Physician Assistant Studies Faculty & Staff
Executive Director and Program Director, J. Barton Gillum, DSc., PA-C
Dr. J. Barton Gillum is an experienced educator and academic leader in physician assistant and pre-medical education. He currently serves as Executive Director and Program Director of the Physician Assistant Program at Kean University, where he oversees program leadership, curriculum development, and student success initiatives.
From 2018 to 2024, Dr. Gillum directed The George Washington University’s Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medicine Program, followed by his role as Program Director and Assistant Professor for GW’s Physician Assistant Program from 2024 to 2025. Throughout his academic career, he has taught a wide range of courses, including Current Topics in Healthcare, Medical Terminology, and Clinical Specialties, and has facilitated integration courses for PA students.
His scholarly interests include point-of-care ultrasound and pathways to healthcare careers for pre-PA and pre-medical students. He is a peer reviewer for leading PA journals and has served in national leadership roles, including co-chairing the advisory committee for the PostbacCAS centralized application service.
Dr. Gillum is committed to advancing healthcare education through innovation, collaboration, and a strong focus on student success.
Medical Director, Dmitriy Zelikson, DO
Providing compassionate patient care and mentoring future healthcare providers are Dr. Zelikson's driving forces. He believes these are the building blocks for a successful and rewarding career in medicine. After all, doctor in Latin means “teacher.”
Since graduating residency and becoming a board certified Emergency Medicine physician, Zelikson has been involved in academics as a preceptor to residents and medical students, providing them with educational guidance. He's also an examiner for American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Physicians. His professional interests include practice of evidence based medicine, community education and student development.
Through his role as a Medical Director at Kean University’s Physician Assistant Program, I have the honor to help educate the next generation of health care providers. The program strives to provide every student with a solid foundation for limitless career opportunities and professional growth. He hopes that together we can achieve our highest aspirations.
Director of Clinical Education, Ewa Keil, M.S., PA-C
Ewa Keil, MS, PA-C has been practicing as a Physician Assistant (PA) since 2005. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Philadelphia University (now Jefferson University) in 2003 and 2005 respectively. She has expertise in a variety of fields including Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care, Interventional Pain Management, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatry), and Occupational Medicine. She brings a wealth of clinical experience along with a strong background in mentoring and as a clinical preceptor. She believes that PAs are vital to the future of healthcare and is eager to pass on her enthusiasm for medicine and patient care. Her goal is to inspire her students to become empathetic, skilled, and compassionate providers.
Director of Didactic Education and Assistant Professor, Michael Teehan DMSc, PA-C
Dr. Michael Teehan is a board-certified Physician Assistant and educator with nearly a decade of experience in emergency medicine, urgent care, and critical care. He earned his Doctor of Medical Science degree from the University of Lynchburg, a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Mercy College, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies from Monmouth University.
Prior to joining Kean University, Dr. Teehan practiced clinically in emergency and urgent care settings throughout New Jersey and completed advanced training in cardiothoracic and neurosurgical critical care. He also served in healthcare leadership roles, including Assistant Medical Director, where he oversaw provider development, quality improvement initiatives, and clinical operations across multiple practice sites.
As Assistant Professor and Director of Didactic Education in the Kean University Physician Assistant Program, Dr. Teehan provides leadership in curriculum delivery, student assessment, and instructional innovation. His academic leadership includes curriculum redesign, assessment development, and accreditation-focused program improvement aligned with national standards for physician assistant education.
Dr. Teehan's scholarly and clinical interests include clinical reasoning, active learning methodologies, obesity medicine, metabolic health, and medical education. He holds a Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine and maintains active membership in the Obesity Medicine Association, the American Academy of Physician Associates, and the New Jersey State Society of Physician Assistants.
Committed to preparing the next generation of Physician Associates, Dr. Teehan is passionate about evidence-based teaching, student mentorship, and fostering the clinical judgment necessary for compassionate, patient-centered care.
Vanessa Disla, M.S., PA-C, Assistant Professor
Vanessa Disla has been practicing as a cardiac surgery physician assistant since 2007. She also spent 3 years working in reconstructive surgery. She believes that strong training will shape strong future providers. Bringing the focus and intensity of surgery to teaching, she looks forward to shaping the next generation of physician assistants.
She obtained her Bachelor’s degree from NYU and her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant studies at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Amanda Ahearn, Lecturer, PA-C
Amanda Ahearn, PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant who has been practicing in obstetrics and gynecology since 2021. In addition to her clinical work, she has been actively involved in medical education, serving as a preceptor for Kean University’s PA Program in the women’s health rotation and as an adjunct lecturer. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Felician University and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Marywood University.
Amanda is particularly passionate about women’s health and patient advocacy, and she brings this focus into both her clinical practice and teaching. As she continues to grow her role in academia, she is committed to fostering a supportive and inspiring learning environment. Her goal is to help students build confidence, develop strong clinical skills, and stay connected to the “why” behind their journey into medicine.