Physician Assistant Program Appoints New Chair and Program Director

Robin Satterwhite, Ph.D., dean of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Allied Health Sciences, has appointed Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph.D., MT (ASCP) as Chair of the Department of Laboratory Sciences and Primary Care. Satterwhite also appointed Christine Robohm-Leavitt, M.S., PA-C, program director of the Physician Assistant Program in Midland.

Rice-Spearman is certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology and has 28 years of experience in clinical practice, teaching and administration at TTUHSC. She also serves as associate dean for Learning Outcomes and Assessments for the School of Allied Health Sciences. Rice-Spearman recently received the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award and was recognized as one of the top 25 female professors in Texas.

“The faculty and administration of the TTUHSC system are an outstanding group of clinicians and educators,” Rice-Spearman said. “I look forward to working with the great people of the Permian Basin and making a positive impact on the quality and access to healthcare in this region.”

Robohm-Leavitt has more than 13 years of experience in physician assistant education. She was a faculty member of the University of Colorado CHA/PA Program and Carroll University MPAS Program. Robohm-Leavitt brings experience in curriculum development, admissions, policies, and assessments. She currently serves as chair of the Council on Recruitment and Admissions for the Physician Assistant Education Association. She holds a Master of Science in child health associate studies and practices from the University of Colorado CHA/PA Program and practices general ambulatory pediatrics.

“I am excited to join the faculty of the TTUHSC program to lead a very talented faculty and staff in maintaining excellence in physician assistant education, implementing the program mission to produce graduates to provide exemplary health care to the people of West Texas and beyond,” Robohm-Leavitt said.

The Physician Assistant Program is located in Midland, Texas, on the campus of Midland College. The entry-level graduate program awards a Master of Physician Assistant Studies following 27 months of intensive academic and clinical training.

For more breaking news and experts, follow @ttuhscnews on Twitter.