Derrick Rocker, DC, is a recent graduate of the MSU PA program. On Friday, December 13, he received his master’s degree with the Class of 2019. Classmates describe him as “humble, intelligent, and kind with a contagious smile.” Preceptors shared, “Derrick was an excellent assistant in both clinic and in the operating room. Prompt and professional.” With a doctor of chiropractic and a master of science in physician assistant studies, we’re excited to see what’s next for Dr. Rocker; soon to be PA-C.

Hometown

Franklin, Nebraska

Colleges attended and degrees earned

Missouri State University- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Cleveland University- Kansas City- Doctor of Chiropractic

University of Nebraska-Lincoln- Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

Previous health care experience

I worked as a chiropractor at a small medical clinic in rural Nebraska. I had a very unique opportunity for a chiropractor as I worked at the same clinic as our medical doctor, nurse practitioners and physician assistant and often collaborated with them to care for patients.

Interesting fact about yourself

I did a lot of traveling during my clinical year! While most students do the majority of their clinical rotations in Springfield and the surrounding area, I chose to do my rotations at distant clinical sites in Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma. I loved traveling around and spending time in places that I probably would not have visited otherwise.

Why did you decide to become a PA?

While I was working at the medical clinic with doctors, nurse practitioners, and a physician assistant, I got to see the wide variety of conditions that they were treating and overtime I decided that I would like to do that as well. I chose physician assistant over other routes for medical training as I liked that you get a wide base of medical knowledge in PA school and are then able to work in such a wide variety of specialties.

Describe your experience in the program.

My experience in the program was great! I liked the small class size which allowed for plenty of hands-on time in the lab. We also had many doctors and physician assistants come to class to teach us about certain topics which gave us many opportunities to learn from people practicing in the field. I enjoyed my clinical rotations and feel like I had great opportunities to learn from knowledgeable providers. As someone who moved a long way from home to go to PA school at Missouri State, I can say that it was totally worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

What do you like best about Missouri State’s PA program?

The faculty, staff and my classmates! The faculty and staff were very nice and more than willing to help if you needed it! PA school can be pretty stressful at times, but my classmates always helped each other get through the rough patches and we managed to have a lot of fun along the way!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received so far?

Keep an open mind! I think most students going into PA school have some idea of a specialty or type of job that they would like to purse, but I think it’s important to keep your options open. As you go through the program you are exposed to so many different possibilities that you may not have considered before. Throughout the program I constantly changed my mind about what I wanted to do after graduation, you might be surprised about what specialty you end up enjoying!

What specialty do you want to pursue? Why?

I did my elective rotation in Neurosurgery and really enjoyed it! I like that I get to care for patients in a variety of settings including the clinic, hospital and OR.

The MSU Physician Assistant Studies Department is pleased to announce that Dr. Roberto Canales has been selected as program director and department head. Dr. Canales will begin his term February 1, 2020.

Dr. Steven Dodge, current program director and department head, announced his upcoming retirement earlier this fall after fifteen years of service to the MSU PA Program. “I have elected to step down from leadership roles in our department and to retire from full-time teaching due to age-related health factors. I have full and absolute confidence that under Dr. Canales’ dynamic leadership the MSU PA program will enjoy a new burst of growth along the path to excellence” said Dr. Dodge.

Dr. Canales shared, “I am both honored to serve and thrilled at the opportunity. The MSU PA program has an excellent team of faculty and staff, as well as clinical training sites in the community. Together, we will continue to graduate competent and capable physician assistants ready to deliver quality health care to diverse populations.”

Dr. Canales is currently serving as the associate program director and admissions director in the MSU physician assistant studies department. Joining the department in 2002, Dr. Canales has taken on many roles including interim academic coordinator, admissions coordinator, interim program coordinator and most recently associate dean of faculty for the McQueary College of Health and Human Services. He also serves as chair of the family medicine and internal medicine Physician Assistant Education Association Exam Development Board.

Prior to his time at Missouri State University, Dr. Canales served as a faculty member at the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Allied Health Science Physician Assistant Studies program (1994-2002). He is also veteran of the US Army Reserves.

Dr. Canales holds a BS in Physician Assistant Studies and MS in Health Education and Promotion from the University of Texas Medical Branch as well as a Doctorate of Health Sciences from Nova Southeastern University.