Dr. Himmerick has earned a clinical mastera€™s in physician assistant studies (MPAS), a Ph.D. in health services research, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in health services research. At the University of the Pacific School of Health Sciences in California, Dr. Himmerick is helping to build an innovative school to educate future leaders in healthcare and prepare a healthcare workforce to serve Californiaa€™s diverse population.

At the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dr. Himmericka€™s Fulbright project examines the physician experience with Irish-trained PAs in Ireland, particularly in rural areas. This study explores the physician experience with Irish-trained PAs related to abilities, quality of patient care, the scope of practice, and physician satisfaction with the PA role. This study will support PA educators, employers, and health policymakers to integrate PAs into the health care system in Ireland.