Shows
All Things PA EducationWhat New Student Loan Rules Could Mean for PA EducationIn this episode, Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, President of the Physician Assistant Education Association, sits down with Tyler Smith, MPH, Chief Policy Officer at PAEA, to unpack recent changes in federal student loan policy and what they could mean for PA education. The conversation focuses on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its introduction of new loan limits that differentiate between graduate and professional students—a shift that could significantly affect PA students’ access to financial aid. Tyler outlines PAEA’s federal advocacy efforts, explains why coordinated national advocacy matters, and walks listeners through the Department of Education’s ongoin...
2026-01-2718 min
All Things PA EducationExploring Entry-level Doctorate Programs in PA EducationIn this episode, Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, talks with David Asprey, PhD, PA-C, and Jennifer Snyder, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA, co-chairs of PAEA’s Doctoral Education Commission, about the ongoing exploration of a potential entry-level doctorate for the PA profession. They revisit the origins of the Commission and walk through the extensive research, environmental scanning, and stakeholder engagement that have shaped its work so far. The conversation examines the potential advantages of a doctoral entry degree, the risks and concerns raised by various groups, and what a shift of this scale could mean for legislation, re...
2025-11-2532 min
All Things PA EducationReflecting on the PA Education ForumIn this episode, Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, sits down with Sara Fletcher, PhD, CEO of the Association, to recap the recent PAEA Forum in San Diego. They discuss strong attendance, engaging workshops, and an active exhibit hall, along with standout special events like the blood drive. Highlights include keynote presentations from Dr. Harvey Castro on AI in healthcare and Dr. Laurel Braitman on the power of storytelling in mental health. Dipu and Sara also applaud the robust networking opportunities and the 41 research posters on display, and encourage members to explore on-demand sessions...
2025-10-2809 min
All Things PA EducationAdvocacy in Action: Strengthening the Voice of PA EducationIn this episode, Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, talks with Lizeth Zardeneta, manager for state advocacy and external affairs for the PA Education Association. Lizeth shares how she tracks legislation and regulations that directly impact PA programs, faculty, and students, while also tackling pressing issues like clinical site shortages and scope of practice laws. She discusses strategies for mobilizing PA educators, program directors, and students in advocacy efforts, and underscores the value of strong partnerships with state PA chapters and other health professions organizations. Looking ahead, Lizeth outlines her vision for making advocacy...
2025-09-2324 min
All Things PA EducationSupporting Tomorrow’s Leaders: The Program Director ExperienceIn this episode, Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, talks with Brenda Diaz, DMSc, PA-C, program director at Tarleton State University, and Jason Radke, MMS, PA-C, program director at Rosalind Franklin University, about the unique challenges and rewards of leading PA programs. Dr. Diaz, whose 35-year career has centered on rural health and migrant farm workers, and Radke, with experience in pediatrics and emergency medicine, share candid reflections on mentorship, balance, and the personal passions that sustain them. Together, they explore how program directors can be better supported and highlight PAEA’s role in st...
2025-08-2628 min
All Things PA EducationRethinking Board Leadership: Equity, Ethics, and Effective GovernanceIn this episode, Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, sits down with Debbie Trueblood, MSW, FASAE, IOM, CAE, lead consultant at Association Management Center, for a conversation about board governance and leadership. Drawing on her 24 years of experience, Debbie explores the evolving landscape of board governance—highlighting shifts toward micro-volunteering, equity-driven reforms, and streamlined decision-making. She shares insights on fostering inclusive board cultures, the role of ethical leadership, and why continuous self-assessment is critical for long-term effectiveness. Plus, Debbie offers practical guidance for new board members, with a focus on fiduciary responsibility and servant le...
2025-07-2232 min
All Things PA EducationEmbracing AI in PA Education ProgramsIn this episode, Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, sits down with Cassidy Punt, PA-C, Assistant Professor at the Rocky Vista University PA Program, and founder of the PAEA AI for PA Education Special Interest Group, for a forward-looking conversation about artificial intelligence in physician assistant education. They discuss how AI tools are being used to support learning, including AI-powered tutoring and the promise of generative AI. Punt highlights the growing need for AI literacy among both students and faculty, and shares insights into integrating AI responsibly into the curriculum. The conversation also explores...
2025-06-2416 min
All Things PA EducationSupporting Veterans in PA EducationIn this episode, Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association (PAEA), hosts a powerful conversation with two leaders in PA education: Brandon Beattie, MMSc, PA-C, director of didactic education and assistant professor at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Colonel Michael S. Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA, director of simulation at Indiana University School of Medicine–Evansville, adjunct professor at the University of Lynchburg, and PAEA president-elect. Together, they explore the critical impact of military service on physician assistant education and the creation of the Veterans Educators and Allies in PA Education special in...
2025-05-2724 min
All Things PA EducationHow Administrative Professionals Shape PA EducationIn this episode, Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, sits down with Angelique Redmond, BBA, PMP, Assistant Director of Clinical Education at the George Washington University PA Program. Together, they shine a spotlight on the essential, yet often underrecognized role of administrative professionals in PA education. Angelique shares her personal journey, her passion for integrating health profession learners into health systems science, and the inspiration behind launching the Administrative Professional Special Interest Group (SIG) within PAEA. The conversation explores how administrative professionals shape student experiences, influence program decisions, and continue to adapt and lead...
2025-04-2219 min
All Things PA EducationAdvancing LGBTQ+ Health Education in PA ProgramsIn this episode, Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, sits down with Elijah Salzer, DMSc, PA-C, NYSAFE, C-EFM, CAQ-OBGYN, clinical professor at Pace University, and Justine Herndon, PA-C, assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic. As leaders of the Sexual and Gender Minority LGBTQ+ Health Special Interest Group (SIG), they discuss the gaps in LGBTQ+ health education, the need for inclusive curriculum integration, and strategies for addressing bias and fostering culturally competent care. They highlight the importance of ongoing education and open conversations to improve patient outcomes and advance PA training.
This...
2025-03-2521 min
All Things PA EducationLeadership, Innovation, and Community in PA EducationIn this episode, Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, sits down with Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, and president of PAEA. Patel shares her journey to PAEA leadership, her passion for amplifying member voices, and how AI and digital health are shaping the future of PA education. She also discusses her newly published book, featuring insights from PA students, and the vital role of special interest groups in fostering collaboration and innovation. The conversation explores the power of community, technology, and forward-thinking strategies...
2025-02-2518 min
All Things PA EducationData Management and Visualization in PA EducationIn this episode, host Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, speaks with Stephane P. VanderMeulen, MPAS, MA, PA-C, Program Director of the PA Program at Creighton University, and Rachel Vaca-Lubischer, MSW, MPA, Program Evaluation Analyst at Creighton University. Together, they discuss their groundbreaking project to develop a dynamic dashboard designed to streamline and optimize data management for a new PA program. The conversation dives into the inspiration behind the dashboard, born out of the complexities of managing large volumes of data during accreditation processes. Stephane and Rachel share how they combined technological expertise, data visualization techniques...
2024-11-2628 min
All Things PA EducationThe Importance of Data in PA EducationIn this episode, Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, talks with Robert Furter, PhD, MBA, Senior Director of Research & DataOps, and Principal Psychometrician at PAEA, about the vital role of data in PA education. Furter emphasizes intentional data collection and analysis, distinguishing between meaningful signals and noise. He outlines PAEA’s efforts to enhance data visualization, aiming to introduce dynamic dashboards by 2025. Additionally, Furter stresses the importance of robust, accessible data sets for program evaluation and quality improvement, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach and ensuring research validity.
This episode is sponsored by PA E...
2024-10-2225 min
All Things PA EducationNavigating Learning Differences in PA EducationIn this episode, Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, interviews Vanessa Cobarrubias, PA-C, a member of the White House Fellowship Board and former White House Fellow at the Office of the First Lady/Department of Health & Human Services. They discuss the challenges within the PA profession, highlighting the need for advocacy, better working conditions, and the promotion of professional growth. Vanessa shares her personal journey with dyslexia, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in PA education. She suggests alternative learning models and effective teaching strategies to support individuals with dyslexia.
This episode i...
2024-07-2327 min
All Things PA EducationCreating a Positive Work EnvironmentIn this episode, host Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, chats with Kendall Mealy, MPA, chief people officer at PAEA. They dive into strategies for creating a positive work environment and offering opportunities for growth and development. Kendall emphasizes the critical role of learning and development as a core business function and the necessity of integrating talent development into every organization's strategy.
This episode is supported by Southern Illinois University Medicine Doctor of Medical Science Degree.
All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.
2024-06-2535 min
All Things PA EducationA Deep Dive into Holistic Program AssessmentIn this episode, host Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, chats with Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, adjunct didactic faculty with both the entry-level and doctoral PA programs at the University of Lynchburg. Together, they discuss program assessment and the holistic, multi-source evaluation of competencies in PA education.
This episode is sponsored by PA Excel. For more information, visit them online at paexcel.com.
All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.
2024-05-2827 min
All Things PA EducationUnraveling the Assessment ProcessIn this episode, host Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, chats with Casey Johnson, PhD, senior director of assessment services and psychometrician at the PA Education Association. Together, they embark on a journey deep into the realm of assessment, exploring its pivotal role in evaluating student performance. Delve into the nuances of assessment methodologies, uncovering the distinctions between exams like the PANCE and the PACKRAT®, and gain insights into the meticulous process of crafting high-quality assessment items.
This episode is sponsored by PA Excel. For more information, visit them online at paexcel.com. ...
2024-04-2325 min
All Things PA EducationSimulation in PA EducationIn this episode, host Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, chats with Dr. Laura Gonzalez, vice president of healthcare innovation at Sentinel U. Together, they delve into the advantages of simulation in healthcare education and its role in effectively preparing learners for clinical practice. Discover key considerations for planning successful simulations, the importance of standardization, and strategies for enhancing learning outcomes.
All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.
2024-03-2620 min
All Things PA EducationAdvocacy and Pioneering Rural HealthIn this episode, host Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, chats with Bill Finerfrock, co-founder of the National Association of Rural Health Clinics, and Colonel William John Gill, current president of the Research and Education Foundation for the National Association of Rural Health Clinics. The three discuss crucial topics such as federal advocacy, pathways to involvement in the PA profession, the rich history of rural health clinics, the genesis of NARHC, and offer valuable advice to PA students keen on pursuing rural practice.
This episode is sponsored by Aquifer.
Al...
2024-02-2746 min
All Things PA EducationEquity, Diversity, and Inclusion in PA EducationIn this episode, host Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, chats with Emma Sellers, MS, chief equity, diversity, and inclusion officer at PAEA. The two discuss opportunities for PAs and higher education in the EDI space.
This episode is sponsored by PA Excel. For more information, visit them online at paexcel.com.
All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.
2024-01-2314 min
All Things PA EducationNavigating a Curriculum ChangeIn this episode, host Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, chats with Jonathan M. Bowser, MS, PA-C, program director and associate dean of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Colorado. The two discuss Bowser's experience leading a major curriculum change.
This episode is sponsored by PA Excel. For more information, visit them online at paexcel.com.
All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.
2023-11-2817 min
All Things PA EducationPreparing for the Future: PA Assessment ProgramIn this episode, host Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, chats with Olivia Ziegler, PA, chief experience office at the PA Education Association. The two discuss the growth and development of PAEA's Assessment Program and how it drives success for our profession.
This episode is supported by Southern Illinois University Medicine Doctor of Medical Science Degree.
All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.
2023-10-3121 min
All Things PA EducationDiscussing Entry-Level Doctoral DegreesIn this episode, host Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, chats with Dr. Howard Straker, PA-C, MPH, director of the Physician Assistant/MPH Program at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and Dr. Nicole Burwell, PA-C, department chair and program director of the North Carolina A&T Physician Assistant Program. The three discuss the pros and cons of an entry level doctorate degree and its impact on the future of the profession.
This episode is sponsored by PA Excel. For more information, visit them online at paexcel.com.
S...
2023-09-2626 min
All Things PA EducationMeeting the Challenges of AccreditationIn our inaugural episode, host Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, chats with Dr. Sharon Luke, PA-C, executive director of the Accreditation Review Commission on the Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The two discuss notable changes in the accreditation landscape, meeting the challenges of accreditation, alleviating stress on program directors, and accessing leadership.
This episode is sponsored by Sentinel U. For more information, visit them online at sentinelu.com.
Show notes
Sharon Luke, Ed.D., PA-C, is the Executive Director of the Accreditation Review Commission on...
2023-08-2930 min
All Things PA EducationAll Things PA TrailerThe PA Education Association presents All Things PA Education hosted by Dr. Sara Fletcher, a podcast featuring leading experts in PA education discussing trends, philosophies, programs, and issues directly impacting our profession. Check out the trailer for season one!
2023-07-2401 min