JAAPA Podcast

In this episode, the JAAPA podcast team discusses the evolution of post-professional doctoral programs for Physician Assistants (PAs) with Dr. Kari Bernard and Dr. Aisha Hussein. They explore the history and growth of Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) programs and the diverse educational opportunities these programs offer. We further delve into the DMSc Consortium and the hot topic discussion of accreditation for these programs.

Adverse events, near misses, and medical errors are occupational hazards that contribute to burnout. Join us as we discuss research surrounding the PA and APRN experience after an adverse event and learn about how we can support each other after such an event.

In this episode, we sit down with the board of PAs in Obesity Medicine (PAOM) for a candid, practice-focused conversation on elevating obesity care in primary care. From reframing obesity as a chronic disease to integrating evidence-based treatments into busy clinics, our guests share real-world insights, clinical pearls, and strategies PAs can use today. Whether you're new to obesity medicine or looking to deepen your impact, this episode offers a forward-looking look at how PAs are leading the future of comprehensive, compassionate obesity care.

For more information and resources on Obesity Medicine, you can visit: https://pasinobesitymedicine.mypanetwork.com/

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) has been a hot topic, especially as the FDA removed menopause hormone therapy black box warning this month (November, 2025). To better understand how MHT can benefit women's health, tune into this enlightening conversation with JAAPA authors Ashley Church and Megan Biagi and JAAPA OBGYN Department Editor Alannah Zheng.

Note, our guests gave a fantastic overview of MHT - to learn more check out their article at: https://journals.lww.com/jaapa/abstract/2025/07000/menopausal_hormone_therapy__making_sense_of.3.aspx

Contributors:

Ashley Church

Credentials: MPAS, PA-C

Job Title: Physician Associate

Primary Employer: Western Sierra Medical Clinic

City, ST: Grass Valley, CA

Megan Biagi

Credentials: MPAS, PA-C, CHSE

Job Title: Associate Professor

Primary Employer: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

City, ST: Reno, NV

Alannah Zheng

Alannah Zheng, MSPA, PA-C, CLC

Job Title: Physician Assistant

Primary Employer: Allina Health

City, ST: St. Paul, MN

Happy PA Week! Celebrate with AAPA President Todd Pickard as he shares how PAs make connections and relationships that drive forward access, quality, innovation, advocacy, and ultimately patient care. We will learn about our professions' advances over the past year and get a sneak peak at what's to come!

In this episode, we further discuss the critical topic of malpractice prevention and risk management for PAs. Following up from the previous podcast "PAs in Legal Medicine Part 1," our expert guests provide an essential guide to protecting your practice, your patients, and your career. You'll learn actionable strategies for mindful EHR charting, effective patient communication, and proper delegation in collaborative practice. We also address the legal side of medicine, including the most common causes of malpractice lawsuits.

In this episode, we tackle the critical topic of malpractice prevention and risk management for PAs. Our expert guests provide an essential guide to protecting your practice, your patients, and your career. We break down the fundamentals, from foundational prevention tips and understanding different types of liability insurance, to navigating the PA standard of care. You'll learn actionable strategies for mindful EHR charting, effective patient communication, and proper delegation in collaborative practice. We also address the legal side of medicine, including the most common causes of malpractice suits, and how the handling of errors can impact your professional life. Tune in for a must-listen conversation that will empower every PA to practice with confidence and minimize litigation risk.

Why is advanced care planning so important, and how can PAs make a difference? Tune in to the latest JAAPA podcast episode with guest Christa Cooper to explore the innovative research she and her colleague Jessica Karl conducted on Telemedicine Advanced Care Planning led by Physician Associates. Discover how this approach enhances communication, reduces burdens on families, and ensures patient preferences are honored. Get the details and earn CME credit at cme.aapa.org!

Valproic acid is one of the most frequently prescribed mood-stabilizing agents for bipolar disorder, and in some regions of the world, it now competes with lithium as the preferred treatment of choice for bipolar maintenance. There may soon be restrictions on the use of valproic acid, however, because of the risk in neural tube defects and major congenital malformations in children born to mothers and fathers who take it.

In this podcast, Dr. Samuel Dotson, from the Northeast Georgia Health System in Gainesville, Georgia, and Emory University in Atlanta, and Dr. Andrew Nierenberg, from the Dauten Family Center for Bipolar Treatment Innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, discuss the current state of research regarding the benefits and risks of valproic acid in comparison to lithium use. They also discuss the importance of informing patients about their options, noting that lithium use has sometimes been perceived as riskier than it is. Dr. Dotson and Dr. Nierenberg are the authors of a Guest Editorial titled “Growing Concerns Over Valproate Teratogenicity Present an Opportunity for Lithium” in the March-April 2025 issue of The Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology.