Contact Information

Biography

Bridget Calhoun, DrPH, has been a physician assistant since 1992 and involved in PA education for more than 20 years. After graduating from Saint Francis University, she began her career as a PA in transplant surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In 1996, she joined the faculty at Duquesne University as the clinical coordinator. She earned a master's degree in medical sciences from Saint Francis University in 1997, and a master's degree in public health from the University of Pittsburgh in 2001. She became Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at Duquesne University in 2002, and earned a doctoral degree in infectious diseases and microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health in 2008.

As a national leader in PA education, Dr. Calhoun has been selected as a facilitator for the Basic Skills Faculty Pando Workshops offered by the Physician Assistant Education Association and most recently served as the Project Leader for two-day workshops in Washington, DC; Minneapolis; and Philadelphia. She has also worked as an accreditation consultant for other PA programs throughout the country, and as an expert witness on the practice of physician assistants in medical malpractice cases.

Dr. Calhoun has served as a member, then Chair of the Physician Assistant Education Association Faculty Development Council, been the recipient of a PAEA research grant and served as President of the Board of Directors for the American Chronic Pain Association. Since 2014, she has planned the physician assistant / nurse practitioner track during the fall meeting of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA) and and planned the PA/NP track for the World Congress in Pain Management Meeting for ASRA held in Manhattan in 2018.

Dr. Calhoun serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Physician Assistant Education and Health Promotion Practice and has reviewed submissions for the poster sessions at the annual fall meeting of ASRA. Dr. Calhoun maintains an active research agenda at the Pittsburgh site of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study.

Education

  • DrPH., Public Health in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, 2008
  • M.M.S., Master of Medical Sciences, Saint Francis University, 1997
  • B.S., Physician Assistant, Saint Francis University, 1992

Research Interests or Expertise

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Public Health
  • Global Health

School

Departments, Centers, and Offices

About

  • Calhoun B. Spring Break Away Faculty Development Grant. Development of Disparities in Health Care Spring Break Away.  Awarded by the Duquesne University Office of International Programs. March 2008 ($2,000).
  • Freeman M, Calhoun B, Sekhon L. Simulated Technology Laboratory for the Education of Physician Assistant Students.  Funded by The Fine Foundation.  Grant # 071R13-SM.  September 2007 ($57,4000).
  • Petersen M, Calhoun B. Information Seeking Behaviors of Physician Assistants. Funded by the Rangos School of Health Sciences Faculty Practice Plan. July 2006 ($4,000)
  • Calhoun B, Grzybicki D. The Use of Standardized Patients in the Training and Evaluation of Physician Assistant Students. Funded by the Physician Assistant Education Association. November 2004. ($3,980.61).
  • Nolfi D, Berdine H, Calhoun B, Resick L. Assessing the Impact of Personal Digital Assistants on Healthcare Students. Funded by the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) administered by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries. ($50,000)
  • Petersen M, Calhoun B, Opacic D. Physician Assistant Clinical Externship Blackboard Site.  Funded by Duquesne University Summer Institute for Teaching with Technology. June 2003 ($5,000).
  • Lovre AM, Calhoun BC. An Anatomical and Pathologic Perspective of Common Injuries in Piano Players. Music Educators Association, Collegiate Chapters of Piano Pedagogy. Ball State University. Muncie, IN. January 2020.
  • Calhoun BC, D'Acunto KM. Students Question the Validity of Implicit Bias Testing. Physician Assistant Education Association. Annual Educational Forum. Washington DC. October 2019.
  • Calhoun B, Brandt A. Diversion of medications among college students enrolled in a faith-based, private, urban university. American Society of Regional Anesthesia 17th Annual Pain Medicine Meeting. San Antonio, TX. November 2018.
  • Calhoun B, Pistner K, Kivlan B. The GoPro: An Innovative Teaching Tool for Clinical Anatomy. Physician Assistant Educational Association. Annual Educational Forum. Denver, CO. October 2017.
  • Calhoun, B. Exam Data Analysis: How Do We Know They Are Learning? Faculty Skills 101 Workshop. Physician Assistant Education Association Educational Forum. Minneapolis, MN. October 2016.
  • Calhoun B. How to Navigate the Road to Promotion & Tenure: Career & Portfolio Development. Faculty Skills 101 Workshop. Physician Assistant Education Association Educational Forum. Minneapolis, MN. October 2016.
  • Calhoun, B. Communicating Expectations: Writing Instructional Objectives. Faculty Skills 101 Pando Workshop. Physician Assistant Education Association. Washington, DC. March 2016.
  • Calhoun B. Disparities in Pain Medicine and Pain Management. 13th Annual Pain Medicine Meeting. American Society of Regional Anesthesia. San Francisco, CA. November 2014.
  • Calhoun B, D'Acunto K. Updating Program Policies for Modern Times. Physician Assistant Education Association Annual Forum. Philadelphia, PA. October 2014.
  • Qin S, Lucht L, Clarke A, Keshari V, Reis J, Kessinger C, Camp D, Zhang Y, Kingsley L, Buchanan W, Calhoun B, Kleerup E. Plasma inflammatory markers and COPD in HIV-infected persons. American Thoracic Society. 2013.
  • Qin S, Lucht L, Clarke A, Keshari V, Ries J, Kessinger C, Camp D, Zhang Y, Kingsley L, Buchanan W, Calhoun B, Kleerup E. Alterations of biomarkers in HIV-infected subjects with COPD. American Thoracic Society. 2013.
  • Calhoun B. The Realities of Medical Errors. American Society for Quality. Westinghouse, Cranberry, PA. April 2012.
  • Morris A, Kingsley L, Rinaldo C, Kessinger C, Calhoun B. Pulmonary function in HIV-infected and HIV-negative persons in the era of antiretroviral therapy. American Thoracic Society Annual Conference. Denver, CO. May 2011.
  • Schwenkler J, Hutchinson J, Calhoun B, McQuillan M. Fitting the Medical Director into the Team. Physician Assistant Education Association Annual Forum. Savannah, GA. October 2008.
  • Schwenkler J, Dehn R, Calhoun B, McQuillan M. What does the Medical Director Direct? Physician Assistant Education Association Annual Forum. Savannah, GA. October 2008.
  • Calhoun B, Fritz J, Glenister Roberts K, Wiskus J. Developing Thematic Courses for the New Core Curriculum: Faculty Panel. Duquesne University February 2008.
  • Brown L, Calhoun B, Irwin M. Bringing the Real World of Pittsburgh into the Classroom: Using Racial Demographic Data. Pittsburgh’s Racial Demographics: Differences and Disparities: Faculty Panel. Duquesne University November 2007.
  • Schwenkler J, Meyer J, Calhoun B, McQuillan M. Exploring the Various Roles of the Medical Director. Physician Assistant Education Association Annual Forum. Tucson, AZ. October 2007.
  • Miller A, Baker M, Calhoun B, Simon A. Director Skills Development Workshop. Physician Assistant Faculty Development Institute. Physician Assistant Education Association Annual Forum.  Tucson, AZ. October 2007.
  • Arbet S, Calhoun B. National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Test Development.  Physician Assistant Education Association Annual Forum. Tucson, AZ.  October 2007.
  • Calhoun B. HIV in Primary Care. 31st Annual Continuing Medical Education Conference of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants. October 2006.
  • Calhoun B. Evaluation and Management of Occupational Exposures to HIV. 4th Annual Steel City Symposium. Pittsburgh, PA. April 2006.Calhoun BC, Kuller L, Edmundowicz D, Kingsley L. Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) in HIV-infected Men on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). International AIDS Society Meeting, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil July 2005.
  • Petersen ME, Morgan AA, Calhoun BC. One Experience is Worth A Thousand Words: Student Reflections ; Thematic Data For Curriculum and Accreditation Support. Association of Physician Assistant Programs Annual Forum. Puerto Rico. November 2005.
  • Nolfi D, Berdine H, Calhoun B, Resick L. Come Together Right Now, Over Me! Celebrating How the Library Can Bring Together Diverse Programs. Medical Library Association Annual Meeting, San Antonio, Texas February 2005.
  • Calhoun B. Coding and Billing.  Physician Assistant Education Association Educational Forum. Puerto Rico. November 2005.
  • Calhoun B, Grzybicki D. Utilization of Standardized Patients in the Education of Physician Assistants. Physician Assistant Education Association Educational Forum. Puerto Rico. November 2005.
  • Calhoun B, Nolfi D, Resick L, Berdine H. The Use of Personal Digital Assitants (PDA) in the Education of Health Science Students. Pittsburgh Blackboard Users Group Conference. Duquesne University. November 2005.
  • Petersen M, Calhoun B, Opacic D.  One Blackboard, Three Courses: The Clinical Year Site for Physician Assistant Students. Pittsburgh Blackboard Users Group Conference, Carlow Collge  March 2005.
  • Calhoun B. Updates in HIV/AIDS Research. 3rd Annual Pastors, Church and Community Leaders Conference. Balm In Gilead Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, Pittsburgh March 2005.
  • Petersen M, Calhoun B, Opacic D.  Physician Assistant Clinical Year Site.  Duquesne University Lunchbytes.  February 25, 2004.
  • Pewen B, Calhoun B, Riddler S, Kingsley L. Lipoatrophy Precedes Lipohypertrophy in HIV-associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome. 4th International Workshop on Adverse Drug Reactions and Lipodystrophy. San Diego, CA September 2002.
  • Calhoun B.  Adequately Preparing Students for Clinical Rotations: The Risk of Occupational Exposure to HIV.  Association of Physician Assistant Programs Educational Forum.  Miami, Fl. Nov 2002
  • Calhoun B.  HIV for the Newly Diagnosed Patient.  Invited  Speaker.  Greater Western Pennsylvania AIDS Weekend - June 2001
  • Encandela J, Calhoun B.  HIV Update.  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic - May 2000 and October 2000
  • Gryzbicki D, Calhoun B.  Post-mortem Correlation of Cases in Primary Care - American Academy of Physician Assistants National Conference - Atlanta, Georgia May 1999
  • Calhoun B, Patterson D, Opacic D, Gryzbicki D.  Medical Applications of Advanced Placement Biology - Duquesne University - November 1998
  • Calhoun B. Careers in Health Care - The Role of Physician Assistants - Dayton Area High School - May 1998
  • Calhoun B., Shapiro R.  Referring Patients for Renal Transplantation - August 1994, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

                                            

Posters:

  • Morris A, Kingsley L, Rinaldo C, Kessinger C, Calhoun B.  Pulmonary function in HIV-infected and HIV-negative persons in the era of antiretroviral therapy.  American Thoracic Society Annual Conference.  Denver, CO. May 2011. 
  • Calhoun BC, Kuller L, Edmundowicz D, Kingsley L.  Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) in HIV-infected Men on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). International AIDS Society Meeting, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil July 2005.
  • Petersen ME, Morgan AA, Calhoun BC. One Experience is Worth A Thousand Words: Student Reflections ; Thematic Data For Curriculum and Accreditation Support. Association of Physician Assistant Programs Annual Forum. Puerto Rico. November 2005.
  • Nolfi D, Berdine H, Calhoun B, Resick L.  Come Together Right Now, Over Me! Celebrating How the Library Can Bring Together Diverse Programs.  Medical Library Association Annual Meeting, San Antonio, Texas February 2005.
  • Calhoun BC.  Using Structured Academic Controversy to Teach Health Policy. Association of Physician Assistant Programs Educational Forum.  Nashville, Tennessee November 2004.
  • Pewen B, Calhoun B, Riddler S, Kingsley L.  Lipoatrophy Precedes Lipohypertrophy in HIV-associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome.  4th International Workshop on Adverse Drug Reactions and Lipodystrophy.  San Diego, CA September 2002.
  • Calhoun B, Holloway M, D’Acuto K, New Legislation for Reporting HIV-Infection in Pennsylvania.  27th Annual Medical Education Conference of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants.  September 2002
  • Calhoun B, Esper S, DePaoli A, Riddler S, et al.  Decreased Serum Leptin is Associated with Onset of Lipoatrophy.   3rd International Workshop on Adverse Drug Reactions and Lipodystrophy. Athens, Greece October, 2001.
  • Patterson D, Calhoun, B, D'Antonio J.  Who First Discovers Skin Cancer - Patients or Primary Care Providers?  American Academy of Physician Assistants  National Conference.  Atlanta, Georgia - May 1999
  • Spates J, Calhoun B.  Case-study:  A Pregnant 32 Year-old Female with Shortness of Breath American Academy of Physician Assistants National Conference.  Atlanta, Georgia - May 1999
  • Calhoun B, Patterson D.  Financial Burdens of End Stage Renal Disease - American Academy of Physician Assistants National Conference.  Minneapolis, Minnesota - May 1997.
  • Calhoun B, Patterson D, Opacic D. The Role of Physician Assistants in Promoting Awareness of the Transplant Experience.  American Academy of Physician Assistants National Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota - May 1997
  • Calhoun B, Nolfi D, Opacic D. Documenting the Impact of Faculty Scholarship. Journal of Physician Assistant Education. Submitted with revisions publication Fall 2020.
  • Calhoun BC, Kiel JM, Morgan AA. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Violations by Physician Assistant Students: Applying Laws to Clinical Vignettes. Journal of Physician Assistant Education. 2018;29(3):154-157.
  • Johnston Hannah, Calhoun B. A Review of Past and Modern Unethical Medical Practice. International Journal of Social Science and Business. March 2018.
  • Kingsely LA, Deal J, Jacobson L, Budoff M, Witt M, Palella F, Calhoun B, Post W. Incidence and progression of coronary artery calcium in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected men. AIDS 2015, 29:2427-2434.
  • Qin S, Lucht L, Clarke A, Keshari V, Ries JW, Kessinger C, Camp D, Zhang Y, Kingsley L, Buchanan W, Calhoun B, Kleerup E, Dermand J, Greenblast R, Fong S, Huang L, Rinaldo C, Fitzpatrick M, Gingo MR, Mor AM. Plasma Inflammatory Markers and COPD in HIV-infected Persons. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2014;A1205.
  • Essary A, Coplan B, Laing M, Calhoun B.  The Professional Development Needs of Faculty of Physician Assistant Programs. J Physician Assist Educ 2009;20(4):40-44.
  • Calhoun BCC, Vrbin CM, Grzybicki DM. The Use of Standardized Patients in the Training and Evaluation of Physician Assistant Students.  J Physician Assist Educ 2008;19(1):18-23.
  • Calhoun BC, Kabay M. An International Public Health Course for Health Science Students. J Physician Assist Educ 2008;19(1):53-57.
  • Calhoun B, Crosby R. When the patient asks, “should I get a heart scan?”. Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. 2008 21(5):59-60. 
  • Calhoun BC. HIV Testing Clinical Pearl. Clinician Reviews 2007.
  • Pallela F, Riddler S, Chimel J, Calhoun B, Kingsley, L. Abnormal Lipoaccumulation in HIV-infected Individuals taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). JAMA. 2006;296(7):766-768.
  • Steel JL, Landsittel D, Calhoun B, Wieland S, Kingsley LA. Effects of Lipodystrophy on Quality of Life and Depression in HIV-Infected Men on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. AIDS Patient Care and STDs. 2006; 20(8)35-45.
  • Calhoun, BC, Koller N. Finding a venipuncture site in an IV drug user.  The Clinical Advisor, A Forum for Physician Assistants. June 2006:45-50.
  • Calhoun BC.  Co-morbidities and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Advance for Physician Assistants.  May 2006. 
  • Calhoun BC, Chambers DE. Standardized Patients and Simulated Patient Encounters in the Evaluation of Physician Assistant Students.  Perspective on Physician Assistant Education 2004;15(2):99-101.
  • Smit E, Skolasky R, Dobs A, Calhoun B, et al.  Changes in the Incidence and Predictors of HIV Related Wasting Syndrome: 1987-1999.  American Journal of Epidemiology 156;3.211-218.
  • Wiley D, Grosser S, Qi K, Visscher B, Calhoun B, et al.  Validity of Self-reported Episodes of External Genital Warts. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2002:35;39-45.
  • Aldrich H, Calhoun B.  Pancreas Transplantation for Treatment of Type I Diabetes Mellitus.  Physician Assistant May 2001.
  • Calhoun B, Trigalet D.  Teaching Students Health Care - Not Just Medicine.  Perspective on Physician Assistant Education - Spring 2001.
  • Pinevich A, Calhoun B.  Acute Renal Failure in Trauma Patients.  Surgical Physician Assistant September 1999.