Stepping into your first physician associate role is an exciting milestone, but how do you also step into leadership early in your career? In this episode of Ready, Set, Practice, we’re joined by Clair Kuriakose, MBA, PA-C, FACHE, Chief Advanced Practice Officer at Stanford Health Care. Clair shares insights on what it means to be a clinical leader, how to advocate for yourself and your patients, and ways to navigate professional challenges — including what to do when you’re told “no.”

We’ll also explore opportunities for mentorship, career advancement, and lifelong learning, plus practical strategies to prevent burnout and maintain wellness in a demanding field. Whether you're a new physician associate or planning your next career move, this episode will help you step up, take charge, and shape your future in the profession.

With an MBA from the University of Houston and a Lean Six Sigma green belt, PA Kuriakose has led performance improvement initiatives and served as the executive director of advanced practice since 2017. Clair is passionate about the value advanced practice providers bring to healthcare and enjoys collaborating with APP teams to ensure high-quality patient care.

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The PA profession thrives on teamwork, whether in clinical practice or professional advocacy. In this episode of Ready, Set, Practice, we’re joined by Jonathan Baker, PA-C, DFAAPA, a dedicated physician associate advocate and leader, to explore the essential role of advocacy, professional development, and mentorship in shaping the future of the profession. From understanding how AAPA and constituent organizations support PAs to building a strong professional network and engaging in health equity efforts, this conversation will empower PAs and students to find their voice and strengthen the community that has their back.

PA Baker is an advocate specializing in health for diverse sexual and gender minority populations. With leadership roles in the LGBTQ+ PA Caucus and the New York State Society of PAs, he works to advance healthcare equity through education, research, and policy change.

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Understanding how PAs get paid is crucial for new graduates entering practice. From documentation and billing to payer enrollment and reimbursement rates, these financial aspects of PA practice can feel overwhelming — but they don’t have to be. In this episode, we’re joined by Sondra DePalma, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, an expert in healthcare policy, reimbursement, and PA practice. Dr. DePalma shares insights on how new PAs can master documentation, navigate payer enrollment, understand the infamous “85% rule,” and advocate for their full value in healthcare. Tune in to learn how smart reimbursement strategies can shape your career and financial future.

Dr. DePalma is the Vice President of Reimbursement and Professional Practice at AAPA. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare policy, reimbursement, and PA practice, she has served in leadership roles, including Assistant Director of Advanced Practice at Penn State Health. Dr. DePalma has practiced cardiology for nearly two decades and is also an adjunct professor at A.T. Still University.

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In this episode, we sit down with Duncan Daviau, MPAS, PA-C, a dedicated physician associate leader and advocate, to discuss the future of the PA profession. From legislative and regulatory changes to evolving reimbursement models, we explore the key issues shaping PA practice and career opportunities. We’ll also break down what the title change means for PAs and how you can get involved in advocating for your future.

PA Daviau has been at the forefront of efforts to modernize PA practice laws and expand professional opportunities in Massachusetts, offering valuable insight into how policy changes impact the profession.  At the time of this recording, PA Daviau was pursuing a Doctor of Medical Science degree with a concentration in Health Policy at Northeastern University and expected to complete his coursework in 2025.

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Starting your first job as a physician associate (PA) is exciting — but navigating the rules that define your practice can be complex. In this episode of Ready, Set, Practice, we’re joined by Dr. Megan Fulton, System Executive Director of the APP Best Practice Center at MUSC Health. Dr. Fulton breaks down the key factors that influence what PAs can do in clinical practice, from federal and state laws to facility policies and insurance regulations. She’ll also share strategies for self-advocacy and professional growth, ensuring new PAs understand not just their scope of practice, but how to shape it for the future.

In addition to her executive leadership role, Dr. Fulton is a professor at the MUSC PA program, a primary care clinician, and the Legislative Chair for SCAPA. She’s eager to share valuable insights to help new PAs navigate and thrive in their clinical careers.

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Transitioning from PA school to clinical practice is a pivotal moment in every new PA’s career. In this first episode of Ready, Set, Practice: Insights for New PAs, we sit down with Natalie Crump, MS, PA-C, to discuss the realities of entering the workforce, from the job search and credentialing process to contract negotiations and work-life balance. Whether you're a new grad or preparing for this transition, this episode provides practical advice, personal insights, and essential resources to help you navigate your first steps as a PA-C with confidence.

PA Crump has a background in women’s health and reproductive medicine. She’s also a past AAPA Student Academy President and served on the AAPA Board of Directors. Her experience as a new PA and her passion for mentorship make her the perfect guest to share insights on what to expect after graduation.

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Learning Central: Claim your CME for this episode. https://cme.aapa.org/

Career Central: https://www.aapa.org/career-central/

New Graduate Checklist: https://www.aapa.org/career-central/career-advancement-and-transitions/new-graduate-checklist/

Salary Report: https://www.aapa.org/research/salary-report/customized-salary-report/

PA Job Source: https://www.aapa.org/career-central/pa-jobsource/

Areas of Practice Guide: https://www.aapa.org/career-central/areas-of-practice/

PA Portfolio: https://www.aapa.org/career-central/pa-portfolio/

PANCE PANRE Review Resources - https://www.aapa.org/cme-central/pance-panre-review-resources/