Bottom named to assistant dean position at UF's College of Medicine

Wayne D. Bottom has been promoted to assistant dean for physician assistant studies at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Through his new role, he will work with other universities in Florida, such as the University of Miami and the University of South Florida, to expand clinical education for training physician assistants. Currently UF has the only physician assistant program within the state's university system, and Bottom will continue to serve as its director, a position he has held since coming to UF in 1983.

More than 900 students have graduated from UF's physician assistant program, which began in 1972. Housed for a number of years in the College of Health Related Professions (now known as the College of Health Professions), the program moved to the College of Medicine in 1992. Program milestones since Bottom's involvement include the doubling of the class size from 30 to 60 and the Board of Regents’ approval to change the degree awarded from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree in physician assistant studies.

Bottom also serves as an adviser for physician assistant education to the Florida State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities.