Donny Ard, Ph.D., MHA, PA-C is the Associate Program Director for the Physician Assistant Program at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM). He is also one of the Directors of IPE Education with the institution of MSM. As a practicing PA in the area surgery, he has been involved in many opportunities that require healthcare care team collaboration to provide successful patient care that lead to positive patient outcomes. He received is Ph.D. in Public Health with a concentration on Community Health Education and Promotion from Walden University.  His dissertation focused on the understanding impact a family of history of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus had on positive behavior changes in the African American community.  His academic training also includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Oakwood University (College), and a Masters  in Health Administration from University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Touro College School of Health Sciences in Bay Shore, NY.  Dr. Ard’s ultimate goal is to help contribute to the gap in healthcare disparities in underserved communities and help increase diversity amongst healthcare providers through education and research.