All Things PA Education

In this episode, Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, is joined by Robert Furter, PhD, MBA, chief data officer and principal psychometrician at PAEA, along with Henry Makinde, PhD, for a conversation on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in assessment communications and item development. The discussion explores how PAEA Assessment is incorporating AI into the early stages of item drafting through a proprietary, AI-supported process, while maintaining the same rigorous peer review and validation standards already in place. The guests emphasize that AI-generated content serves only as a starting point, with human oversight remaining central to quality control and decision-making. They also examine common pitfalls organizations face when adopting AI, stressing the importance of clearly defining the problem before implementing new technology. Throughout the conversation, they highlight the need for structured oversight, including rubrics, checkpoints, documentation, and clear guardrails to support responsible use. The group also discusses the differences between open and closed AI systems, including PAEA’s use of OpenAI Enterprise to support data governance and security. This episode is sponsored by Body Interact. Explore Body Interact’s new PA Virtual Simulation Catalog and see how it supports your curriculum: https://bodyinteract.com/physician-assistant. All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, President of the Physician Assistant Education Association, sits down with Emma Sellers, MS, Chief Recruitment and Engagement Officer at the PA Education Association, and Justin McManus, Director of Admission Services at PAEA, to examine how admissions decisions shape PA program culture and the future workforce. They discuss mounting pressures on admissions teams and explore what traditional academic metrics do—and don’t—reveal about applicants. The conversation introduces comprehensive admissions review as a structured, mission-aligned approach that evaluates the whole applicant, from communication and resilience to professionalism and program fit. The episode also previews PAEA’s forthcoming comprehensive admissions toolkit, offering practical guidance, rubrics, and customizable resources to help programs implement fair, consistent, and efficient review processes. This episode is sponsored by PA Excel. For more information, visit them online at paexcel.com. All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, talks with David Asprey, PhD, PA-C, and Jennifer Snyder, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA, co-chairs of PAEA’s Doctoral Education Commission, about the ongoing exploration of a potential entry-level doctorate for the PA profession. They revisit the origins of the Commission and walk through the extensive research, environmental scanning, and stakeholder engagement that have shaped its work so far. The conversation examines the potential advantages of a doctoral entry degree, the risks and concerns raised by various groups, and what a shift of this scale could mean for legislation, regulation, accreditation, and reimbursement. The guests also share valuable insights gathered from institutional accreditors and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Looking ahead, the Commission continues to gather data, deepen its dialogue with the profession, and refine its analysis—with plans to put forward formal recommendations by 2026. This episode is sponsored by PA Excel. For more information, visit them online at paexcel.com. All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, talks with Lizeth Zardeneta, manager for state advocacy and external affairs for the PA Education Association. Lizeth shares how she tracks legislation and regulations that directly impact PA programs, faculty, and students, while also tackling pressing issues like clinical site shortages and scope of practice laws. She discusses strategies for mobilizing PA educators, program directors, and students in advocacy efforts, and underscores the value of strong partnerships with state PA chapters and other health professions organizations. Looking ahead, Lizeth outlines her vision for making advocacy resources more accessible and creating meaningful opportunities for the PA community to shape supportive policy environments. This episode is sponsored by PeopleGrove + CORE Higher Education Group. All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, sits down with Debbie Trueblood, MSW, FASAE, IOM, CAE, lead consultant at Association Management Center, for a conversation about board governance and leadership. Drawing on her 24 years of experience, Debbie explores the evolving landscape of board governance—highlighting shifts toward micro-volunteering, equity-driven reforms, and streamlined decision-making. She shares insights on fostering inclusive board cultures, the role of ethical leadership, and why continuous self-assessment is critical for long-term effectiveness. Plus, Debbie offers practical guidance for new board members, with a focus on fiduciary responsibility and servant leadership. This episode is sponsored by Lincoln Memorial University School of Medical Sciences. For more information about the doctor of medical science program, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/. For more information on the medical education major curriculum, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/medical-education-major-curriculum. All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association (PAEA), hosts a powerful conversation with two leaders in PA education: Brandon Beattie, MMSc, PA-C, director of didactic education and assistant professor at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Colonel Michael S. Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA, director of simulation at Indiana University School of Medicine–Evansville, adjunct professor at the University of Lynchburg, and PAEA president-elect. Together, they explore the critical impact of military service on physician assistant education and the creation of the Veterans Educators and Allies in PA Education special interest group. The discussion highlights the unique strengths veterans bring to PA programs—such as leadership, resilience, and a strong work ethic—and emphasizes the importance of recognizing military experience in admissions, advocating for policy reform, and creating more inclusive pathways for those who’ve served. This episode is sponsored by Lincoln Memorial University School of Medical Sciences. For more information about the doctor of medical science program, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/. For more information on the medical education major curriculum, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/medical-education-major-curriculum. All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, sits down with Elijah Salzer, DMSc, PA-C, NYSAFE, C-EFM, CAQ-OBGYN, clinical professor at Pace University, and Justine Herndon, PA-C, assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic. As leaders of the Sexual and Gender Minority LGBTQ+ Health Special Interest Group (SIG), they discuss the gaps in LGBTQ+ health education, the need for inclusive curriculum integration, and strategies for addressing bias and fostering culturally competent care. They highlight the importance of ongoing education and open conversations to improve patient outcomes and advance PA training. This episode is supported by the University of Pittsburgh, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences’ Doctor ofMedical Science program. All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, speaks with Stephane P. VanderMeulen, MPAS, MA, PA-C, Program Director of the PA Program at Creighton University, and Rachel Vaca-Lubischer, MSW, MPA, Program Evaluation Analyst at Creighton University. Together, they discuss their groundbreaking project to develop a dynamic dashboard designed to streamline and optimize data management for a new PA program. The conversation dives into the inspiration behind the dashboard, born out of the complexities of managing large volumes of data during accreditation processes. Stephane and Rachel share how they combined technological expertise, data visualization techniques, and teamwork to transition from manual efforts to an efficient, user-friendly solution that enhances data accessibility and supports faculty decision-making. They also offer valuable advice on starting early, defining clear goals, and applying data visualization principles to make information more actionable and impactful. This episode is sponsored by PA Excel. For more information, visit them online at paexcel.com. All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, interviews Vanessa Cobarrubias, PA-C, a member of the White House Fellowship Board and former White House Fellow at the Office of the First Lady/Department of Health & Human Services. They discuss the challenges within the PA profession, highlighting the need for advocacy, better working conditions, and the promotion of professional growth. Vanessa shares her personal journey with dyslexia, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in PA education. She suggests alternative learning models and effective teaching strategies to support individuals with dyslexia. This episode is sponsored by Lincoln Memorial University School of Medical Sciences. For more information about the doctor of medical science program, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/. For more information on the medical education major curriculum, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/medical-education-major-curriculum. All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, chats with Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, adjunct didactic faculty with both the entry-level and doctoral PA programs at the University of Lynchburg. Together, they discuss program assessment and the holistic, multi-source evaluation of competencies in PA education. This episode is sponsored by PA Excel. For more information, visit them online at paexcel.com. All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, chats with Dr. Laura Gonzalez, vice president of healthcare innovation at Sentinel U. Together, they delve into the advantages of simulation in healthcare education and its role in effectively preparing learners for clinical practice. Discover key considerations for planning successful simulations, the importance of standardization, and strategies for enhancing learning outcomes. All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, chats with Emma Sellers, MS, chief equity, diversity, and inclusion officer at PAEA. The two discuss opportunities for PAs and higher education in the EDI space. This episode is sponsored by PA Excel. For more information, visit them online at paexcel.com. All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.