Varsha Gusman, PA-C is the founding director of the PA Program. She will oversee the degree approval process, plan and develop an accredited curriculum and serve as a classroom instructor, mentor, and advisor to students.  A Xavier University alumna, Gusman earned a Bachelor’s degree in biology and a Master’s degree in the physician assistant program at Our Lady of the Lake College. Prior to her new role, Gusman served as the Lead Physician Assistant for Ochsner Medical Center’s Neuro Critical Care Unit for five years. She currently practices in the Neuro ICU at Ochsner. Gusman says, "We want to provide our students with an environment that fosters quality academic and clinical education. Our interdisciplinary format of teaching facilitates students to excel in integrative patient-care, education, and service to benefit the diverse communities that we serve."