Rowan-Virtua SOM | School of Osteopathic Medicine

David DeFilippo, DHSc, MBA, MSPAS, PA-C
Program Director, Associate Professor

With extensive experience in PA education, accreditation, clinical practice, and leadership, Dr. DeFilippo has been instrumental in shaping innovative academic programs and fostering student success. He has a broad background that includes global health initiatives and medical mission work, where he has collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to improve healthcare access in communities around the world. DeFilippo's passion for mentorship, his dedication to advancing the PA profession, and his commitment to creating multi-faceted learning experiences make him a sought-after leader and educator. His forward-thinking approach to healthcare education, combined with his focus on preparing students for impactful careers, creates a dynamic and inspiring environment for future PAs and faculty collaborators alike.

Joshua Coren, DO, MBA, FACOFP
Medical Director

Dr. Joshua Coren is the Senior Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and a Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Rowan-Virtua SOM. With a DO from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and an MBA from Saint Joseph's University, Coren has served in key leadership roles, including Chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Director of Continuing Medical Education. He is recognized for his contributions to medical education and clinical practice, earning numerous accolades, such as the Physician of the Year Award from the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and induction into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Coren is committed to advancing patient-centered care and mentoring future health care leaders.

Allison Williams, MSPAS, PA-C
Associate Program Director, Assistant Professor

Allison Williams has extensive leadership experience in PA education and a background in Emergency Medicine, enabling her to integrate best practices in higher education with real-world clinical application. Williams also brings experience in Addiction Medicine to her role, having received a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant to train PA students in providing care for patients with Opioid Use Disorder using Medication Assisted Treatment. Driven by a strong commitment to her students and the PA profession, she is dedicated to preparing future PAs who are equipped to deliver comprehensive care to all patients.

Tiffany Eben, MS, PA-C
Director of Clinical Education

Tiffany Eben has extensive clinical experience and brings a wealth of practical expertise to her role as the Director of Clinical Education. Her clinical background has equipped her with a deep understanding of patient care, making her an invaluable resource for students seeking to gain real-world knowledge and skills. Over the last few years, she has been particularly dedicated to advancing the PA profession through education. Her passion for education is reflected in her teaching style, which integrates her vast clinical experiences to create meaningful learning opportunities for students. With a passion for student success and a commitment to excellence, Eben works to shape the future of the PA profession by ensuring that the next generation of PAs are well-prepared to begin their careers.

Samah Jaramillo, PA-C
Director of Student Affairs

Samah Jaramillo is a dedicated healthcare professional and educator. She discovered her interest in medicine early in life and has devoted much of her career to bariatric medicine. In 2020, Samah transitioned from clinical practice to higher education. As an educator, she is deeply committed to fostering empathy and professional growth among her students. She describes her greatest reward as witnessing students’ progression from their first day in the program to becoming her PA colleagues.

Sarah Kellett, PA-C
Director of Didactic Education

With a strong foundation in clinical practice, didactic instruction, and academic leadership, Sarah Kellett brings a decade of emergency medicine experience and a passion for innovative education to her role as Director of Didactic Education at Rowan University. She has designed and delivered engaging, case-based curriculum that promotes clinical reasoning, and has mentored PA students through capstone research, academic challenges, and professional development. In addition to her work in emergency medicine, Sarah has experience in orthopedic spine surgery, contributing to both operative care and outpatient management. Her background includes leadership in program assessment, admissions, and student progress initiatives. Sarah’s dedication to student success, her collaborative teaching style, and her commitment to evidence-based care help create a dynamic, supportive learning environment for the next generation of physician assistants.

Gerald Smith, DMSc, PA-C
Director of Assessment and Simulation

With a career spanning clinical practice, public health and PA education, Dr. Smith has become a valued practitioner of innovative healthcare training and student-centered mentorship. His contributions in the areas of teaching, interprofessional education, simulation-based learning and program leadership have elevated the experience of PA students across multiple institutions. A former National Health Service Corps scholar and clinician, Smith draws on his experience in rural medicine and working with medically underserved communities to inform his teaching. His broad patient care experience in family medicine, internal medicine and neurology bring clinical context to his interactions with students. Passionate about student success and professional development, Smith is equally committed to mentoring future educators and advancing equity in healthcare education. His collaborative spirit and creative approach to problem-solving continue to shape transformative learning environments that empower the next generation of PAs.