Host: Katarina Astrup, MSPAS, PA-C 

Guests: Cindy Goetz, Ed.D., MAPS, PA-C

Graduated 1992 - Des Moines PA program
Worked in family medicine, urgent care, bariatric medicine, occupational medicine and retail medicine.
Began working in PA education in 2014 - currently the Program Director
Mission work - Guatemala, Reynosa -Mexico, Trujillo-Peru

Matthew Ard, DHSc, PA-C

National Health Service Corp Scholar with 9 years of family practice experience and currently working in Emergency Medicine for approximately 10 years 
Doctor of Health Science, Global Health Concentration from Nova Southeastern University
25 years of medical mission's experience in a diverse array of environments 

 Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to serve on a medical mission trip as a PA? In this episode, host Kat sits down with two other PAs, Matt and Cindy, to explore the world of medical missions. They walk us through the heart behind medical missions, the logistics of preparing for a trip, and what it takes to offer compassionate, sustainable care across cultures and borders.

 Together, they explore how PAs can use their clinical skills in global outreach settings, what a typical day looks like on a mission trip, and the kinds of health concerns most often encountered. They reflect on the challenges, joys, and transformative moments they've experienced while serving abroad—and how it has shaped the way they practice medicine here in the U.S.

 Whether you’re just curious, seriously considering joining a mission, or looking for a way to make a broader impact with your medical career, this episode is full of wisdom, practical tips, and encouragement. You’ll also hear about various organizations doing this work and how you can get involved.

 This episode is a reminder that medical missions aren’t just about providing care. They’re about building relationships, showing up with humility, and letting service change you, too. 

Medical Missions Pharmacy - Blessings International | Home
Medical Missions Grants - Mission Scholarships – Christian Medical & Dental Associations® (CMDA)
Global Health Outreach - GHO - Find a Trip – Christian Medical & Dental Associations® (CMDA)
Global Health ImPAct - Global Health Impact | global health experience
Global Missions Health Conference 2025 - GMHC 2025 - November 6-8, 2025

Medical Missions Outreach (MMO): medical-outreach.com

Contact Matt: [email protected]

Host: Josh Loew, PA-C, MPAS

Guest: Tracy Keizer, PA-C

Tracy shares her extensive experience with HPSP, which monitors and supports various medical and behavioral health clinicians to maintain their licenses, particularly in areas of substance use disorder and mental illness. They discussed the program's history, processes for self-referral or third-party referral, and various scenarios where individuals might seek help through HPSP, while also addressing challenges such as financial concerns and accessibility.

Find out more about HPSP at mn.gov/boards/hpsp/

Join host Bev Kimball, PA-C, DFAAPA, and guests Adam Weber, PA-S, and Jay Minton, PA-S, as they discuss the PAEA Future Educator Fellowship. Jay and Adam are second-year students at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth and two of only fifteen students nationwide who were chosen to participate in the Fellowship. Learn about what the Fellowship entails and their plans for the future.

Find information on the Future Educator Fellowship here:

https://paeaonline.org/how-we-can-help/pa-students/future-educator-fellowship

Find information on the Health Policy Fellowship here:

https://paeaonline.org/how-we-can-help/pa-students/student-health-policy-fellowship 

Host: Josh Loew, PA-C, MPAS
Guest: Gay Lentfer, PA-C

Episode Summary:
In this episode, host Josh Loew sits down with Gay Lentfer to dive into the role and impact of the Minnesota PA Advisory Council. Gay shares her journey into PA leadership, how the Council functions, and why it's an essential body for Minnesota's PA community.

Topics Covered:

• What the PA Advisory Council is — and what it isn’t
• The composition of the Council, including PAs, physicians, and public members
• Common issues the Council addresses and how these have evolved over time
• The Council’s relationship with the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice
• Advice for PAs interested in leadership or Council involvement

This podcast was adapted from a webinar session of the Student Lecture Series. PA students Amanda Gallagher and Adam Weber lead a discussion about the path to becoming a PA. Joined by PA student panelists Sid Bauer, Jessica Dang, Josie Hogeland, and Nate Chau, and Professor Shawn Garvey, they delve into key aspects of the application process, highlighting the significance of personal statements and healthcare experience. The group also explores the interview process and the overall progression of the training program. Additionally, they answer audience questions, such as “What advice do you have for re-applicants?” and “Is taking a gap year recommended?”

Host:  Faith Dammann Schlicht, PA-C

Guest: Katarina Astrup, MSPAS, PA-C 

Katarina and Faith discuss financial literacy, with Katarina sharing her journey from being financially illiterate to becoming a financial independence advocate. Katarina highlights the importance of financial independence, especially for PAs, and how it can help prevent burnout. The discussion is aimed to empower PAs to take control of their finances and manage them effectively.

Book recommendations for PAs interested in learning about FI:

https://www.pathefiway.com/blog/book-recommendations-for-pas-on-the-way-to-financial-independence 

Free PA the FI Way Beginner's Workbook:

https://www.pathefiway.com/download-the-free-pa-the-fi-way-beginner-s-workbook  

Podcast Episode about HYSAs and Emergency Funds: 

https://www.pathefiway.com/podcasts/pa-the-fi-way/episodes/2148992733  

Website: pathefiway.com 

Connect with Kat:

Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

Hayden Middleton, DMSc, PA-C speaks with Emma Sellers, MS from the Physician Assistant Education Association about how DEI can be utilized in your practice and help with the treatment and care of your patients.  They discuss Project Access and its goals of creating outreach for PAs and educating people at an early age about the roles and opportunities for PAs in the healthcare field.

You can find out more about the Physician Assistant Education Association at https://paeaonline.org/ 

Learn about Project Access at https://paeaonline.org/resources/public-resources/about-project-access

MAPA President Clinton Billhorn, PA-C, CAQ-HM, is joined by Julie Schaefer, MD, to discuss the working relationship between PAs and physicians and how that partnership can grow in the future. 

Host: Alannah Zheng, MSPA, PA-C, CLC practices OBGYN at Allina Health.

Guest: Clinton Billhorn, PA-C, CAQ-HM practices hospital medicine at HealthPartners

Show notes: In this episode, Alannah sits down with current MAPA president, Clinton Billhorn, to explore what it’s really like to lead the academy. Clinton shares his journey, from his first involvement with MAPA up to his current presidency, and how he works to lead and shape the organization. Whether you’re curious about leadership roles or want to learn more about MAPA’s mission, this episode offers a candid look at what it means to be at the helm. Any questions for Clinton? Email him at [email protected]

Hear from the three 2024 MAPA Award Recipients as they talk about the work and dedication that led to them being chosen as MAPA Award Winners.

(Guests)

MAPA 2024 Advocacy Award Recipient: Alannah Zheng, MSPA, PA-C, CLC

Alannah is a PA in OB/GYN at Allina Health and serves as the MAPA Legislative

Committee Chair as well as Delegate to AAPA HOD. This past legislative session, her contributions helped remove a confusing clause from a state statute that limited PAs treating patients with mental health conditions. With her leadership, the state legislature also passed the PA licensure compact, making Minnesota the 10th state to join the compact. 

MAPA 2024 Preceptor of the Year: Danielle Johnson, MPAS, PA-C

Danielle is a Hospital Medicine PA at Regions Hospital and serves as Program Director for the HealthPartners Hospital Medicine APC Fellowship. Throughout her career, Danielle has “used her passion for medical education as her guiding star, incorporating it into her practice every day”. In her newer role as Fellowship Director, she has demonstrated dedication, empathy, and adaptability by working with medical education leaders, administrators, and fellow clinicians to enhance the development of each individual fellow ensuring they are best-prepared for their role. 

MAPA 2024 PA of the Year: Pat Loew, MPAS, PA-C

Pat is a Family Medicine PA with North Memorial Health. During his more than 35 years of practice, he has been dedicated to patient-centered care, recognizing the individuality and unique needs of each patient. He has been a continuous mentor to Pre-PA students, a clinical preceptor to PA students, and an exemplary colleague to other providers who work around him. Furthermore, he has been a strong leader and advocate for the PA profession, holding roles including Regional Provider Lead for 10+ years, Medical Director for North Memorial for 3+ years, member and current chair of the Professional Staff Committee, voting member on the Medical Credentialing Committee, and voting member on North Memorial’s Executive Committee. “Pat exemplifies what being a PA leader is and continues to serve his patients, community, colleagues, friends, and family. He never seeks recognition, asks for praise, or looks for Rewards.”

Host: Katarina Astrup, MSPAS, PA-C 

Katarina is a telepsychiatry PA with Minnesota Clinic for Health and Wellness. She is MAPA's Treasurer and serves on the Social Media and Marketing Committee.