Robert Aitchison, DMS, PA-C, CAQ-EM, CHSE

Robert Aitchison, DMS, PA-C, CHSE, CAQ-EM, integrates clinical practice, simulation design, and educational analytics in his faculty role. He earned a BA in Classics and Philosophy from the University of Illinois before working as a technician with high-fidelity mannequins, standardized patients, and cadaveric specimens at Rosalind Franklin University and Evanston Hospital. He completed his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Practice at Rosalind Franklin University in 2015, followed by the Jane R. Perlman Fellowship in Emergency Medicine. After practicing in NorthShore University HealthSystem’s emergency departments and earning a Certificate of Added Qualification in Emergency Medicine from the NCCPA, he earned his Doctor of Medical Science from Rosalind Franklin University in 2026.

Aitchison teaches Clinical Decision Making I, II, and III and Emergency Medicine within the Physician Assistant program. As a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, he draws on his foundational technical background to design and implement cross-disciplinary, simulation-based learning experiences across multiple programs, including physician assistant and podiatry programs. His ongoing academic focus heavily features student data management and educational data analytics, leveraging data-driven insights to evaluate cohort outcomes and enhance curriculum delivery.

Academic Appointments

• Assistant Professor (Clinical Educator Track), Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 2021.
• Student Affairs Judiciary Committee Representative, Rosalind Franklin University 2021
• Instructor (Clinical Educator Track), Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 2019.

Education

• Doctor of Medical Science. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL; May 2026
• Certificate in Health Professions Education. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL; May 2021.
• Certificate of Completion. The Jane R. Perlman NP/PA Fellowship in Emergency Medicine, Evanston, IL; October 2016
• MS in Physician Assistant Practice. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL; May 2015.
• BA Classics. University of Illinois at Champaign, Champaign, IL; October 2010.
• BA Philosophy. University of Illinois at Champaign, Champaign, IL; October 2010.

Professional Affiliations

• Member, Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), 1997 to present.

Peer Reviewed Presentations and Publications

• Aitchison, R. Hevesy, M (2026, July 30). Acid Base Disorders [Fellowship Education]. Jane R. Perlman NP/PA Fellowship in Emergency Medicine 2026, Evanston, IL, United States
• Aitchison, R. (2026, June 10). Build a Data Dashboard for PAEA Keyword Feedback [Conference presentation]. PA Education Association Midwest Regional Education Forum 2026, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
• Aitchison, R. (2025, October 9). Utilizing PAEA Exam Keyword Feedback for Improvement of Curriculum [Conference presentation]. PA Education Association 2025 Forum, San Diego, CA, United States
• Baker-Rush, M., Frownfelter, D., Aitchison, R., Pabst, A., Krebsbach, C. (2025) It Takes a Village: A Medical Interprofessional Panel Presentation of a Complex Medical Case. Illinois Speech language Hearing Association [Presentation] Rosemont, Illinois Feb -6-7, 2025
• Aitchison, R. (2024, October 10). Design a Data Warehouse and Dashboard with Google Workstations [Conference presentation]. PA Education Association 2024 Forum, Washington, DC, United States.
• Meredith L. Baker-Rush, Amy Pabst, Robert Aitchison, Thad Anzur, Norman Paschal, Fear in Interprofessional Simulation: The role of psychology and behaviorism in student participation and learning, Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice, 2021, 100432, ISSN 2405-4526, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xjep.2021.100432.
• Martin Hevesy MSN NP-C; Robert Aitchison MS PA-C; Alison Ruiz MS, PA-C; Susan Bednar RN-C APN. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants in primary care: An update of changes in 2008. Disease-A-Month, Volume 62, Issue 2
• Robert Aitchison, BA; Pamela Aitchison, BSN, RN; Ernest Wang, MD, FACEP; Morris Kharasch, MD, FACEP. “A Review of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and its History.” Disease-a-Month 59.5 (2013): 165-167.
• Jingyi Liu, Jared Novack, MD; Robert Aitchison, BA; Pamela Aitchison, BSN, RN, et al. “Adult Resuscitation Summary.” Disease-a-Month 59.5 (2013): 168-181.
• Monica Janeczek, Clifford Rice, MD; Robert Aitchison, BA; Pamela Aitchison, BSN, RN, et al. “Pediatric Resuscitation Guidelines.” Disease-a-Month 59.5 (2013): 182-195.
• Supritha Prasad, Daniel Watcher, MD; Robert Aitchison, BA; Pamela Aitchison, BSN, RN, et al. “Neonatal resuscitation Guidelines.” Disease-a-Month 59.5 (2013): 196-201.
• Constantine Karrras, BA; Sarah Donlan, MD, FACEP; Robert Aitchison, BA; Pamela Aitchison, BSN, RN, et al. “Acute Coronary Syndromes.” Disease-a-Month 59.5 (2013): 202-209.
• Constantine Karrras, BA; Robert Aitchison, BA; Pamela Aitchison, BSN, RN; Ernest Wang, MD, FACEP, et al. “Adult Stroke Summary.” Disease-a-Month 59.5 (2013): 210-216.
• Kyle Petty, BS; Noah DeGarmo, MD; Robert Aitchison, BA; Pamela Aitchison, BSN, RN, et al. “Ethical Considerations in Resuscitation.” Disease-a-Month 59.5 (2013): 217-220.
• Alexander Kogan, MD; Robert Aitchison; Dania S. Lees, MD; Kristoffer Dayrit; Morris Kharasch, MD; Ernest Wang, MD. “61 Year Old male with Sudden Onset of Gross Hematuria: A Case Report.” American Journal of Therapeutics (Jan. 2013)
• Christopher Pettineo; Robert Aitchison; Scott Leikin; Stephen Vogel; Jerrold Leikin. “Biological and Chemical Weapons of Mass Destruction: Updated Clinical Therapeutic Countermeasures Since 2003.” American Journal of Therapeutics 16 (2009): 35-43
• Nathan Beckerman, MD, Scott M. Leikin, Robert Aitchison, May Yen, MD, Brandon K. Wills, DO, MS. “Laboratory interferences with the newer cyanide antidote: hydroxocobalamin.” Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology 26.1 (2009): 49-52