Department of Family and Preventive Medicine

Veterans Administration Primary Care Residency

The Emory Physician Assistant Program and the Atlanta VA Medical Center (VAMC) have collaborated to create the Primary Care Residency Program. Begun in 2012 with a $10.7M Innovations Grant, this training program includes 12 months of didactic and clinical educational experiences focusing on Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) concepts of:

  • Patient engagement in care
  • Clinical leadership
  • Systems-based practice
  • Chronic disease management
  • Practice process improvement
  • Timely transitions of care between primary and specialty care

The PACT model is built on the well-known concept of the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) staffed by high-functioning teams. The goals of this training program include the implementation of a model PA post-graduate curriculum in the PACT delivery system, the delivery of an outstanding educational experience for residents, and the development of future VA employee leaders and change agents.

The mission of the VA Residency Program in Primary Care for Physician Assistants is to prepare PA professionals to practice comprehensive, coordinated, patient-centered, team-based primary care.  Commitment to this mission will promote timely access to both primary and specialty care, improve the quality of patient care, and enhance the patient experience. The program’s philosophy is to provide and inspire a supportive and effective advanced educational experience for PA Residents.  

Academic Year 2024-2025 Program 

Important Dates

  • Application Submission Window: November 13 - December 8, 2023    
  • Interview Period (interviews will be held virtually): December 11 - 15, 2023                         
  • Selection Notification: January 10, 2024
  • Program Start Date: May 2024

Important Documents