Alicia Pate, PhD, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C
Alicia Pate, PhD, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, is a certified Physician Assistant with over 15 years of experience in cardiology and cardiac surgery. She has dedicated her career to direct patient care in the cardiac OR and CV ICU, performing procedures such as endoscopic vein harvesting and assisting surgeons in complex operations. Her deep clinical expertise provides the foundation for her current work in advancing cardiac care through medical devices.
Currently, Alicia serves as a Senior Account Executive at CORCYM and as a Principal Perceval Clinical Trainer, where she supports clinical education and product adoption in cardiothoracic surgery. She is focused on building strong relationships with clinicians, emphasizing hands-on learning and teaching to improve patient outcomes and professional growth. Her transition from bedside care to medical device support allows her to combine clinical insight with strategic education and sales expertise.
Alicia holds an associate degree in nursing from Johnny Logan Community College, a bachelor's and master's in Physician Assistant Studies from Southern Illinois University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, respectively, and a Doctor of Medical Sciences with a clinical emphasis in Cardiac Surgery from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a fellow of the Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery and has been recognized for her contributions to the field, including an upcoming feature in Influential Women for 2026.
• Registered Nurse
• Member of Society of Critical Care Medicine
• Fellow Member of Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery
• University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences- Ph.D
• University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences- D.M.Sc.
• University of Nebraska Medical Center- Master's
• Southern Illinois University, Carbondale- B.S.
• John A. Logan College- R.N.
• Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the support of my family, my perseverance, and my passion for learning and teaching.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering my industry that it’s never too late to start learning, to chase their dreams relentlessly, and to never let anyone tell them they can’t achieve their goals.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is networking and increasing visibility—building strong relationships and expanding professional presence to open new doors.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are support from family, a commitment to ongoing learning and teaching, persistence, and cultivating strong professional networks.