Clinical Assistant Professor
Principal Faculty
Jimmy Hightower, MAJ (Ret), DScPAS-EM, is a Clinical Assistant Professor and principal faculty for the didactic year of training at Berry College. He attended the Interservice Physician Assistant Program during his career in the US Army and has worked primarily in Emergency Medicine for the last 14 years.
Jimmy transitioned to full-time academia in 2021, joining South College in Atlanta as didactic faculty. He taught Radiology, Cardiology, and Emergency Medicine and served as the lead instructor for the point-of-care ultrasound curriculum. He also acted as an instructor and evaluator for both state and national POCUS educational activities.
At Berry College, Jimmy is the Course Director for the Clinical Skills and Procedures Course and will be instructing Cardiology and Pulmonology modules in the Clinical Medicine Course. Additionally, he is the simulation specialist for the program, bringing hands-on experience to the classroom.
Jimmy remains active in clinical medicine by working shifts in local emergency departments. He enjoys precepting students and guiding them through the practical application of their didactic training.
Education
- D.Sc.P.A.S-EM, Baylor University (2012)
- M.P.A.S, University of Nebraska Medical Center (2006)
- B.S., University of North Georgia (1994)
Teaching Interests
- Emergency Medicine
- Radiology / Point of Care Ultrasound
- Cardiology
Research Interests
- Triage in Resource Constrained Environments
Field Experience
- Emergency Medicine PA (2011 - present)
- Primary Care PA (2017- 2018)
- Orthopedic PA (2016 - 2017)
- US Army PA (2006 - 2016)
Professional Associations
- Physician Assistant Education Association
- American Academy of Physician Associates
- Georgia Association of Physician Assistants