PA School Life Unfiltered: Honest Advice for Surviving & Thriving in PA School

In this episode of PA-S Life: Unfiltered, we break down the essential tools that can elevate your study game in PA school. From time-tested methods like flashcards and whiteboards to digital platforms like Notability, Anki, and UWorld, we explore what’s actually helpful without overwhelming you with the firehose analogy. We also introduce newer resources like NotebookLM and OpenEvidence, and explain how they compare to classic tools like UpToDate.

Plus, we shout out a few go-to study podcasts like Cram the PANCE and resources like Sketchy and Osmosis.

Whether you're just starting PA school or trying to adjust your strategy, this episode offers practical ideas for creating a more efficient, sustainable study routine.

In this episode of PA-S Life: Unfiltered, we’re tackling a topic every PA student worries about: burnout. We’ll unpack what burnout really looks like, how to spot it early, and why wellness isn’t about doing everything perfectly — it’s about building small, sustainable habits that protect your energy and purpose. Whether you’re already feeling stretched thin or just preparing for the inevitable challenges ahead, this episode offers honest advice and real strategies to help you stay connected to why you started this journey.

Highlights:

• Recognizing early signs of burnout

• Strategies for protecting your capacity

• Why toxic positivity can make things worse

• How to create a low-pressure, realistic wellness plan

Tune in for encouragement, perspective, and practical tips you can actually use.

Let’s be real: you probably started PA school with a planner, good intentions, and some kind of meal prep strategy, maybe. But when the pressure hits, routines fall apart fast.

This episode breaks down what makes time management so tough in grad school—and how to build a rhythm you can actually stick with. From Google Calendar stacking to reclaiming your downtime, we’re covering what works (and what doesn’t) when your schedule is overflowing and your energy’s running low.

In this episode:

• Why studying more isn’t always the answer

• Time-blocking, Pomodoro, and other real-life strategies

• Choosing a time management system that fits your brain

• How routines act as recovery tools—not just discipline

• Tips for making room for life and learning

💡 Hint: It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present.

You’ve heard the term. Maybe it makes your stomach drop. But what is remediation—and why is it not the end of the world?

In this episode, we unpack the truth about remediation in PA school and grad programs in general. We explore why it exists, how it’s meant to help you—not punish you—and how struggle is a natural, necessary part of learning.

Whether you're in the thick of it or just want to prepare for the days ahead, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• What remediation really means (and doesn’t mean)

• Why expecting perfection sets you up to feel like a failure

• What growth actually looks like in PA school

• A powerful reframe that might change how you see academic struggle forever

🔄 Real talk, reassurance, and strategies for any PA student navigating the journey.

In this episode of PA-S Life: Unfiltered, we’re diving into the top 10 mistakes new PA students make—and how you can avoid them. From overloading on study resources to thinking you’re the only one struggling, this list is packed with insights, encouragement, and real talk.

Learn how to study smarter, stop comparing yourself to others, and start thriving in PA school with strategies that actually work.

👉 Next up: Remediation Isn’t a Curse Word

Welcome to the very first episode of PA-S Life: Unfiltered—your go-to podcast for real talk and honest advice about surviving and thriving in PA school.

In this intro episode, you’ll meet your host (a PA educator and student supporter), Sarah, hear why this podcast was created, and learn what kinds of practical, encouraging, and bite-sized episodes you can expect each week.

Whether you’re just starting or already knee-deep in studying, this podcast is here to help you navigate the chaos with clarity, confidence, and maybe even a laugh.

👉 Next up: 10 Mistakes New PA Students Make