Rebekah Thomas, PharmD, PA-C, BCPS, BC-ADM, was recently named the chair and program director of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies for Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. The program, with about 175 students enrolled, has teaching sites in both Philadelphia and Suwanee. She also serves as a professor on the teaching faculty.

With both a doctorate degree in pharmacy and a master’s degree in physician assistant studies, Dr. Thomas joined the PCOM Department of Physician Assistant Studies in July 2015 as an assistant professor. 

She graduated in 2008 from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, cum laude, and then completed two years of general and specialty pharmacy residency training at Grady Health in Atlanta. At Grady, she served as co-chief pharmacy resident and worked in the pharmacotherapy and anti-coagulation clinics. Dr. Thomas also participated in pharmaceutical research at Grady where she served on the Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee. 

Upon completion of her pharmacy education and training, she earned a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree, cum laude, from the College of Allied Health Sciences at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia.

Dr. Thomas then worked as a hospitalist in inpatient hospital medicine for several years, and as an assistant professor of pharmacology at Augusta University. 

A published author, Dr. Thomas has given presentations across the Southeast. She is a licensed and certified PA, a licensed pharmacist and certified in advanced cardiovascular and basic life support. In addition, Dr. Thomas is board certified in advanced diabetes management and as a pharmacotherapy specialist. She has volunteered as a preceptor for pharmacy and physician assistant students.

Dr. Thomas was honored in 2020 as the PCOM Georgia Advisor of the Year by the PCOM Georgia Student Organizing Council. In addition, she was nominated for the Physician Assistant Education Association “Rising Star” Award in 2018 and 2019. This award recognizes a faculty member who has made noteworthy contributions to PA education.

Dr. Thomas is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Physician Assistant Education Association.