Episode 5: Featuring Dr. Alan Heckman

Welcome to Tales From DeSales, a DeSales University podcast series hosted by University President Fr. Jim Greenfield, in which he sits down with alumni. In this episode, Fr. Jim welcomes Dr. Alan Heckman, a 2011 alum and current faculty of DeSales University. Dr. Alan Heckman, DMSc, PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant and has been a member of the faculty since 2013. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, specializing in Communications, from Kutztown University in 2004, followed by a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from DeSales University in 2011. In recognition of his work, Dr. Heckman received the 2011 Faculty Award from DeSales University’s Physician Assistant program. In 2024, he further advanced his education by completing a Doctor of Medical Science degree from the University of Lynchburg, focusing on Emergency Management and Global Health.Dr. Heckman brings extensive clinical experience in emergency medicine, family medicine, cardiothoracic surgery, and critical care to his teaching. He currently instructs various courses in the Physician Assistant program, including Clinical Medicine, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Diagnostic Medicine, Clinical Anatomy and Physiology, Cardiology, Surgery, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. In addition, Dr. Heckman has over two decades of experience in emergency medical services as a paramedic and is a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary, overseeing Health Services operations for the organization in Pennsylvania.In addition to teaching, Dr. Heckman serves as the Graduate Program Director and Chair for the Department of Medical Science and Prehospital Medicine.An active contributor to the medical field, Dr. Heckman has authored chapters in several textbooks, including those published by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, worked as a medical Subject Matter Expert for companies like LearningMate, and has served as an expert witness in civil cases involving medical malpractice. Dr. Heckman also regularly presents at local, state, and national conferences and is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Associates and the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants.