Dr. Kari Bernard Dir of Doctor of Medical Science Program & Associate Profes
About Dr. Kari Bernard
Contact
Expertise
Implementation Science;
Industrial & Organizational Psychology
Personal Statement
I have been a physician assistant (PA) since 2004, practicing in cardiology, emergency medicine, and psychiatry. I transitioned into PA education in 2014. This shift inspired me to pursue a PhD in industrial and organizational psychology, focusing on strategies to help PAs and PA students manage healthcare workplace stress and avoid burnout.
My research portfolio includes studies, reviews, policy papers, and commentaries on PA professional fulfillment, burnout, and turnover, and student well-being. Through this work, I found my scholarly voice and have used it to advocate for PAs and PA students.
In 2021, I moved into PA doctorate education and in 2023, I joined The College of Idaho to create a Doctor of Medical Science program for practicing PAs. The College of Idaho Doctor of Medical Science program aims to prepare graduates with the research skills, expertise, and confidence to elevate their careers.
Education
- Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Walden University
- M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies, A.T. Still University, Summa Cum Laude, Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award
- B.S. in Biology, Eastern New Mexico University, Summa Cum Laude, President’s Award
Publications
Bernard KS, Bostain N. The opportunity to lead facilitates PA professional well-being. JAAPA. 2024;37(6):1-10. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000022
Bernard KS. Well-being and the early-career PA: Influence of the collaborative physician relationship. JAAPA. 2023;36(2):35-43. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000911228.85787.82
Butaney B, Hoover EB, Coplan B, Bernard K. Impact of COVID-19 on student perceived stress, life satisfaction, and psychological flexibility: examination of gender differences. J Am Coll Health. Published online September 29, 2023:1-7. doi:10.1080/07448481.2023.2258411
Hoover EB, Butaney B, Bernard K, et al. Comparing the effectiveness of virtual and in-person delivery of mindfulness-based skills within healthcare curriculums. Med Sci Educ. 2022;32(3):627-640. doi:10.1007/s40670-022-01554-5
Hoover EB, Butaney B, LeLacheur S, et al. Wellness in physician assistant education: exploring mindfulness, well-being, and stress. JPAE. 2022;33(2):107-113. doi:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000427
Hoover EB, Bernard KS. Call to action: multidimensional PA well-being strategies. Physician Assistant Clinics. 2022;7(1):89-102. doi:10.1016/j.cpha.2021.08.002
Reed H, Bernard K, Smith N. Reasons PAs leave their jobs. JAAPA. 2021;34(8):43-47. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000758224.29328.f4
Bernard K, McMoon M. Reading between the lines for a solution to burnout. JAAPA. 2019;32(9):48-50. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000578776.46804.be
Essary AC, Bernard KS, Coplan B, et al. Burnout and job and career satisfaction in the physician assistant profession: a review of the literature. NAM Perspectives. Published online 2018. doi:10.31478/201812b