Physician Assistant program names Ian Ward new associate director

May 3, 2024

Ian Ward has been appointed as the associate program director of the Physician Assistant (PA) program. Ward was a full-time faculty member with Campbell University's PA program from 2018-2021. He rejoined in 2023.

While Ward is originally from Manchester in the United Kingdom, he likes to tell students he is from Alabama just to see their confused looks. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computing, a Master of Medical Science, and a Doctor of Health Science in Medical Education. He has received various awards and been a part of numerous publications over the years. In addition to his academic experience, Ward has clinical experience working as a PA with Carolina Eye Associates, in urgent care, and behavioral health.

Ward worked in the IT industry as a consultant, project manager, and director at IBM for 20 years. In 2009, his father was visiting from the UK and had a heart attack that required open heart surgery. The excellent care his father received from the medical team was Ward's catalyst to begin a mid-life career change toward becoming a PA.

He has worked with many great PAs and physicians, but Dr. Sam Fleishman, Dr. Ken Fleishman, and Reza Hatefi, PA-C were early mentors who had a great impact on him. He has been working in PA education for nine years and was director of Assessment and Clinical Coordinator at Methodist University. During his time at Campbell, he has worked as the director of Didactic Education. "The two Program Directors I have worked for, Christina Perry and Betty Lynne Johnson, have been great mentors and both taught me a lot about servant leadership," Ward noted.

"The PA faculty and staff go above and beyond to provide the very best didactic and clinical education for Campbell students. Students are mentored about collaborating with each other, looking after their wellness, and becoming not just the best PA they can be but the best version of themselves," Ward remarked.

"It is really rewarding to see new students with that deer in the headlights look gradually build their medical knowledge, skills, and confidence with patients. I always describe PA school as a rollercoaster. As faculty, we get to see this wild ride reflected in the joys and challenges of our students. Teaching, motivating, and mentoring our students is a vocation worthy of great dedication."

Ward is looking forward to his new role and shared, "This is an exciting time for the Campbell University PA program. We have just been awarded accreditation-continued status for the next 10 years. We are planning to use this achievement as a springboard to continuously improve the curriculum and expand the opportunities available for new PA students."

"I am thrilled to have Ian Ward serve in the role of Associate Program Director. Ian and I have worked together closely at Campbell over the past several years, and our knowledge, experience, and leadership styles are complimentary of each other. Ian's dedication to excellence and his collaborative approach make him an invaluable member of our team. I am confident that his passion for our mission will drive us to even greater success in the years ahead," incoming Program Director, Laura Gerstner shared.

Ward has played, watched, and coached soccer his entire life. He loves spending time with his wife, Jane, and three children. His family has lived in North Carolina for almost 30 years, and they enjoy outdoor activities and volunteering with the Special Olympics.

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