PA Faculty Spotlight: Mike Otte

Mike Otte, MS, PA-C, is an assistant professor in the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine and a core faculty member in the Tufts Physician Assistant Program. A clinician-educator with experience in primary care, urgent care, and orthopedics, he teaches across the curriculum and serves as course director for Physical Diagnosis and Orthopedics. Grounded in real-world practice and a commitment to humanism, collaboration, and critical thinking, Otte helps prepare Tufts PA students to become confident, ethical clinicians. In this Q&A, he reflects on his path to education, his teaching philosophy, and what makes the Tufts PA experience distinctive.

What courses do you teach in the Tufts PA Program?

"As a core faculty member, I teach across several areas of the Tufts PA curriculum, with a focus on foundational medical knowledge and technical skills and their real-world application. I’m the course director for our Physical Diagnosis course where students learn and practice the practical skills of history taking and the physical exam. I also direct our Orthopedics course where we cover the essentials of musculoskeletal conditions. This is in addition to teaching in the procedures lab, cadaver lab, clinical reasoning course, and our custom board review lectures. My teaching often draws on my prior clinical experiences to provide context for the medical content while emphasizing the importance of humanism, professional growth, and clear communication.

I’m especially passionate about helping students develop the skills they need to think critically, advocate for their patients, and grow into confident, ethical clinicians. At Tufts, we aim to educate not just excellent PAs, but thoughtful professionals who are prepared to meet the evolving needs of health care. That goal is at the core of my teaching philosophy."

What inspired you to pursue a career in physician assistant education, and what led you to join the faculty at Tufts University? 

"My interest in PA education grew organically from my clinical work. I found that some of the most meaningful moments in my career came from teaching, whether that was with patients, colleagues, or students. Over time, I realized that educating future PAs allowed me to have a broader and more lasting impact on patient care.

Tufts felt like a natural home because of its strong commitment to humanism, collaboration, and social responsibility in health care. The program’s emphasis on educating thoughtful, adaptable clinicians aligned deeply with my own values. Another part of what truly sets Tufts apart is the faculty. This is a group of educators who are deeply invested in teaching, mentorship, and continuous improvement. Faculty collaborate closely, share best practices, innovate, and genuinely support one another, which is a culture that directly benefits students. Being part of such a thoughtful, mission-driven team is such a privilege. For me, it’s been the right place to grow as an educator and contribute meaningfully to the future of the profession."

Can you share a memorable teaching moment or experience that exemplifies the unique approach to PA education at Tufts? 

"One memorable moment involved a case discussion where students were challenged to manage a patient with both complex medical needs and significant barriers to care. What stood out was how thoughtfully students approached the situation, balancing evidence-based medicine with empathy, advocacy, and teamwork. 

Rather than focusing solely on the diagnosis, they considered the patient’s circumstances, values, and access to resources. Watching students support one another and engage in meaningful discussion highlights to me what makes Tufts special. A learning environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and compassionate care. Moments like that remind me why educating future PAs is so meaningful."

How do you incorporate your real-world clinical experience into your teaching methods, and how does this benefit students in the program? 

"I intentionally bring real clinical cases and experiences from my background in primary care, urgent care, and orthopedics into the classroom. I’m open about both successes and challenges, because those moments often offer powerful learning opportunities. I recently integrated a mock Morbidity and Mortality Conference where students engaged in case analysis and explored the real-world challenges clinicians face. By examining individual, institutional, and systemic influences on patient care, I hope to help students develop the insight and confidence needed to promote safer, more effective practice.

Connecting the coursework to real-world practice also helps students gain a clearer understanding of how clinicians function in complex, fast-paced environments. This approach builds confidence, strengthens clinical reasoning, and helps students feel better prepared for clinical rotations and for the evolving demands of their future careers."

Tufts PA program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration. Can you speak to the importance of this approach in preparing future PAs for the complexities of modern health care? 

"Interprofessional collaboration is essential to delivering high-quality care, especially in today’s highly integrated health care system. As a PA, the ability to work effectively within a team is fundamental. At Tufts, students learn about, with, and from other health professionals. This fosters mutual respect, effective communication skills, and highlights the benefits of a collaborative and unified approach to patient care.

This approach closely reflects Tufts’ mission to develop competence while working cohesively on an interdisciplinary team and social responsibility. Our graduates are prepared not only to contribute clinically, but also to lead, advocate, and collaborate across diverse health care settings."

What advice would you give to prospective students considering the Tufts PA program? 

"If you’re considering Tufts, I encourage you to reflect on what kind of clinician you hope to become by examining your own goals and values. Consider what you’re looking for on your educational journey and see if that aligns with our program. Tufts is a rigorous 25-month program that will help you to become a confident, capable PA able to thrive in the future of medicine, while offering extensive support every step of the way.

As the PA Program Admissions Chair, I’d encourage prospective students to read through our website carefully to understand the required prerequisites to be considered for admission. On the website, they’ll also be able to review the mission and values or sign up for an information session to see if they feel alignment with the Tufts program. Lastly, be sure to double check for completeness and submit well before the deadlines to ensure your application is reviewed. You can always reach out to our admissions team with any questions."

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