In this episode, Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, President of the Physician Assistant Education Association, sits down with Tyler Smith, MPH, Chief Policy Officer at PAEA, to unpack recent changes in federal student loan policy and what they could mean for PA education. The conversation focuses on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its introduction of new loan limits that differentiate between graduate and professional students—a shift that could significantly affect PA students’ access to financial aid. Tyler outlines PAEA’s federal advocacy efforts, explains why coordinated national advocacy matters, and walks listeners through the Department of Education’s ongoing rulemaking process. The episode underscores a critical takeaway: public engagement matters. With a forthcoming comment period on the proposed regulations, the discussion highlights why input from educators, students, and stakeholders is essential to shaping the final outcome.

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, sits down with Sara Fletcher, PhD, CEO of the Association, to recap the recent PAEA Forum in San Diego. They discuss strong attendance, engaging workshops, and an active exhibit hall, along with standout special events like the blood drive. Highlights include keynote presentations from Dr. Harvey Castro on AI in healthcare and Dr. Laurel Braitman on the power of storytelling in mental health. Dipu and Sara also applaud the robust networking opportunities and the 41 research posters on display, and encourage members to explore on-demand sessions and CME credits. The conversation wraps with a look ahead to next year’s Forum in Austin, Texas, and upcoming regional education meetings.

This episode is sponsored by the University of Saint Francis and its online Doctor of Medical Science Degree.

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, talks with Brenda Diaz, DMSc, PA-C, program director at Tarleton State University, and Jason Radke, MMS, PA-C, program director at Rosalind Franklin University, about the unique challenges and rewards of leading PA programs. Dr. Diaz, whose 35-year career has centered on rural health and migrant farm workers, and Radke, with experience in pediatrics and emergency medicine, share candid reflections on mentorship, balance, and the personal passions that sustain them. Together, they explore how program directors can be better supported and highlight PAEA’s role in strengthening leadership across the profession.

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 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, sits down with Cassidy Punt, PA-C, Assistant Professor at the Rocky Vista University PA Program, and founder of the PAEA AI for PA Education Special Interest Group, for a forward-looking conversation about artificial intelligence in physician assistant education. They discuss how AI tools are being used to support learning, including AI-powered tutoring and the promise of generative AI. Punt highlights the growing need for AI literacy among both students and faculty, and shares insights into integrating AI responsibly into the curriculum. The conversation also explores common challenges, from faculty skepticism to broader institutional hurdles, and how the PA education community can navigate them.

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.