All Things PA Education

In this episode Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, is joined by Tyler Smith, MPH, chief policy officer at PAEA, and Frank Giannelli, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at Rutgers University, to discuss the federal student loan policy changes affecting PA education and the advocacy efforts underway to protect students. They explain how a recent Department of Education rule could significantly reduce federal loan eligibility for many PA students, the legal and legislative response led by PAEA and its partners, and the temporary relief provided by a federal court stay. The conversation also offers practical guidance for PA programs on supporting students through uncertainty, communicating with financial aid offices, and staying informed as the case moves forward.
This episode is sponsored by PA History Society.
 
All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, is joined by PAEA colleagues Amanda Moloney-Johns, MPAS, PA-C, Hannah De La Rosa, MPH, PMP, and Robert Furter, PhD, MBA, to discuss insights from PAEA's annual member survey. They explore how member feedback shapes the association's priorities, resources, and services while highlighting key challenges facing PA education, including accreditation, learner support, mental health, burnout, and clinical training. The conversation also examines how PAEA is using member input to enhance benchmarking, improve data access through its new Data Hub, and address emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, policy changes, and clinical site availability.
This episode is sponsored by Aquifer.
 
All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, is joined by Lachan Siebenmorgen, PhD, MPAS, PA-C, Director of Assessment and Assistant Professor, and Audra Wilson, DMSc, M.S., PA-C, Director of Didactic Education, Associate Medical Director, both from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, for a conversation about rethinking remediation in accelerated PA programs. They discuss moving beyond traditional retesting and memorization toward a more student-centered approach focused on reflection, error analysis, exam mapping, and individualized learning plans. The conversation explores how their remediation framework differentiates support based on student performance, incorporates collaboration with course directors and learning specialists, and adapts to the unique challenges of the clinical year, including timing and distance. They also share how the model has evolved over five years, leading to improved PANCE outcomes, fewer end-of-rotation remediations, stronger preceptor evaluations, and reduced faculty workload through phased implementation and automation.
This episode is sponsored by AMBOSS.
 
All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, is joined by Robert Furter, PhD, MBA, chief data officer and principal psychometrician at PAEA, along with Henry Makinde, PhD, for a conversation on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in assessment communications and item development. The discussion explores how PAEA Assessment is incorporating AI into the early stages of item drafting through a proprietary, AI-supported process, while maintaining the same rigorous peer review and validation standards already in place. The guests emphasize that AI-generated content serves only as a starting point, with human oversight remaining central to quality control and decision-making. They also examine common pitfalls organizations face when adopting AI, stressing the importance of clearly defining the problem before implementing new technology. Throughout the conversation, they highlight the need for structured oversight, including rubrics, checkpoints, documentation, and clear guardrails to support responsible use. The group also discusses the differences between open and closed AI systems, including PAEA’s use of OpenAI Enterprise to support data governance and security. 
 
This episode is sponsored by Body Interact. Explore Body Interact’s new PA Virtual Simulation Catalog and see how it supports your curriculum: https://bodyinteract.com/physician-assistant.
 
All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, President of the PA Education Association, is joined by April Stouder, EdD, MHS, PA-C, of Duke University and Shalon Buchs, EdD, MHS, PA-C, of Florida State University to explore how post-pandemic shifts are reshaping PA education. They discuss the growing need for student support, as many learners face increased anxiety, gaps in social-emotional development, and more complex health and learning challenges. These shifts have placed additional demands on faculty, who are navigating increased responsibilities related to remediation, advising, leaves of absence, and the broader emotional aspects of student support. The guests share strategies for maintaining rigor while creating space for growth, including protected time, stronger faculty support, and using data alongside lived experiences to advocate for institutional 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.

In this episode, Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, President of the Physician Assistant Education Association, sits down with Emma Sellers, MS, Chief Recruitment and Engagement Officer at the PA Education Association, and Justin McManus, Director of Admission Services at PAEA, to examine how admissions decisions shape PA program culture and the future workforce. They discuss mounting pressures on admissions teams and explore what traditional academic metrics do—and don’t—reveal about applicants. The conversation introduces comprehensive admissions review as a structured, mission-aligned approach that evaluates the whole applicant, from communication and resilience to professionalism and program fit. The episode also previews PAEA’s forthcoming comprehensive admissions toolkit, offering practical guidance, rubrics, and customizable resources to help programs implement fair, consistent, and efficient review processes.
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.

In 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 ongoing rulemaking process. The episode underscores a critical takeaway: public engagement matters. With a forthcoming comment period on the proposed regulations, the discussion highlights why input from educators, students, and stakeholders is essential to shaping the final outcome.
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.

In 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, regulation, accreditation, and reimbursement. The guests also share valuable insights gathered from institutional accreditors and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Looking ahead, the Commission continues to gather data, deepen its dialogue with the profession, and refine its analysis—with plans to put forward formal recommendations by 2026.
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.

In 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 and CME credits. The conversation wraps with a look ahead to next year’s Forum in Austin, Texas, and upcoming regional education meetings.
This episode is sponsored by the University of Saint Francis and its online Doctor of Medical Science Degree.
 
All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In 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 resources more accessible and creating meaningful opportunities for the PA community to shape supportive policy environments.
This episode is sponsored by PeopleGrove + CORE Higher Education Group.
 
All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.