Physician Assistant Emergency Medicine Fellowship

Established in 2018, The Columbia Medical Center Physician Assistant Emergency Medicine Fellowship is a rigorous and immersive 12- month postgraduate training program designed to prepare physician assistants (PAs) for a dynamic career in emergency medicine. Our mission is to cultivate highly skilled, knowledgeable, and confident emergency medicine PAs through advanced clinical training, hands-on experience, and mentorship from leading physicians and advanced practice providers. 

Located at Columbia Medical Center, a nationally recognized academic medical institution, our fellowship offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends high-acuity patient care with didactic learning, procedural training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Fellows gain hands-on experience in trauma, critical care, ultrasound, airway management, and more, working in a fast-paced, high-volume emergency department. 

With a strong emphasis on evidence-based medicine, professional development, and teamwork, our fellowship equips graduates with the expertise and confidence to excel in emergency medicine settings. Whether managing complex cases, performing life-saving procedures, or leading in high-stress environments, our graduates emerge as highly competent emergency medicine providers ready to make a meaningful impact. 

Benefits and Salary:

Physician Assistant Fellows are employed by Columbia University. For the 2025-2026 cycle, the fellowship stipend will be $85,000 per year.  Fellows are provided with medical, dental, vision benefits, $1500 CME dollars, 3 weeks of paid vacation. There are parking garages nearby which are not included, and we do not provide housing arrangements for PA Fellows. 

Meet our Fellowship Team

Andie Coopersmith, PA-C: Director of PA Fellowship program

Nathan Todd, MPH, PA-C: Associate Chief PA, Assistant Director for PA Education

Danielle Barrocas, MD: PEM Educator

Jimmy Truong, DO, MS, FACEP: Director of PA Education

Curriculum & Clinical Expectations

While rotating through the emergency department, fellows are required to work 44 hours per week, consisting of a mix of 10-hour and 12-hour shifts, including nights and weekends. Didactic sessions are separate from these clinical hours. GEM fellows rotate through both the NYP-Columbia and NYP-Allen EDs, while PEM fellows will rotate through the NYP-Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital ED.  Fellows will work in all ED areas and evaluate patients of all Emergency Severity Index (ESI) levels, gaining experience in high-acuity and psychiatric emergencies as well as mid- and low-acuity care and other specialized settings.  This comprehensive exposure ensures a well-rounded emergency medicine training experience. 

Their responsibilities include obtaining clinical histories, performing physical exams, documenting findings in the electronic medical record (EMR), and formulating treatment plans. PAs present cases in real-time to attending physicians, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and perform emergent procedures like intubation, central line placement, suturing, and more as per hospital privileges. They ensure proper documentation, provide patient counseling and discharge instructions, and serve as first responders in life-threatening emergencies when an on-site physician is unavailable. 

Off service Rotations:

GEM & PEM: 2 weeks Ultrasound, 2 weeks Orthopedics, 1 week Ophthalmology, 1 week Elective 

PEM Only: 4 weeks PICU, 2 weeks Cardiology, 2 weeks trauma, 4 weeks Adult ED, Community PEM rotation at Westchester campus 

GEM Only: 2 weeks CT ICU, 2 weeks SICU, 3 weeks trauma, 4 weeks Pediatric ED 

Application Process

Applications for the 2025–2026 Emergency Medicine Fellowship opens on March 1, 2025, with admissions accepted on a rolling basis. The program begins on November 1, 2025. 

We offer three General Emergency Medicine (GEM) positions and one Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) position. While most candidates are new graduates, applications are open to all physician assistants, including those with experience in other fields seeking to advance their emergency medicine training. 

The application link for the November 1, 2025 – October 31, 2026 fellowship will be available starting March 1, 2025, with separate links for PEM and GEM applicants. Due to rolling admissions, we encourage candidates to apply as early as possible to maximize their chances. 

Interview Process: 

  • Interviews will take place from March through May. 

  • The process includes multiple rounds: phone, Zoom, and an optional in-person interview. Applicants may choose to complete all interviews via Zoom. 

  • Final admission decisions will be announced by June 1, 2025. 

Current Fellows are:

  • Selina Fernandez De Lara
  • Jolie Lennox
  • Jenna Moran
  • Reilly Walker

Our FY26 application will be opened on March 1, 2025.

We look forward to meeting our new PA Fellowship class of 2025-2026 this upcoming November.  Orientation will be held the first week of the fellowship program.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to: Andria Coopersmith abc2197@cumc.columbia.edu with any further questions.