faculty and students so that we may continue to be the best PAs we can be,” said Merson.
While his plans for his new role are numerous, one goal remains front and center: educating IHP students to be a part of something greater than themselves.
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