Tracey Thurnes
Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies and Director of Accelerated Pathways Program
Department: Physician Assistant Studies - Elon
Email: tthurnes@elon.edu
Phone number: (336) 278-6852
Brief Biography
Dr. Tracey Thurnes joined the faculty at Elon University Department of Physician Assistant Studies in September 2012. She currently serves as Associate Professor and Director of the Accelerated Pathways Program. Dr. Thurnes has experience in both the didactic and clinical portions of PA education. In her time at Elon she has taught courses in professional issues, clinical medicine, surgery and clinical reasoning. She also served as the Assistant Director of Clinical Education from 2012-2018. Prior to Elon, Tracey practiced clinically in Cardiology where she provided direct patient care in both inpatient and outpatient settings as a certified physician assistant.
Dr. Thurnes received her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC where she also received a Bachelor of Science degree. She holds a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.
Tracey's interest lie in organizational leadership, leadership development, and innovative pedagogical practices for effective teaching and learning. She enjoys actively mentoring and advising students to prepare them for comprehensive healthcare practice. Her research is centered on enhancing critical thinking, design thinking, and leadership skills among Health Science students.
Education
Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, NC
Master of Physician Assistant Studies, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
Bachelor of Science, Biology, Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, NC
Courses Taught
Elon 1010 The First-Year Advising Seminar
PAS 5600 Professional Issues Seminar
PAS 6140 Clinical Medicine I
PAS 6240 Clinical Medicine II
PAS 6320 Surgical Care
PAS 6460 Advanced Clinical Reasoning
PAS 6800 Clinical Phase Preparation
PAS 7000 Clinical Year Seminar I
PAS 7500 Clinical Year Seminar II
Lecturer in the following courses:
PAS 6160 Pharmacology I
PAS 6180 History and Physical Exam I
PAS 6300 Emergency Medicine
PAS 7480 Master's Project II
Leadership Positions
Chair, Academic Council, 2023-2024
Chair- Elect, Academic Council, 2022-2023
Director of Accelerated Pathways Program, 2020-present
Interim DPAS Director of Curriculum and Instruction, 2021-2022
Elon University Leadership Faculty Scholar, 2016-2018
Chair, Department of Physician Assistant Studies Academic Professional Progress Committee, 2018-2021
Chair, School of Health Science Curriculum Committee, 2017-2018
Chair, Elon University Student Life Committee, 2015-2016
Active member of:
- Accelerated Pathways Admissions Committee
- Design Thinking Curricular and Research Catalyst
- DPAS Admissions Committee
- DPAS Academic and Professional Progress Committee
- DPAS Academic Curriculum Committee
- Health Professions Advisory Committee
Research
Dr. Thurnes has served as a sub-investigator on the following clinical trials:
- Dal-Outcomes: ACS
- Dal-Outcomes II: High Risk Vascular Disease
- REAL AF-Registry: Atrial Fibrillation
- Odysseus Trial: Multaq/LV size
- Hestia Trial: Multaq/Atrial Fibrillation
- Translate Registry: ACS
- Pegasus TIMI 54: Tecagalor
- CANTOS Trial: CRP
- Gloria AF Registry: Atrial Fibrillation
- Accelerate Trial: High Risk Vascular Disease
- Pradaxa Study: Atrial Fibrillation
- Camellia: Weight Loss
- Strength: Hypertriglyceridemia
- Gemini: Rivaroxaban/CAD
Grants Awarded
Polito, A., Scales, M., Thurnes, T., Akman, J., Center for Writing Excellence "A.I. Engagement Grant". Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Health Science Education: A Study of Student Perceptions and Learning Outcomes. June, 2023.
Thurnes, T., CATL Conference Reimbursement Grant for a two poster presentations at International Association of Medical Science Educators 2023 Annual Conference, June 2023
Laosebikan-Buggs,L., Thurnes, T., Read On, Elon Reading Group Grant. Funded the purchase of 16 copies of Small Great Thinkings by Jodi Picoult for faculty, staff, and students in the School of Health Sciences and the undergraduate Accelerated Pathways Program to participate in a reading group for the Spring 2023 semester. August 2022.
Thurnes, T., Henderson, S., Mental Wellbeing Small Grant of $400 to apply toward costs for Elon’s School of Health Sciences Co-Curricular Wellness Initiative. February 2022.
Thurnes, T., CATL Conference Reimbursement Grant for a workshop presentation at International Assocaition of Medical Science Educators 2022 Annual Conference, June 2022.
Thurnes, T., Laosebikan-Buggs,L. Read On, Elon Reading Group Grant. Funded the purchase of 15 copies of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson for faculty, staff, and students in the School of Health Sciences and the undergraduate Accelerated Pathways Program to participate in a reading group for the Spring/Summer 2021 semester. March, 2021.
Thurnes, T., Henderson, S., CATL Winter Term Enhancement Grant of $400 to apply toward costs for Elon’s School of Health Sciences Co-Curricular Wellness Initiative
Thurnes, T. CATL Travel Grant for a podium and poster presentation at Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Annual Forum, October 2019.
Thurnes, T. CATL Travel Grant to present an 80-minute workshop presentation and poster at Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Annual Forum, October 2018.
Thurnes, T. “Design Thinking Sprint with PA/PT and Community Partner,” 2018. Design Thinking Interactions Grant awarded by Elon’s Design Thinking Center open to Physical Therapy and/or Physician Assistant faculty, staff and students to partner with a member of the medical community. Goals are to create multi-functional, high-impact medical teams that are made up of members with strong leadership abilities and to increase interprofessional educational experiences to make a sustainable impact on the local medical community.
Tonsor, T. Quincy, B. Johansson, C. DiBiasio, P. Skillman, J. “The iPad Project,” 2013. Elon University CATL Teaching and Learning Grant- $4,659.30. Grant to include purchase of iPads to deepen student interactions with the Client and Standardized Patient program and to allow for better assessment of student learning and capture program evaluation data.
Publications
Thurnes, T., Foster, A. & Person, D. Design Thinking: An Interprofessional Method for Finding Comfort in the Discomfort Surrounding End-of-Life Conversations Between Providers and Patients. Med.Sci.Educ. (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-025-02374-z
Carrion, B., Thurnes, T. (2024). In Patients With A Left Ventricular Thrombus Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction And On Dual-Antiplatelet Therapy, Do Direct Oral Anticoagulants Decrease The Time To Clot Resolution When Compared to Warfarin? Journal of the Association of PAs in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, 6(2), 7–22.
Lake, D., Marshall, S., Carducci, R., Gozik, N., Thurnes, T. (2023). “Designing Community-University Partnerships for Systems Change: The Power of Place, Stories, and Relationships.” Proceedings of Relating Systems Thinking and Design, RSD12. Article 25. Rsdsymposium.org/rsd12-stories.
Lake, D., Motley, P., Flannery, K., Thurnes, T., & Mangili, A. (2023). Community-Based Design Thinking: A Moment or a Movement? Service Design and Innovation Conference Proceedings. Linköping University Electronic Press.
Lake, D., Marshall, D.J., Carducci, R. & Thurnes, T. (2022). The Power and Place Collaborative: Participatory Strategies for Scaling. Contexts—The Systemic Design Journal, 1. https:/doi.org/10.58279/v1005
Bushardt, R. et.al. December, 2021. “The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs. Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE.” Author: Thurnes, T. Chapter 4. Premature Beats: Premature Atria Contraction and Premature Ventricular Contraction.Wolters Kluwer and JAAPA. IBSN:9781975143817.
Bushardt, R. et.al. December, 2021. “The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs. Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE.” Author: Thurnes, T. Chapter 7. Ventricular Arrythmias Ventricular Tachycardia (VT), Monomorphic VT, Polymorphic VT and Torsade de pointes, Ventricular Fibrillation. Wolters Kluwer and JAAPA. IBSN:9781975143817.
SR Buchs, T Honda, JM Coombs, M Statler, M Murfin, Pharm D, B Garbas, Z Mazur, D Duffy, A Moloney-Johns, T Thurnes, R Baginski. "End of Rotation (EOR) exams reliably predict poor PANCE outcomes: a multi-centered study." Journal of Physician Assistant Education. 2019 Dec;30(4):192-199. doi: 10.1097/JPA.0000000000000274.
Thurnes, T. Hypertension and Diabetes: Addressing Common Comorbidities. Clinician Reviews. 2018 August;28(8):22-24.
Armao D, Hartman TS, Shea CM, Katz L, Thurnes T, Smith JK. Maximizing Benefit and Minimizing Risk in Medical Imaging Use: An Educational Primer for Health Care Professions Students. Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development. 2018;5:2382120518798812. doi:10.1177/2382120518798812.
Thibodeau, Daniel and Plantz, Scott. Tonsor, T. “Pearls of Wisdom Physician Assistant Exam Review, 5th Edition.” McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing. May, 2014. Authored Chapter on Psychiatry/Behavioral Sciences
National Examination Publications:
Quinene M., Thurnes T., et al. (2023). End of Curriculum™ Exam Forms. Washington, D.C. PA Education Association.
Schempp A, Hulse B, Thurnes T., et al. End of Curriculum Exam. Washington, DC: Physician Assistant Education Association, 2022
Schempp A, Black WC, Thurnes, T., et al. End of Curriculum Exam Version 1, forms 1 and 2. Washington, DC: Physician Assistant Education Association, 2020.
Sheffield, J. Thurnes, T., et al. 2017. Internal Medicine End of Rotation™ Exam. Version 5, Forms 1 and 2. Washington, DC: The Physician Assistant Education Association.
Sheffield, J. Thurnes, T., et al. 2017. Family Medicine End of Rotation™ Exam. Version 5, Forms 1 and 2. Washington, DC: The Physician Assistant Education Association.
Sheffield, J. Tonsor, T. 2015-2016. Family Medicine End of Rotation™ Exams Version 3, Form 1 and 2. Washington, DC: The Physician Assistant Education Association.
Sheffield, J. Tonsor, T. 2015-2016. Internal Medicine End of Rotation™ Exams Version 3, Form 1 and 2. Washington, DC: The Physician Assistant Education Association.
Presentations
Thurnes, T., Polito, A. (2024, October). Leveraging AI for Enhance Work-Life Balance in PA Education. Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Annual Educational Forum, Washington, DC.
Horejsi, S., Thurnes, T. Poster. (2024). In a Primary Care Clinic, Does the Extension of Appointment Durations From 15 to 30 Minutes Compared to the Standard 15 Minute Appointments Result in Improved Patient-Provider Communication and Better Adherence to Treatment Plans? 2024 Cone Health/Piedmont AHEC Research and Evidence Based Practice/QI Symposium: “Embracing Our New Normal; Leveraging Innovation & Resilience to Refine Healthcare”. Colfax, NC.
Thurnes, T., Lynch, S., “Leadership in PA Education: Bringing Theory to Practice.” Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Annual Educational Forum, New Orleans, Louisiana, October 2023.
Goziak, N., Lake, D., Marshall, S., Carduccis, R. Thurnes, T. “Cultivating Participatory Place-Based Change: The Power and Place Collaborative.” 15th International Social Innovation Research Conference (ISIRC). Guimaraes, Portugal. 2023.
Thurnes, T., Polito, A., Person, D., Poster. "Developing Fluency for Difficult Conversations through Design Thinking.” International Association of Medical Science Educators Annual Meeting, Cancun Mexico, 2023.
Polito, A., Thurnes, T., Poster. “Beyond ABCDE: How to Write and Analyze Multiple Choice Exam Items.” International Association of Medical Science Educators Annual Meeting, Cancun Mexico, 2023.
Lake, D., Marshall, S., Thurnes,T., Goziak, N., Sellars, S. “The Power and Place Collaborative: Assessing Community Co-Designed Project-Based Learning.” PACE Conference. High Point, NC. 2023.
Thurnes, T. “Deepening Design Thinking Pedagogies Across Disciplines: Elon’s Community of Practice”. Design Forge 2022. Elon University, North Carolina. 2022.
Thurnes, T., Person, D., Lake, D., “Developing Fluency for Crucial Conversations through Design Thinking.” Elon Teaching and Learning Conference. Virtual. June 2021.
Thurnes,T. “Improving Patient Care with Design Thinking.” American Academy Physician Assistants (AAPA) National Meeting. Virtual. May 2021.
Thurnes, T. “Arrhythmias of the Heart.” American Academy Physician Assistants (AAPA) National Meeting. Virtual. May 2021.
Thurnes, T., Person, D. Poster. “Better End-of-Life Conversations: A Mutually Beneficial Experience.” Association of Death Education and Counseling Annual Conference. Virtual. April 2021.
Thurnes, T. Lynch, S. "Enhancing Student Learning and Strengthening Critical Thinking through Technology.” Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Annual Educational Forum. Washington,DC. October 2019
Lynch, S. Thurnes, T. Poster. “Physician Assistant Student Comfort Levels in Competency Acquisition.” Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Annual Educational Forum. Washington,DC. October 2019
Thurnes, T. Poster. “A Dedicated Leadership Module in Physician Assistant Education.” International Association of Medical Science Educators Annual Meeting. Roanoake, VA, June, 2019.
Thurnes, T. Duffy, D. "The Power of Design: Developing Solutions-Oriented Graduates." Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Annual Educational Forum. Anaheim, CA. October 2018.
Buchs S, Honda T, Coombs J, Statler M, Murfin M, Garbas B, Mazur Z, Duffy D, Moloney-Johns A, Thurnes, T, Baginski R. "End of Rotation (EOR) exams reliably predict poor PANCE outcomes: a multi-centered study." Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Annual Educational Forum. Anaheim, CA. October 2018.
Skillman, N. Thurnes, T. Johansson, C. Poster. “Creating a 360° Review to Evaluate Program Effectiveness.” 2018 Association of Standardized Patient Education Annual Conference. Kansas City, MO, June, 2018.
Thurnes, T. “Management of Patients with Valvular Heart Disease: 2017 AHA/ACC Focused Update.” American Academy Physician Assistants (AAPA) National Meeting. New Orleans, LA, May, 2018.
Thurnes, T. Poster. “A Dedicated Leadership Module in Physician Assistant Education.” North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants 2018 Winter Conference. February, 2018.
Thurnes, T. Lynch, S. “Getting Students ‘Seasoned’ in Clinical Reasoning.” Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Annual Educational Forum. Denver, CO. October 2017.
Thurnes, T. “The Role of Non-Statin Therapies in the Management of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Based on the 2016 ACC Expert Consensus.” American Academy Physician Assistants (AAPA) National Meeting. Las Vegas, NV, May 2017.
Tonsor, T. Duffy, D. Poster. “Legal and Medical Perspectives on Capacity.” Armstrong 2015 Interprofessional Health Care Summit. Savannah, GA. April 2015.
Tonsor, T. Duffy, D. Bunting, E. Daniel-Yount, J. “Preceptor Recruitment and Retention through the Lenses of a New and Established Program” Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Annual Educational Forum. Memphis, TN. October 2013.
Professional Activities
Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA)
- Director at Large, PAEA Board of Directors 2025- present
- Charter member, PAEA End of Curriculum Exam Development Board, 2016-2024
- Member, PAEA Rotation Exam Review Committee, Internal and Family Medicine, 2013-2016
International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE)
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (NCAPA)
Professional Development
Inclusive Teaching Certificate, 2024
HHMI STEM Neurodiversity Institute, 2024
Equity By Design- Physician Assistant Education Association, 2022
Design Forge 2022- Assessing Design Thinking Practices
Elon University Summer Writing Institute, 2022
Design Forge 2021- Participatory placemaking practices
Preventing Harrassment and Discrimination, 2021
Intercultural Competence Certificate Program, 2019
Voices for Change Certificate, 2018
LGBTQIA Officially Trained Ally, 2017
GWU Organizational Leadership Laboratory, 2016-2018
Physician Assistant Education Association Clinical Coordinator’s Certificate Program, 2014
Physician Assistant Education Association Basic Skills Faculty Development Certificate Program, 2012
Good Clinical Practice Review, 2010
Awards
2024 PA Education Association National Leadership Development Award
2023-2024 Elon University School of Health Sciences Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Award
Pi Alpha National Honor Society, Inducted: 03/06/2016
- Recognition of significant achievement, leadership, research, service, and a high standard of character and conduct.