Program Director<\/h6>\nAliza Stern, MMSc, PA-C, Program Director<\/h4><\/p>\nProgram Director<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Dermatology<\/em><\/h6>\n![\"\"](\"\/paprogram\/files\/2025\/06\/Stern_Aliza-cropped-592x636.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Contact Information<\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- MMSc, Physician Associate Program Yale University, New Haven, CT<\/li>\n
- BA, Behavioral Neuroscience, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nAliza Stern MMSC, PA-C was appointed Program Director of the PA Program starting July 1, 2025. Prior to this role, Aliza served as the Director of Didactic Education and Associate Program Director, and was responsible for the management, assessment and evaluation of learning outcomes pertaining to the didactic curriculum, as well as educating and evaluating the physician assistant students knowledge.<\/p>\n
Aliza received her Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Neuroscience at Lehigh University before attending Yale University School of Medicine\u2019s Physician Associate Program, through which she obtained her PA certificate and Masters of Medical Science degree. She first practiced at Cambridge Hospital in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and has been practicing privately in Dermatology for the past 10 years. She practices clinical in the Department of Dermatology at Boston Medical Center.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Didactic Team<\/h6>\nRobert O'Brien, DrPH, MHS, PA-C, Associate Director of Didactic Education<\/h4><\/p>\nAssociate Director of Didactic Education<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n![\"\"](\"\/paprogram\/files\/2023\/03\/OBrien-pic-scaled-e1679497683202-564x636.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h3>\nContact Information<\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- DrPH, Public Health, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN<\/li>\n
- MHS, Physician Assistant Studies, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA<\/li>\n
- BA, Leadership Studies and Medical Humanities, University of Richmond, VA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nRobert O\u2019Brien, DrPH, MHS, PA-C, joined the physician assistant program faculty in May 2023. He has practiced clinically in orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, sports traumatology, joint reconstruction, and reconstructive plastic surgery. His clinical work includes peri-operative management and first assisting within the operating room. His professional interests include sports injury prevention, surgical innovation, preventive medicine, evidence-based care, inclusion of marginalized populations in sports, and the effective integration of public health concepts into clinical medicine. He continues to remain involved in several research efforts focused on these areas. Dr. O\u2019Brien completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond, studying leadership and medical humanities. He earned his master\u2019s in health sciences from Drexel University in 2013. He earned his doctoral degree in public health from Walden University in 2023. His dissertation was on Associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Organized Sports Participation among Sexual Minority Adolescents<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Charles Mininger, DMSc, MS, PA-C, Associate Director of Didactic Education<\/h4><\/p>\nAssociate Director of Didactic Education<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine (pending)<\/em>![\"\"](\"\/paprogram\/files\/2025\/10\/Mininger-headshot-1-525x636.jpeg\")
<\/h6>\n<\/a><\/h3>\nContact Information<\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- DMSc, Physician Assistant Studies, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL<\/li>\n
- MS, Physician Assistant Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL<\/li>\n
- MA, Social Work, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL<\/li>\n
- BA, Social Work, Goshen College, Goshen, IN<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nProfessor Charles Mininger, DMSc, PA-C is a nationally certified Physician Assistant with more than 14 years of clinical and administrative experience across surgical, outpatient, and acute care settings. He serves as an Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and as Associate Director of Didactic Education. He also holds a dual appointment as Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and maintains an active clinical practice as an emergency medicine Physician Assistant at Boston Medical Center.<\/p>\n
Professor Mininger teaches extensively across the Physician Assistant curriculum, including Behavioral and Preventive Medicine and Clinical Medicine. He also contributes to the development and coordination of interprofessional educational initiatives within the university, as well as in collaboration with other health professions programs, with a particular emphasis on collaborative, team-based care and the integration of interdisciplinary training models.<\/p>\n
At the national level, Professor Mininger contributes to the Physician Assistant Education Association as a member of the PA Recruitment and Opportunity Mission Advancement Commission. In addition, he serves on the medical committee for the Chicago Marathon and is a commissioned officer in the United States Army National Guard.<\/p>\n
His academic and clinical interests include improving access to and quality of care, examining the role of social networks in health, and advancing interdisciplinary innovations that leverage the Physician Assistant profession to promote health equity and improve patient outcomes.<\/p>\n
Professor Mininger completed his Physician Assistant training at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Before his clinical career, he practiced as a social worker, earning a Master of Arts in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts from Goshen College. In 2022, he earned a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Southern Illinois University.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Clinical Team<\/h6>\nAngela Reffel, MHP, PA-C, Director of Clinical Education<\/h4><\/p>\nDirector of Clinical Education<\/em>
\nAssistant Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n![\"Angela](\"\/paprogram\/files\/2016\/08\/Angela-C-photo-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h3>\n\u00a0<\/span>Contact Information<\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- MHP, Physician Assistant Program, Northeastern University, Boston, MA<\/li>\n
- BA, Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nAngela C. Reffel, MHP, PA-C joined the Physician Assistant Program at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine in 2016.\u00a0 Ms. Reffel received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Brandeis University before attending Northeastern University Bouv\u00e9 College of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program where she obtained her Physician Assistant certificate and Masters of Health Professions degree.\u00a0 She also completed the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases NP\/PA Hepatology Fellowship. For the last 14 years she has practiced at Boston Medical Center in the Section of Gastroenterology, but has clinical and research experience in a variety of settings which include the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Planned Parenthood, Fenway Community Health Center and Dana Farber Cancer Institute.<\/p>\n
In her role as the Director of Clinical Education, Ms. Reffel is responsible for vetting, assessing and maintaining clinical sites as well as educating and evaluating physician assistant student\u2019s clinical skills.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Medical Director<\/h6>\nMelissa DiPetrillo, MD<\/h4><\/p>\nMedical Director, PA Program<\/em>
\n Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n![\"\"](\"\/paprogram\/files\/2023\/04\/DiPetrillo-532x636.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Contact Information<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589<\/span>
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- BA, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA<\/li>\n
- MD, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA<\/li>\n
- Residency Training, Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine\/ Boston Medical Center<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nMelissa DiPetrillo, M.D. has been a medical educator since 2005. She joined the program in 2016 as the PA Program Medical Director and directs the Clinical Practicum courses in\u00a0addition to her service as a thesis advisor. She\u00a0has over 10 years of experience teaching medical students in the clinical years. She has published a curriculum for teaching the pulmonary exam to medical students and much of her medical education interests continue to include clinical medicine, critical thinking, and communication. She has been an active presenter and panel discussant for Scope of Pain, a continuing medical education activity designed to help medical providers safely and effectively manage patients with chronic pain.<\/p>\n
Dr. DiPetrillo is a graduate of Wellesley College, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, and Boston Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency. She cares for patients in both the inpatient and outpatient setting and also supervises an internal medicine resident continuity clinic.\u00a0\u00a0She is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and was granted the Clinical Educator of the Year Award (2011). In 2015 she was granted the Department of General Medicine Sam Putman Award.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Director of Research<\/h6>\nJohn R. Weinstein, PhD, MS<\/h4><\/p>\nDirector of Research<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n![\"\"](\"\/paprogram\/files\/2020\/03\/Weinstein-636x636.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Contact Information\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- MS, Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA<\/li>\n
- PhD, Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA<\/li>\n
- BA, Chemistry\/Biochemistry, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nDr. Weinstein joined the PA program as a faculty member in 2017. Prior to joining the program he was a global health researcher in the Division of Global Health Sciences at University of California, San Francisco. He has experience teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs in chemistry, biostatistics and global health economics. He has presented his research at the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology \u00a0annual meetings and the Consortium of Universities for Global Health.<\/p>\n
Dr. Weinstein is the Director of Research for the Physician Assistant Program. He develops and implements the program\u2019s research curriculum which consists of coursework, journal clubs, and the thesis project. Dr. Weinstein performs research related to environmental toxins and pregnancy in Kenya and reducing household air pollution in Guatemala.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Core Faculty<\/h6>\nRobert Baginski, MD<\/h4><\/p>\nCore Faculty, PA Program<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Medicine![\"\"](\"\/paprogram\/files\/2026\/02\/Baginski-website-pic-514x636.jpg\")
<\/em><\/h6>\n <\/p>\n
Contact Information<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n
Aliza Stern, MMSc, PA-C, Program Director<\/h4><\/p>\nProgram Director<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Dermatology<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Contact Information<\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- MMSc, Physician Associate Program Yale University, New Haven, CT<\/li>\n
- BA, Behavioral Neuroscience, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nAliza Stern MMSC, PA-C was appointed Program Director of the PA Program starting July 1, 2025. Prior to this role, Aliza served as the Director of Didactic Education and Associate Program Director, and was responsible for the management, assessment and evaluation of learning outcomes pertaining to the didactic curriculum, as well as educating and evaluating the physician assistant students knowledge.<\/p>\n
Aliza received her Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Neuroscience at Lehigh University before attending Yale University School of Medicine\u2019s Physician Associate Program, through which she obtained her PA certificate and Masters of Medical Science degree. She first practiced at Cambridge Hospital in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and has been practicing privately in Dermatology for the past 10 years. She practices clinical in the Department of Dermatology at Boston Medical Center.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Didactic Team<\/h6>\nRobert O'Brien, DrPH, MHS, PA-C, Associate Director of Didactic Education<\/h4><\/p>\nAssociate Director of Didactic Education<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/a><\/h3>\nContact Information<\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- DrPH, Public Health, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN<\/li>\n
- MHS, Physician Assistant Studies, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA<\/li>\n
- BA, Leadership Studies and Medical Humanities, University of Richmond, VA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nRobert O\u2019Brien, DrPH, MHS, PA-C, joined the physician assistant program faculty in May 2023. He has practiced clinically in orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, sports traumatology, joint reconstruction, and reconstructive plastic surgery. His clinical work includes peri-operative management and first assisting within the operating room. His professional interests include sports injury prevention, surgical innovation, preventive medicine, evidence-based care, inclusion of marginalized populations in sports, and the effective integration of public health concepts into clinical medicine. He continues to remain involved in several research efforts focused on these areas. Dr. O\u2019Brien completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond, studying leadership and medical humanities. He earned his master\u2019s in health sciences from Drexel University in 2013. He earned his doctoral degree in public health from Walden University in 2023. His dissertation was on Associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Organized Sports Participation among Sexual Minority Adolescents<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Charles Mininger, DMSc, MS, PA-C, Associate Director of Didactic Education<\/h4><\/p>\nAssociate Director of Didactic Education<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine (pending)<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/a><\/h3>\nContact Information<\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- DMSc, Physician Assistant Studies, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL<\/li>\n
- MS, Physician Assistant Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL<\/li>\n
- MA, Social Work, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL<\/li>\n
- BA, Social Work, Goshen College, Goshen, IN<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nProfessor Charles Mininger, DMSc, PA-C is a nationally certified Physician Assistant with more than 14 years of clinical and administrative experience across surgical, outpatient, and acute care settings. He serves as an Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and as Associate Director of Didactic Education. He also holds a dual appointment as Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and maintains an active clinical practice as an emergency medicine Physician Assistant at Boston Medical Center.<\/p>\n
Professor Mininger teaches extensively across the Physician Assistant curriculum, including Behavioral and Preventive Medicine and Clinical Medicine. He also contributes to the development and coordination of interprofessional educational initiatives within the university, as well as in collaboration with other health professions programs, with a particular emphasis on collaborative, team-based care and the integration of interdisciplinary training models.<\/p>\n
At the national level, Professor Mininger contributes to the Physician Assistant Education Association as a member of the PA Recruitment and Opportunity Mission Advancement Commission. In addition, he serves on the medical committee for the Chicago Marathon and is a commissioned officer in the United States Army National Guard.<\/p>\n
His academic and clinical interests include improving access to and quality of care, examining the role of social networks in health, and advancing interdisciplinary innovations that leverage the Physician Assistant profession to promote health equity and improve patient outcomes.<\/p>\n
Professor Mininger completed his Physician Assistant training at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Before his clinical career, he practiced as a social worker, earning a Master of Arts in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts from Goshen College. In 2022, he earned a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Southern Illinois University.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Clinical Team<\/h6>\nAngela Reffel, MHP, PA-C, Director of Clinical Education<\/h4><\/p>\nDirector of Clinical Education<\/em>
\nAssistant Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/a><\/h3>\n\u00a0<\/span>Contact Information<\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- MHP, Physician Assistant Program, Northeastern University, Boston, MA<\/li>\n
- BA, Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nAngela C. Reffel, MHP, PA-C joined the Physician Assistant Program at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine in 2016.\u00a0 Ms. Reffel received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Brandeis University before attending Northeastern University Bouv\u00e9 College of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program where she obtained her Physician Assistant certificate and Masters of Health Professions degree.\u00a0 She also completed the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases NP\/PA Hepatology Fellowship. For the last 14 years she has practiced at Boston Medical Center in the Section of Gastroenterology, but has clinical and research experience in a variety of settings which include the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Planned Parenthood, Fenway Community Health Center and Dana Farber Cancer Institute.<\/p>\n
In her role as the Director of Clinical Education, Ms. Reffel is responsible for vetting, assessing and maintaining clinical sites as well as educating and evaluating physician assistant student\u2019s clinical skills.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Medical Director<\/h6>\nMelissa DiPetrillo, MD<\/h4><\/p>\nMedical Director, PA Program<\/em>
\n Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/p>\n
Contact Information<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589<\/span>
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- BA, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA<\/li>\n
- MD, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA<\/li>\n
- Residency Training, Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine\/ Boston Medical Center<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nMelissa DiPetrillo, M.D. has been a medical educator since 2005. She joined the program in 2016 as the PA Program Medical Director and directs the Clinical Practicum courses in\u00a0addition to her service as a thesis advisor. She\u00a0has over 10 years of experience teaching medical students in the clinical years. She has published a curriculum for teaching the pulmonary exam to medical students and much of her medical education interests continue to include clinical medicine, critical thinking, and communication. She has been an active presenter and panel discussant for Scope of Pain, a continuing medical education activity designed to help medical providers safely and effectively manage patients with chronic pain.<\/p>\n
Dr. DiPetrillo is a graduate of Wellesley College, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, and Boston Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency. She cares for patients in both the inpatient and outpatient setting and also supervises an internal medicine resident continuity clinic.\u00a0\u00a0She is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and was granted the Clinical Educator of the Year Award (2011). In 2015 she was granted the Department of General Medicine Sam Putman Award.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Director of Research<\/h6>\nJohn R. Weinstein, PhD, MS<\/h4><\/p>\nDirector of Research<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/p>\n
Contact Information\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- MS, Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA<\/li>\n
- PhD, Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA<\/li>\n
- BA, Chemistry\/Biochemistry, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nDr. Weinstein joined the PA program as a faculty member in 2017. Prior to joining the program he was a global health researcher in the Division of Global Health Sciences at University of California, San Francisco. He has experience teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs in chemistry, biostatistics and global health economics. He has presented his research at the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology \u00a0annual meetings and the Consortium of Universities for Global Health.<\/p>\n
Dr. Weinstein is the Director of Research for the Physician Assistant Program. He develops and implements the program\u2019s research curriculum which consists of coursework, journal clubs, and the thesis project. Dr. Weinstein performs research related to environmental toxins and pregnancy in Kenya and reducing household air pollution in Guatemala.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Core Faculty<\/h6>\nRobert Baginski, MD<\/h4><\/p>\nCore Faculty, PA Program<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n <\/p>\n
Contact Information<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n
Program Director<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Dermatology<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Contact Information<\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- MMSc, Physician Associate Program Yale University, New Haven, CT<\/li>\n
- BA, Behavioral Neuroscience, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nAliza Stern MMSC, PA-C was appointed Program Director of the PA Program starting July 1, 2025. Prior to this role, Aliza served as the Director of Didactic Education and Associate Program Director, and was responsible for the management, assessment and evaluation of learning outcomes pertaining to the didactic curriculum, as well as educating and evaluating the physician assistant students knowledge.<\/p>\n
Aliza received her Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Neuroscience at Lehigh University before attending Yale University School of Medicine\u2019s Physician Associate Program, through which she obtained her PA certificate and Masters of Medical Science degree. She first practiced at Cambridge Hospital in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and has been practicing privately in Dermatology for the past 10 years. She practices clinical in the Department of Dermatology at Boston Medical Center.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Didactic Team<\/h6>\nRobert O'Brien, DrPH, MHS, PA-C, Associate Director of Didactic Education<\/h4><\/p>\nAssociate Director of Didactic Education<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/a><\/h3>\nContact Information<\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- DrPH, Public Health, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN<\/li>\n
- MHS, Physician Assistant Studies, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA<\/li>\n
- BA, Leadership Studies and Medical Humanities, University of Richmond, VA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nRobert O\u2019Brien, DrPH, MHS, PA-C, joined the physician assistant program faculty in May 2023. He has practiced clinically in orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, sports traumatology, joint reconstruction, and reconstructive plastic surgery. His clinical work includes peri-operative management and first assisting within the operating room. His professional interests include sports injury prevention, surgical innovation, preventive medicine, evidence-based care, inclusion of marginalized populations in sports, and the effective integration of public health concepts into clinical medicine. He continues to remain involved in several research efforts focused on these areas. Dr. O\u2019Brien completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond, studying leadership and medical humanities. He earned his master\u2019s in health sciences from Drexel University in 2013. He earned his doctoral degree in public health from Walden University in 2023. His dissertation was on Associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Organized Sports Participation among Sexual Minority Adolescents<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Charles Mininger, DMSc, MS, PA-C, Associate Director of Didactic Education<\/h4><\/p>\nAssociate Director of Didactic Education<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine (pending)<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/a><\/h3>\nContact Information<\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- DMSc, Physician Assistant Studies, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL<\/li>\n
- MS, Physician Assistant Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL<\/li>\n
- MA, Social Work, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL<\/li>\n
- BA, Social Work, Goshen College, Goshen, IN<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nProfessor Charles Mininger, DMSc, PA-C is a nationally certified Physician Assistant with more than 14 years of clinical and administrative experience across surgical, outpatient, and acute care settings. He serves as an Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and as Associate Director of Didactic Education. He also holds a dual appointment as Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and maintains an active clinical practice as an emergency medicine Physician Assistant at Boston Medical Center.<\/p>\n
Professor Mininger teaches extensively across the Physician Assistant curriculum, including Behavioral and Preventive Medicine and Clinical Medicine. He also contributes to the development and coordination of interprofessional educational initiatives within the university, as well as in collaboration with other health professions programs, with a particular emphasis on collaborative, team-based care and the integration of interdisciplinary training models.<\/p>\n
At the national level, Professor Mininger contributes to the Physician Assistant Education Association as a member of the PA Recruitment and Opportunity Mission Advancement Commission. In addition, he serves on the medical committee for the Chicago Marathon and is a commissioned officer in the United States Army National Guard.<\/p>\n
His academic and clinical interests include improving access to and quality of care, examining the role of social networks in health, and advancing interdisciplinary innovations that leverage the Physician Assistant profession to promote health equity and improve patient outcomes.<\/p>\n
Professor Mininger completed his Physician Assistant training at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Before his clinical career, he practiced as a social worker, earning a Master of Arts in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts from Goshen College. In 2022, he earned a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Southern Illinois University.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Clinical Team<\/h6>\nAngela Reffel, MHP, PA-C, Director of Clinical Education<\/h4><\/p>\nDirector of Clinical Education<\/em>
\nAssistant Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/a><\/h3>\n\u00a0<\/span>Contact Information<\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- MHP, Physician Assistant Program, Northeastern University, Boston, MA<\/li>\n
- BA, Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nAngela C. Reffel, MHP, PA-C joined the Physician Assistant Program at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine in 2016.\u00a0 Ms. Reffel received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Brandeis University before attending Northeastern University Bouv\u00e9 College of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program where she obtained her Physician Assistant certificate and Masters of Health Professions degree.\u00a0 She also completed the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases NP\/PA Hepatology Fellowship. For the last 14 years she has practiced at Boston Medical Center in the Section of Gastroenterology, but has clinical and research experience in a variety of settings which include the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Planned Parenthood, Fenway Community Health Center and Dana Farber Cancer Institute.<\/p>\n
In her role as the Director of Clinical Education, Ms. Reffel is responsible for vetting, assessing and maintaining clinical sites as well as educating and evaluating physician assistant student\u2019s clinical skills.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Medical Director<\/h6>\nMelissa DiPetrillo, MD<\/h4><\/p>\nMedical Director, PA Program<\/em>
\n Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/p>\n
Contact Information<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589<\/span>
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- BA, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA<\/li>\n
- MD, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA<\/li>\n
- Residency Training, Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine\/ Boston Medical Center<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nMelissa DiPetrillo, M.D. has been a medical educator since 2005. She joined the program in 2016 as the PA Program Medical Director and directs the Clinical Practicum courses in\u00a0addition to her service as a thesis advisor. She\u00a0has over 10 years of experience teaching medical students in the clinical years. She has published a curriculum for teaching the pulmonary exam to medical students and much of her medical education interests continue to include clinical medicine, critical thinking, and communication. She has been an active presenter and panel discussant for Scope of Pain, a continuing medical education activity designed to help medical providers safely and effectively manage patients with chronic pain.<\/p>\n
Dr. DiPetrillo is a graduate of Wellesley College, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, and Boston Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency. She cares for patients in both the inpatient and outpatient setting and also supervises an internal medicine resident continuity clinic.\u00a0\u00a0She is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and was granted the Clinical Educator of the Year Award (2011). In 2015 she was granted the Department of General Medicine Sam Putman Award.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Director of Research<\/h6>\nJohn R. Weinstein, PhD, MS<\/h4><\/p>\nDirector of Research<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/p>\n
Contact Information\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/h6>\nphone: (617) 358-9589
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- MS, Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA<\/li>\n
- PhD, Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA<\/li>\n
- BA, Chemistry\/Biochemistry, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\nDr. Weinstein joined the PA program as a faculty member in 2017. Prior to joining the program he was a global health researcher in the Division of Global Health Sciences at University of California, San Francisco. He has experience teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs in chemistry, biostatistics and global health economics. He has presented his research at the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology \u00a0annual meetings and the Consortium of Universities for Global Health.<\/p>\n
Dr. Weinstein is the Director of Research for the Physician Assistant Program. He develops and implements the program\u2019s research curriculum which consists of coursework, journal clubs, and the thesis project. Dr. Weinstein performs research related to environmental toxins and pregnancy in Kenya and reducing household air pollution in Guatemala.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Core Faculty<\/h6>\nRobert Baginski, MD<\/h4><\/p>\nCore Faculty, PA Program<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n <\/p>\n
Contact Information<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n
<\/p>\nphone: (617) 358-9589 Aliza Stern MMSC, PA-C was appointed Program Director of the PA Program starting July 1, 2025. Prior to this role, Aliza served as the Director of Didactic Education and Associate Program Director, and was responsible for the management, assessment and evaluation of learning outcomes pertaining to the didactic curriculum, as well as educating and evaluating the physician assistant students knowledge.<\/p>\n Aliza received her Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Neuroscience at Lehigh University before attending Yale University School of Medicine\u2019s Physician Associate Program, through which she obtained her PA certificate and Masters of Medical Science degree. She first practiced at Cambridge Hospital in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and has been practicing privately in Dermatology for the past 10 years. She practices clinical in the Department of Dermatology at Boston Medical Center.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n phone: (617) 358-9589 Robert O\u2019Brien, DrPH, MHS, PA-C, joined the physician assistant program faculty in May 2023. He has practiced clinically in orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, sports traumatology, joint reconstruction, and reconstructive plastic surgery. His clinical work includes peri-operative management and first assisting within the operating room. His professional interests include sports injury prevention, surgical innovation, preventive medicine, evidence-based care, inclusion of marginalized populations in sports, and the effective integration of public health concepts into clinical medicine. He continues to remain involved in several research efforts focused on these areas. Dr. O\u2019Brien completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond, studying leadership and medical humanities. He earned his master\u2019s in health sciences from Drexel University in 2013. He earned his doctoral degree in public health from Walden University in 2023. His dissertation was on Associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Organized Sports Participation among Sexual Minority Adolescents<\/em>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n phone: (617) 358-9589 Professor Charles Mininger, DMSc, PA-C is a nationally certified Physician Assistant with more than 14 years of clinical and administrative experience across surgical, outpatient, and acute care settings. He serves as an Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and as Associate Director of Didactic Education. He also holds a dual appointment as Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and maintains an active clinical practice as an emergency medicine Physician Assistant at Boston Medical Center.<\/p>\n Professor Mininger teaches extensively across the Physician Assistant curriculum, including Behavioral and Preventive Medicine and Clinical Medicine. He also contributes to the development and coordination of interprofessional educational initiatives within the university, as well as in collaboration with other health professions programs, with a particular emphasis on collaborative, team-based care and the integration of interdisciplinary training models.<\/p>\n At the national level, Professor Mininger contributes to the Physician Assistant Education Association as a member of the PA Recruitment and Opportunity Mission Advancement Commission. In addition, he serves on the medical committee for the Chicago Marathon and is a commissioned officer in the United States Army National Guard.<\/p>\n His academic and clinical interests include improving access to and quality of care, examining the role of social networks in health, and advancing interdisciplinary innovations that leverage the Physician Assistant profession to promote health equity and improve patient outcomes.<\/p>\n Professor Mininger completed his Physician Assistant training at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Before his clinical career, he practiced as a social worker, earning a Master of Arts in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts from Goshen College. In 2022, he earned a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Southern Illinois University.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n phone: (617) 358-9589 Angela C. Reffel, MHP, PA-C joined the Physician Assistant Program at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine in 2016.\u00a0 Ms. Reffel received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Brandeis University before attending Northeastern University Bouv\u00e9 College of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program where she obtained her Physician Assistant certificate and Masters of Health Professions degree.\u00a0 She also completed the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases NP\/PA Hepatology Fellowship. For the last 14 years she has practiced at Boston Medical Center in the Section of Gastroenterology, but has clinical and research experience in a variety of settings which include the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Planned Parenthood, Fenway Community Health Center and Dana Farber Cancer Institute.<\/p>\n In her role as the Director of Clinical Education, Ms. Reffel is responsible for vetting, assessing and maintaining clinical sites as well as educating and evaluating physician assistant student\u2019s clinical skills.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n phone: (617) 358-9589<\/span> Melissa DiPetrillo, M.D. has been a medical educator since 2005. She joined the program in 2016 as the PA Program Medical Director and directs the Clinical Practicum courses in\u00a0addition to her service as a thesis advisor. She\u00a0has over 10 years of experience teaching medical students in the clinical years. She has published a curriculum for teaching the pulmonary exam to medical students and much of her medical education interests continue to include clinical medicine, critical thinking, and communication. She has been an active presenter and panel discussant for Scope of Pain, a continuing medical education activity designed to help medical providers safely and effectively manage patients with chronic pain.<\/p>\n Dr. DiPetrillo is a graduate of Wellesley College, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, and Boston Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency. She cares for patients in both the inpatient and outpatient setting and also supervises an internal medicine resident continuity clinic.\u00a0\u00a0She is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and was granted the Clinical Educator of the Year Award (2011). In 2015 she was granted the Department of General Medicine Sam Putman Award.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n phone: (617) 358-9589 Dr. Weinstein joined the PA program as a faculty member in 2017. Prior to joining the program he was a global health researcher in the Division of Global Health Sciences at University of California, San Francisco. He has experience teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs in chemistry, biostatistics and global health economics. He has presented his research at the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology \u00a0annual meetings and the Consortium of Universities for Global Health.<\/p>\n Dr. Weinstein is the Director of Research for the Physician Assistant Program. He develops and implements the program\u2019s research curriculum which consists of coursework, journal clubs, and the thesis project. Dr. Weinstein performs research related to environmental toxins and pregnancy in Kenya and reducing household air pollution in Guatemala.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/p>\n
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n
\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\n
Didactic Team<\/h6>\n
Robert O'Brien, DrPH, MHS, PA-C, Associate Director of Didactic Education<\/h4>
Associate Director of Didactic Education<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/a><\/h3>\nContact Information<\/strong><\/h6>\n
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n
\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\n
Charles Mininger, DMSc, MS, PA-C, Associate Director of Didactic Education<\/h4>
Associate Director of Didactic Education<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine (pending)<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/a><\/h3>\n
Contact Information<\/strong><\/h6>\n
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n
\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\n
Clinical Team<\/h6>\n
Angela Reffel, MHP, PA-C, Director of Clinical Education<\/h4>
Director of Clinical Education<\/em>
\nAssistant Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/a><\/h3>\n\u00a0<\/span>Contact Information<\/strong><\/h6>\n
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n
\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\n
Medical Director<\/h6>\n
Melissa DiPetrillo, MD<\/h4>
Medical Director, PA Program<\/em>
\n Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/p>\nContact Information<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n
\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\n
Director of Research<\/h6>\n
John R. Weinstein, PhD, MS<\/h4>
Director of Research<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/p>\nContact Information\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/h6>\n
\nemail: paoffice@bu.edu<\/a>
\nBU Profile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nEducation<\/strong><\/h6>\n
\n
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>\n
Core Faculty<\/h6>\n
Robert Baginski, MD<\/h4>
Core Faculty, PA Program<\/em>
\n Assistant Professor of Medicine<\/em><\/h6>\nContact Information<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n
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