In the inaugural episode of PA Pulse with MAPA, hosts Joe Frye and Faith Dammann Schlicht, PA-C, introduce listeners to MAPA’s new quarterly podcast designed to keep Minnesota PAs informed, engaged, and connected.

Faith shares her background as a practicing PA in Minnesota and MAPA Social Media Marketing Committee member, and together they outline what listeners can expect from the podcast, timely updates, advocacy news, upcoming events, and ways to get involved.

The episode dives into PA Day on the Hill (March 3), with Faith walking listeners through what the day looks like, why advocacy matters, and how approachable the experience is, even for first-timers. They also discuss a planned post-event meetup at The Gnome in St. Paul.

Next, Joe and Faith break down federal student loan caps and how recent classification changes could impact PA students nationwide, emphasizing the importance of collective advocacy and speaking up through AAPA and legislators.

The conversation continues with key student-focused opportunities, including:

• MAPA Student Scholarship applications opening February 1
• The inaugural MAPA Student & New Grad Summit on February 28, a free, full-day event packed with education, advocacy, networking, and career development

The episode also introduces a fun and educational recurring segment, PA Puzzler, featuring a clinical trivia question. The show wraps with a message from MAPA President Hayden Middleton. PA-C.