In this episode, host Emma Sellers, MS, sits down with Nathalie Ortiz Pate, Associate Professor and Clinical Coordinator at High Point University, and Demetrius Dunbar, a first-year PA student at Howard University. Together, they share valuable insights for pre-PA students, from navigating the admissions process and managing mental health to findin…

In this episode, Emma Sellers, MS, speaks with Diamond Means, PA-S, a PA student at the University of Pittsburgh, and Chiamaka Nwokeocha, MPH, PA-S, a PA student at Morehouse School of Medicine, to share invaluable advice for pre-PA students. They discuss navigating the interview process, the power of mentorship, and the importance of building a su…

In this episode, Emma Sellers chats with Jessica Scholz, director of client support at Liaison International, to break down the CASPA application process for PA programs. Jessica explains what CASPA is, its benefits, and how to navigate key timelines. The conversation highlights common mistakes to avoid, best practices for managing your application…

In this episode, Emma Sellers sits down with Kelli Hutchens, Assistant Director at the University of Mississippi, to discuss her work guiding students through the PA admissions process. Kelli shares how she developed a specialized pre-course to help pre-PA and pre-med students prepare for their applications, along with the unique challenges aspirin…

In our season 6 premiere, host Emma Sellers chats with Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, about the organization’s fresh approach to its goals. Dr. Fletcher explains how recruitment and retention efforts are being unified under the lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion. She shares insights on the critical need for early expo…

In this episode, hosts Kevin Lohenry, PhD, PA-C, and Stephane VanderMeulen, MA, MPAS, PA-C, look back on five incredible seasons of PA Path as they prepare to hand the mic to a new host. They reflect on the podcast’s journey, revisiting key themes like passion for the PA profession, commitment to diversity, and the importance of service, while shar…

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Babcock, DHSc, PA-C, Associate Professor and Director of the Creighton University PA Program in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Babcock reflects on her journey from growing up in small-town Wisconsin to becoming a PA and leader in PA education. She shares insights from her career path, including her early passion for m…

In our 100th episode, we celebrate a milestone with Melanie “MJ” Ellis, MPAS, PA-C, program director for the University of Arizona's developing PA program. Ellis shares her inspiring 36-year journey in the US Air Force and discusses the launch their new program in August 2026, with accreditation review set for March 2026. Designed with a mission to…

In this episode, we’re joined by Nour Safa, PA-C, Mubashir Ahmed, and Marwha Kayali, three global leaders who have developed the Muslim Association of Physician Associates and Students, now a caucus within the American Academy of Physician Associates. They share the journey of creating this group, inspired by their own paths to becoming PAs and the…

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Betsy Schmidt, program director for the Butler University PA program, about her diverse career in emergency medicine and orthopedic surgery, as well as her role in founding a PA-owned surgical assistance program in Indiana. Schmidt shares insights on the importance of thinking creatively and adapting to the evolvin…

In this episode, Elias Villarreal, Jr., DMSc, PA-C, associate dean and founding program director of the UCSD School of Medicine Atkinson PA Education, shares his inspiring journey from engineering major to physician assistant, driven by a passion for biology and chemistry. He discusses the challenges and successes of launching a PA program from the…

In this episode, we chat with Emily WhiteHorse, PhD, PA-C, founder of The PA Faculty Development Academy, about her latest book, Becoming a PA Educator: A Practical Guide for Physician Assistant/Associate Faculty. Dr. WhiteHorse shares her unique journey from high school teacher to practicing PA and now educator. She dives into the challenges clini…

In this episode, we talk with Lisa Gables, CEO of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA). Lisa shares her path into the PA profession and AAPA's mission to advocate for and educate over 178,000 PAs. She also discusses the ongoing transition from the title "Physician Assistant" to "Physician Associate," and emphasizes the importance of …

In this special episode, our hosts Kevin Lohenry, PhD, PA-C and Stephane Vandermeulen, MA, MPAS, PA-C, discuss key considerations for selecting the right PA program. They highlight the importance of aligning your personal values and career goals with a program’s mission, culture, and curriculum. The discussion also covers critical metrics such as P…

In this episode, we chat with Constance Goldgar, MS, PA-C, a professor at the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program. Constance shares her inspiring journey into the PA profession, highlighting the significance of leadership and clinical excellence. We delve into the crucial role of genetic education and research in healthcare, showcasing t…

In this episode, we speak with Kristopher Maday, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA, program director and associate professor for University of Tennessee Health Science Center Physician Assistant Program. Kristopher shares his journey to becoming a PA, emphasizing the impact of personal experiences and mentorship on career decisions. He discusses the challenges and …

In this episode, we speak with Edward Williams, DMSc, M.Ed., PA-C, chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He shares his unique journey from combat medic to physician assistant, highlighting the differences between these roles and the challenges of practicing medicine in a combat en…

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Curt Stilp, associate dean of the College of Medical Science and program director to the George Fox University PA program. He shares his journey into the PA profession, and discusses the importance of interprofessional education and highlights the crucial role of interprofessional education and the impact of PAs i…

In this episode, we speak with Chandra Lynch, chair of the PA program at Baldwin Wallace University. She shares her journey into the PA profession, drawing from her experience in family practice to excel in PA education. From her decision to join the entrepreneurial venture of launching a new program to her ascent in leadership, Chandra offers valu…

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Susan White, program director for the Boston University School of Medicine, PA Program, and Aliza Stern, MMSc, PA-C, assistant professor of dermatology, for the Boston University School of Medicine, PA Program. They share their journeys into the PA profession, delve into the role of PAs in women's health, discuss …

In this episode, we speak with Don Diemer, DHSc, PA-C, program director for the Southern Illinois University PA program. From his experiences in the Air Force to his current role at SIU, Dr. Diemer provides valuable insights into the differences between PAs in military and civilian practice settings. Discover the advantages of having a PA program c…

In this episode, we speak with Carrie Hall, PA-C, program director for the Rocky Mountain College PA program in Billings, Montana, and Cody Halverson, admissions director at Rocky Mountain College. They share their inspiring journeys into PA education, shed light on the college's admissions process, and discuss the significance of serving rural com…

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Gerard Marciano, Director of Physician Assistant Program at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. Dr. Marciano shares his remarkable journey into the PA profession and reflects on the evolution of the field over his 20+ year career. Gain valuable insights as he discusses strategies for program directors to in…

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Beth Buyea, clinical associate professor at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Buyea shares her personal journey into the PA profession and sheds light on the barriers and challenges faced by today's first-generation applicants. Delve into her early experience working in adolescent c…

In this episode, we speak with Dana Villmore, PhD, PA-C, assistant clinical professor and chair of admissions for the University of New England PA Program in Portland, Maine. Explore Dr. Villmore's personal journey into the PA profession, her transition from clinical practice to education, and delve into the distinctive aspects of the UNE program a…

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Vanessa Bester, PA-C, PA program director at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We discuss her fascinating journey into the PA profession, fueled by a deep commitment to serving underserved communities. Dr. Bester shares insights into her expertise in HIV medicine, primary care, and infectious disease …

In this episode, we speak with Jasmina Cheeseman, PA-C, assistant professor of physician assistant studies at Franklin College in Franklin, IN. We discuss her transition from clinical laboratory science to the PA profession, advocacy, her journey into PA education, how applicants should prepare to stand out as a strong candidate, and what makes her…

In this episode, we speak with Erika Brooks, CSPO, manager of admission services at the PA Education Association, and Olivia Ziegler, PA, chief experience officer at the PA Education Association. We discuss applicant experience and the CASPA process, advice for students who are thinking about applying to a PA program, the importance of letters of r…

In this episode, we speak with Brittany Booth, DMSc, PA-C, department head and program director for LSUHSC-New Orleans. We discuss her path to becoming a PA and her formal education training, her philosophy on teaching adult learners, preparing students to understand public health and community health implications, and how to be a competitive appli…

In this episode, we speak with Lt Col Kyle M. Johnston, program director of the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP), 381st Training Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. We discuss his path to becoming a PA, including taking advantage of the Health Professions Scholarship Program; differences in being a civilian PA a…

In this episode, we speak with Lucy W. Kibe, DrPH, MS, MHS, PA-C, director of the Physician Assistant Program and associate professor at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. We discuss her path to becoming a PA, her leadership role in the profession, working in academia, promoting social justice and mending gaps in healthcare, and cr…

In this episode, we speak with Vanessa Blasic, PA-C, a certified lead PA specializing in men and women’s urologic health with Elite Robotic Surgical Consultants. We discuss her journey to PA school at the University of Southern California and her clinical career path, the PA's role in robotic surgery, paying off $300,000 in student loans, and climb…

In this episode, we have a one-on-one conversation with Stephane VanderMeulen, MPAS, MA, PA-C, chair of the Department of Health Professions at Creighton University School of Medicine and co-host of The PA Path podcast. We discuss how to build a culture that creates a positive program environment, why faculty leave, the importance of communication,…

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Tiffany Maxwell, program director and department chair for the University of Maryland Eastern Shores PA program. We discuss her expertise in academic accreditation program development, building a program from the ground up, and her path to becoming a PA. This episode is supported by Southern Illinois University Me…

In this episode, speak with a national leader within the PA profession, Dr. Carl Garrubba, about his unique path to becoming a PA, his involvement and leadership in PAEA, HIV research and its impact on future infectious disease frameworks, and his PA program development. This episode is sponsored by Exam Master. The PA Path Podcast is produced by A…

In this episode, speak with a long standing leader for the PA profession, Kathy Pedersen, MPAS, PA-C, about her path to becoming a PA, her leadership in global and community health, philanthropic efforts in the industry, and her prolific bibliography. This episode is sponsored by Exam Master.By Kevin Lohenry

In this episode, speak with one of the pillars of our profession, Dr. Donald Pedersen, PA-C, about his path to becoming a PA, his leadership and philanthropic efforts in the industry, building a strong PA program at the University of Utah, and the future of PA education. This episode is sponsored by Sentinel U.…

In the season five premier, we speak to Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, about our new partnership with the organization, her career path, the growth of PAEA, and the future of the organization. .By Kevin Lohenry

This week Stephane and Kevin talk about the Season 4 episodes, themes, and trends and share some exciting news about the future of the podcast.By Kevin Lohenry

We speak with the leaders of the AAPA caucus group PAs for Latino Health about their mission, their scholarship programs, their support for PA programs and most importantly for pre-PA students.By Kevin Lohenry

We speak with one of the most recognizable names in PA history, PA Jim Cawley, about his path to becoming a PA, his history of dedicated research on the profession, and the many contributions he has made to improving our profession over the course of 40 years through leadership, advocacy, education, and research.…

Stephane and I speak with Dr. Nina Multak about her path to becoming a PA, a national leader in simulation, and an Associate Dean with the University of Florida's School of Physician Assistant Studies. She shares updates on the program, their strength in simulation, and her thoughts on the profession.…

We speak with Dr. Hanifin about his path to becoming a CT surgery and emergency medicine PA and about the Seton Hall University PA Program. Dr. Hanifin shares his thoughts about what makes the experience work well for PA students and how PA students can best prepare for school. He also shares their story about their simulation center and how it sup…

We speak with a long time PA ally and educator, Dr. Arta Bakshandeh about the impact of artificial intelligence on clinical care and PA education. We also talk about the incredible work he and his colleagues are providing for their patients and clients through Alignment Healthcare.By Kevin Lohenry

We speak with PA Jared Spackman about the University of Utah PA Program and their rich history of leadership in our profession. We also talk about his path to becoming a PA and a leader in both the Utah PA Academy and the Utah PA Licensing Board.By Kevin Lohenry

We speak with Dr. Kim Cavanagh who is a nationally recognized leader on assessment. Dr. Cavanagh also leads the Gannon University PA Department. We talk about her path to PA and about her role in building the PAEA suite of assessment products that has positively impacted programs and students in their journey to becoming board certified PAs.…

We speak with Dr. Dipu Patel about her role as Vice-Chair for Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh's Department of PA Studies. We also talk about her path to becoming a PA and about her thoughts on digital health and the impact of artificial intelligence on health care.By Kevin Lohenry

We speak with PAEA Past-President Kara Caruthers about her path to becoming a PA and about her developing program at the Meharry College of Medicine's Department of PA Sciences. PA Caruthers also shares her personal perspective about the PA profession's recent doctoral summit held this month in Charlotte, NC.…

We speak with Dr. McHugo, Chair of the Department of PA Studies at the University of North Dakota about her path to becoming a PA from rural South Dakota. We also learn about their innovative approach to building the primary care workforce for their state and her contributions to leading the PA profession.…

We speak with the Director of the Keck Street Medicine program at the University of Southern California about their incredible program caring for those experiencing chronic homelessness in the streets of Los Angeles. We talk about their clinical care, but also the importance of research, service, and teaching others how to build their own street me…