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.