Doctor of Medical Science Faculty

Robert E. McKenna, DMSc, MPH, PA-C, DFAAPA

Education

B.Sc.: Physician Associate, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
MPH: Health Administration and Policy, Portland State University
DMSc: Medical (PA) Education, University of Lynchburg

Biography

Dr. McKenna is the founding Director of the DMSc program and Associate Professor at MBKU. He previously served as Interim Program Director and Director of Accreditation for their PA program, where he continues to teach evidence-based medicine. He began his career as a U.S. Navy Corpsman, then practiced as a PA in emergency medicine and urgent care before a 33-year biopharmaceutical career as a Medical Science Liaison and Director of Field Medical Affairs. Dr. McKenna is a NCCPA-certified PA who volunteers with the LA Medical Reserve Corps and serves as a scientific SCUBA diver at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Accomplishments: 

• Founding Director of the MBKU Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program
• Admitted as a Full Member to the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society in recognition of achievements in scholarship
• Recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Associates (DFAAPA), an honor bestowed on fewer than two percent of all PAs
• Recipient of a Research Grant ($30,898) from the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
• Author or co-author of many peer-reviewed publications and posters, and an invited presenter at multiple professional meetings
• Sanofi Annual North American Medical Affairs Jefferson Leadership Award 
   

Laura Love, PA-C, PhD

Associate Professor

Education 

BS: Physician Assistant, Medical University of South Carolina
MPAS: Concentration in Physical Medicine & Pain Management, University of Nebraska, College of Medicine
PhD: Health Sciences, Concentration in Healthcare Administration, Touro University International 
 

Biography 

Dr. Laura Love is an Associate Professor and core faculty member in the Doctor of Medical Science Program, where she teaches courses in healthcare management, leadership, and administration. Her clinical background spans physical medicine, urgent care, and occupational medicine, and most recently includes ownership of a practice specializing in Veterans' care. She has previously held faculty roles at A.T. Still University, the University of Lynchburg, and Saybrook University. Dr. Love is the author of a book and peer-reviewed journal articles and has presented at local, state, and international conferences. She is an NCCPA-certified PA licensed in Arizona.

Accomplishments:

• Developed and taught curriculum for DMSc and Ph.D. programs, contributing to program and concentration development at the graduate level
• Founder and owner of occupational medicine practice
• Peer-reviewed author and published book author
• Presented at various local, state, and international conferences
• Former recipient, PA of the Year Award, Arizona State Association of PAs

William "Trey" O Boyd, DMSc, PA-C

Adjunct Faculty

Education

BS: Presbyterian College
MMS: Physician Associate: Trevecca Nazarene University
DMSc: University of Lynchburg
 

Biography

Dr. Trey Boyd is an adjunct faculty for the education concentration courses in the MBKU DMSc program. Dr. Boyd has been involved in PA education, serving in faculty roles including founding principal faculty, director of clinical education, and associate program director for the Presbyterian College and Gardner-Webb University PA programs. Dr. Boyd has also served as the Director of Postgraduate Medicine for the University of Lynchburg’s DMSc program. His areas of focus in PA education include classroom instruction, curriculum design and implementation, and compliance with accreditation standards.

Accomplishments:

• Director of Orthopedic Urgent Care Services – Carolina Orthopedic & Neurosurgical Associates
• Director-at-Large – North Carolina Academy of PAs
• Advocacy and Outreach Chair – Virginia Academy of PAs
• JPAE and JAAPA Peer Reviewer
• Publications in JAAPA, My Clinical Advisor
   

James Shuler, DMSc, PA-C

Adjunct Faculty

Education

BS: Respiratory Therapy, Biology Minor, Salisbury University
Physician Assistant Certificate: LeMoyne College
MPAS: University of Nebraska Medical Center
DMSc: University of Lynchburg
 

Biography

Christopher Cannell DMSc, MPLC, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, CAQ-Emergency Medicine

Adjunct Faculty

Education

BA: Pre-Medical Studies and Psychology, Muhlenberg College
MPAS: MCPHS-Boston
DMSc: University of Lynchburg
Certificate Medical Professional Legal Consultant (MPLC): Auburn University

Biography

Dr. Christopher Cannell is a doctoral-trained Physician Associate and Assistant Professor, leading healthcare law and entrepreneurship curricula at the University of Lynchburg and at MBKU in Healthcare Law and Policy. He has over 23 years of multidisciplinary clinical experience in emergency, critical care, orthopedics, and internal medicine. As the Owner/CEO of a Medical Legal Consulting Firm, Dr. Cannell focuses on clinical risk management, medical-legal consulting, and patient safety, bridging clinical practice and business strategy. Dr. Cannell is a passionate mentor and innovator dedicated to leveraging his extensive leadership background to enhance clinical excellence, evidence-based medicine, collaboration, and healthcare strategy.

Accomplishments:

• President of The Academy of PAs in Legal Medicine, Board of Directors for ADPA, and Massachusetts Association of PAs
• CEO/Owner of a Successful 6-Figure Medical Legal, Educational, and Healthcare Consulting Firm  
• DMSc leading to professional publication in the JMS, Medical Professional Legal Consultant Certificate, and multiple certifications in safety, compliance, quality, and leadership training programs
• Prior ER Department Lead and Senior PA Leader - Multiple Safety, Operational, and Quality Improvement Committees, Workforce Development Initiatives, and Program Management Initiatives
• Prior APC Director, Large Ambulatory Care System, contributing to significant expansion and development of comprehensive APC services 
   

Melissa Contreras, OD, MPH

Adjunct Faculty Associate Vice Provost for the IDEA Center Title IX Deputy for Students

Education

BS: Biology, University of California, Los Angeles
OD: Southern California College of Optometry, Marshall B. Ketchum University
Post-Graduate Optometric Residency, Primary Care and Geriatrics: Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center
MPH: Emphasis in Community Health Sciences

Biography

Dr. Melissa Contreras is a public health-driven optometrist and equity-centered leader with more than 13 years of experience in healthcare and higher education. As the inaugural Associate Vice President for the Center for IDEA at Marshall B. Ketchum University, she leads cross-sector initiatives in strategic planning and institutional capacity building. Her work bridges clinical expertise and social justice. She has served as a preceptor and Clinic Director and has taught public health, optometric skills, and medical Spanish. She also serves on the Board of the Blind Children’s Center and leads national professional committees advancing diversity and access in eye care.

Accomplishments:

• Executive Leadership: Serving as the inaugural Associate Vice President for the Center for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) and Title IX Coordinator at Marshall B. Ketchum University
• National Leadership & Advocacy: Served as the Founding Chair of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) ¡Salud! Latinx/Hispanic/Chicanx Special Interest Group and Treasurer for the American Public Health Association (APHA) Vision Care Section
• Recent Publications: Contributed as a commissioned author for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on a 2024 publication regarding access to myopia care
• Program Development: Designed and implemented the inaugural interprofessional course on IDEA in healthcare for optometry, physician assistant, and pharmacy students
• Academic Excellence: Recognized as Faculty of the Year at the Southern California College of Optometry in 2013