JPAE Podcast

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, editor-in-chief of the Journal of PA Education, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, chair and associate clinical professor at Northeastern University, talk with Rachel Weinzimmer, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-EM, CPAAPA, DFAAPA, assistant professor of PA Studies and director of didactic education at Colorado Mesa University. Dr. Weinzimmer shares how she and her students turned a creative capstone project into a study exploring the use of escape rooms to gamify ultrasound education for PA students. She explains how academic puzzles tied to ultrasound concepts challenge students to “escape” the room—boosting engagement, confidence, and motivation along the way. The discussion also dives into research design, statistical analysis, and practical takeaways for educators looking to bring innovation and play into the classroom.

Show notes

JPAE article: Point-of-Care Ultrasound Escape Rooms: Gamification of Ultrasound Education in Physician Assistant Students

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, editor-in-chief of the Journal of PA Education, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, chair and associate clinical professor at Northeastern University, talk with Kevin Bogenschutz, DMS, PA-C, assistant professor of PA Studies at Butler University, about his recent research exploring whether preceptor evaluations can predict PANCE and End-of-Rotation (EOR) exam performance. Bogenschutz shares his path from preceptor to researcher and reflects on the critical role of preceptors in assessing students beyond academic knowledge—evaluating skills, professionalism, and communication. The conversation dives into the design of his study, the importance of preceptor training, and what the findings reveal about assessment in PA education. While the study found some statistically significant correlations, Bogenschutz explains why preceptor evaluations alone may not serve as reliable predictors of standardized exam outcomes. The discussion concludes with a look ahead to future research opportunities, including job placement trends and how artificial intelligence could shape the future of medical education.

Show notes

JPAE article: Assessing the Assessments: Do Preceptor Evaluations Predict Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam and End of Rotation Performance?

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, editor-in-chief of the Journal of PA Education, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, chair and associate clinical professor at Northeastern University, dive into the challenges PA faculty face when it comes to publishing research. They’re joined by Dr. Amy Roberts, PA-C of Hofstra Northwell and Dr. Mirela Bruza-Augatis, PA-C of Seton Hall University to discuss their recent study on the issue. Together, they unpack findings from the 2019 PA Education Association faculty and director dataset, revealing how factors such as tenure-track status, academic rank, advanced degrees, and research funding influence productivity. The conversation also highlights the toll of heavy teaching, clinical, and service responsibilities on motivation and burnout, and explores how institutions can better support PA faculty in building a culture of scholarship.

Show notes

JPAE article: An Update on Scholarly Productivity for Physician Assistant/Associate Faculty

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, editor-in-chief of the Journal of PA Education, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, chair and associate clinical professor in Northeastern University’s Department of Medical Sciences, explore the power—and pitfalls—of social media in shaping prospective PA students’ decisions. They’re joined by Patrick Heagey, MPAS, PA-C, of West Chester University, Amanda Lois, MSPAS, PA-C, of SUNY Upstate Medical University, and Joy Moverley, DHSc, MPH, PA-C, of Touro University California, to unpack their recent study on the topic. Together, they dive into surprising findings, innovative research methods, and how PA programs can harness social platforms strategically. From showcasing authentic student stories to understanding the long-term impact on recruitment and retention, this conversation offers valuable insights for educators navigating the evolving digital landscape.

This episode is sponsored by DxR Development Group.

Show notes

JPAE article: Does Social Media Have a Role in the Decision to Matriculate Into a Physician Assistant Program?

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, editor-in-chief of the Journal of PA Education, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, chair and associate clinical professor in the Department of Medical Sciences at Northeastern University, delve into the issue of burnout among underrepresented minority PA educators in the U.S. Joining them are Dr. Daytheon Sturges, PhD, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, MCHES, and Dr. Marilyn Massey-Stokes, Ed.D., CHES, CWHC, who share insights from their recent mixed-methods study. The discussion explores the multifaceted causes of burnout, the critical role of mentorship, and the emotional toll URM educators often face. Personal reflections underscore the study's urgency and relevance, while the conversation also highlights potential institutional interventions to foster a more supportive educational environment.

This episode is sponsored by DxR Development Group.

Show notes

JPAE article: Perceived Burnout Among Underrepresented Minority Physician Assistant/Associate Educators in the United States

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, editor-in-chief of the Journal of PA Education, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, chair and associate clinical professor in the Department of Medical Sciences at Northeastern University, explore the vital role of mentorship in PA education with guests Victoria Louwagie, DMSc, MS, PA-C, and Brittany Strelow, DMSc, MS, PA-C. Drawing from their recent research, Louwagie and Strelow share insights into how mentorship—both formal and informal—supports the professional development of physician assistant students and practicing PAs alike. The conversation delves into current mentorship models, examines key challenges, and considers opportunities for future research to strengthen mentorship pathways across the PA profession.

Show notes

JPAE article: Student Mentorship Pathways Within Physician Assistant/Associate Training Programs: A National Survey

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, editor-in-chief of the Journal of PA Education, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, chair and associate clinical professor in the Department of Medical Sciences at Northeastern University, sit down with Stephanie Neary, PhD, MPA, PA-C, assistant professor and director of didactic education at the Yale PA Online Program, to explore her recent JPAE article, “The Drivers and Barriers of Clinical Health Professions Student Flourishing: An Integrative Review.” Dr. Neary unpacks the evolving concept of flourishing in student wellness research and shares key takeaways from her review—including the vital role of relationships, institutional support, and individual mindset. The conversation also dives into the real-world tension between academic demands and personal well-being, and the rigorous process behind synthesizing this kind of research. Whether you’re an educator, student, or researcher, this episode offers valuable insights into what helps students truly thrive.

This episode is sponsored by DxR Development Group.

The JPAE Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, editor-in-chief of the Journal of PA Education, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, chair and associate clinical professor in the Department of Medical Sciences at Northeastern University, sit down with three contributors to a recent JPAE article on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in PA programs. Guests Patrick Bafuma, PA-C (University of New Mexico), Janelle Bludorn, MS, PA-C (Duke University PA Program), and Michael Breunig, MPAS, PA-C (Mayo Clinic PA Program) share their insights on the development of the study, including its rationale, methodology, and key findings. The conversation explores expert recommendations for integrating POCUS into PA curricula, the importance of establishing foundational ultrasound knowledge, prioritizing key applications, and finding the right balance between classroom instruction and clinical experience. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities in moving toward standardized POCUS education across programs nationwide.

Show notes

JPAE article: Point-of-Care Ultrasound Curricula in Physician Assistant Programs: Recommendations From a Panel of Experts

Join Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, editor-in-chief for the Journal of PA Education, and co-host Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, chair and associate clinical professor in the Department of Medical Sciences at Northeastern University, as they chat with Ryan White, PhD,  assistant professor and director of clinical site development and practice in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies and Practice at the Rutgers School of Health Professions. In this episode, Dr. White breaks down the data behind clinical training site compensation, highlighting key trends, regional differences, and the factors driving payment increases. The conversation explores how these shifts impact PA education costs, student enrollment, and the future of clinical training. Tune in for expert insights into this evolving landscape.

Show notes

JPAE article: Describing the Physician Associate Clinical Training Site Compensation Market

The JPAE Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, editor-in-chief for the Journal of PA Education, and co-host Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, chair and associate clinical professor in the Department of Medical Sciences at Northeastern University, as they chat with Erika Francis, PA-C, an associate professor and interim program director in the Division of Physician Assistant Studies at Shenandoah University. Dr. Francis shares key findings from her scoping review on assessing the professional behaviors of Physician Assistant (PA) students through Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). She discusses her research process, including methodological choices, challenges, and the critical role of communication skills in professional behavior assessment. The conversation also explores gaps in existing literature, the lack of a uniform definition of professional behaviors, and how librarians can support research efforts.

Show notes

JPAE article: Assessing Professional Behaviors of Physician Assistant Students in Objective Structured Clinical Examinations: A Scoping Review