In 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 strengthening leadership across the profession.

This episode is sponsored by Lincoln Memorial University School of Medical Sciences. For more information about the doctor of medical science program, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/. For more information on the medical education major curriculum, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/medical-education-major-curriculum.

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 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 leadership.

This episode is sponsored by Lincoln Memorial University School of Medical Sciences. For more information about the doctor of medical science program, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/. For more information on the medical education major curriculum, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/medical-education-major-curriculum.

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 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 common challenges, from faculty skepticism to broader institutional hurdles, and how the PA education community can navigate them.

This episode is sponsored by Lincoln Memorial University School of Medical Sciences. For more information about the doctor of medical science program, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/. For more information on the medical education major curriculum, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/medical-education-major-curriculum.

All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In 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 interest group. The discussion highlights the unique strengths veterans bring to PA programs—such as leadership, resilience, and a strong work ethic—and emphasizes the importance of recognizing military experience in admissions, advocating for policy reform, and creating more inclusive pathways for those who’ve served.

This episode is sponsored by Lincoln Memorial University School of Medical Sciences. For more information about the doctor of medical science program, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/. For more information on the medical education major curriculum, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/medical-education-major-curriculum.

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 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 as technology transforms the field.

This episode is sponsored by Massey & Associates Consulting Solutions.

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 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 episode is supported by the University of Pittsburgh, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences’ Doctor of

All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In 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 to navigate the evolving landscape of PA education.

This episode is supported by the University of Pittsburgh, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences’ Doctor of

All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In 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, and teamwork to transition from manual efforts to an efficient, user-friendly solution that enhances data accessibility and supports faculty decision-making. They also offer valuable advice on starting early, defining clear goals, and applying data visualization principles to make information more actionable and impactful. 

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 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 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, 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 is sponsored by Lincoln Memorial University School of Medical Sciences. For more information about the doctor of medical science program, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/. For more information on the medical education major curriculum, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/medical-education-major-curriculum.

All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.