Ellen Mandel

Ellen D. Mandel, DMH, MPA, MS, PA-C, RDN, CDCES, EMT

Professor and Program Director, Physician Assistant Program
School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

CONTACT INFORMATION

Courses

  • Clinical Medicine Topics
  • Medical Ethics
  • Clinical Laboratory Sciences
  • Research
  • Critical Thinking for PAs

Research

  • Medical Humanities
  • The Art of Medicine
  • Empathy in Healthcare Providers
  • Nutrition in Health and Disease Prevention

Education

  • BS, Montclair State College (now University)
  • BS, Rutgers University
  • MPA, Seton Hall University
  • MSPA, UMDNJ
  • DMH, Drew University
  • EMT, Union County College

Academic Profile

The art and science of medicine is the overarching theme of my professional journey.  As I began this journey as a clinical dietitian, it became clear to me that changing behavior was a complex and sometimes messy process.  Simply having knowledge did not translate into behavior change.  I did not know it at the time, but, this would become the focus of my training and continued fascination.
A desire to do the best for my patients prompted me to expand my skill set and pushed my career envelope.  Working in healthcare administration supported my comprehension of how policy, finances, and hierarchies impact the delivery of healthcare for individuals and the masses.
Stepping along the path, I needed more “power” to help people; the power of the pen.  Thus, the PA profession allowed me to assess patients, order tests, write prescriptions, and treat conditions.  All very important.  Yet, something was missing – the humanities.  I found the gap in all my science-focused training.  Fortunately, I also found the medical humanities!  I immersed myself in the acquisition of my Doctorate in Medical Humanities and began to spread the word: medicine is an art and a science and cannot be truly separated.
Throughout this journey, I have and continue to enjoy teaching PA students as well as working clinically.  My work on the JAAPA editorial board is most gratifying.  One of the best things about teaching PA students is having a front-row seat to watch them mature and enter their chosen profession.  For this, I am eternally grateful.

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