The PA Path Podcast

Season 7: Episode 117 - Inside the Future Educator Fellowship

In this episode, host Emma Sellers, MS, sits down with Afsoon Moktar, PhD, MSc, EMBA, BSN, BHS, CT (ASCP), professor in the Physician Assistant Program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Minh Tran, PA-C, an emergency medicine PA at Newton-Wellesley, to explore their experiences in the Future Educator Fellowship. Dr. Moktar reflects on mentoring the next generation of clinician educators and explains how the fellowship’s structure, support, and sense of community make an academic career feel both accessible and sustainable. Tran shares how the program broadened her understanding of PA education beyond the classroom, introducing her to curriculum design, assessment, accreditation, leadership, and intentional mentorship. She also discusses the shift from being clinically proficient to learning how to teach with clarity and purpose. Together, they examine the intensity of PA training, the many responsibilities faculty members carry, and the evolving landscape of recruiting and supporting educators. They offer practical advice for aspiring faculty: begin teaching before you feel fully ready, seek strong mentors, build community to prevent burnout, and remain curious as you grow.
This episode is sponsored by Logan University.
The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Season 7: Episode 116 - Why Research Matters in PA Education

In this episode, host Emma Sellers, MS, speaks with Denise Rizzolo, PhD, MPH, PA-C, Director of Research and Publication at the Physician Assistant Education Association and managing editor of the Journal of PA Education. Dr. Rizzolo shares her professional journey and explores how PA students and faculty can get involved in research at any stage of their careers. She underscores the importance of early exposure, strong mentorship, and starting with manageable projects to build confidence and momentum. The conversation also highlights the wide range of research opportunities available to PAs—from clinical practice and public health to the pharmaceutical industry—and introduces the JPAE Podcast as a resource designed to make research more approachable and less intimidating for the PA community.
This episode is sponsored by Logan University.
The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Season 7: Episode 115 - Reflecting on a Milestone Year for the PA Path Podcast

In this episode, host Emma Sellers, MS, sits down with Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, to reflect on a milestone year for the PA Path podcast. They discuss the show’s growing impact—including more than 50,000 downloads and an expanding international audience—and explore key themes shaping PA education today, such as access, affordability, and technology. The conversation highlights standout episodes on topics like ghosting in PA admissions, virtual shadowing, and financing PA education, while underscoring the importance of inclusivity and amplifying diverse voices. The episode wraps with an invitation for listener feedback and continued community support as the podcast looks ahead to addressing emerging issues in PA education.
The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Season 6: Episode 114 - Modern Recruitment in the PA Profession

In this episode, host Emma Sellers, MS, talks with Heather Storm, CSM, ICP-ACC, manager of recruitment and engagement at PAEA. Heather shares how PAEA is expanding awareness of the PA profession through key partnerships, virtual admissions fairs, and national student competitions. She also discusses how COVID-19 accelerated digital recruitment tools—from virtual interviews to online shadowing and peer-based mentorship—helping advisors, students, and pre-PAs access clearer pathways into the profession. Together, they highlight how these efforts are shaping a more informed and accessible pipeline for future PAs.
 
The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Season 6: Episode 113 - Inside the End of Rotation Exams

In this episode, host Emma Sellers, MS, sits down with Dr. Melinda Blazar, EdD, MHS, PA-C, assessment editor in chief at the PA Education Association (PAEA), and Ashley Tucker, MPH, PMP, project manager of assessment services at PAEA, to pull back the curtain on End of Rotation™ exams. They walk listeners through the meticulous process behind developing these high-quality assessments—from item writing and peer review to pre-testing and validation. The conversation also explores how PAEA exams benefit PA students, offers tips for effective preparation, and highlights the critical role of volunteer item writers in maintaining exam excellence.
The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Season 6: Episode 112 - Inspiring Growth in PA Education

In this episode, host Emma Sellers, MS, talks with Sean Kramer, MSHS, PA-C, program director and chair at the Samuel Merritt University PA Program in Oakland, CA, and Rachel Rogowski, PA-C, a recent graduate from Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio, about their involvement in the PA Student Success Competition. Rachel shares her path to becoming a PA and how the competition inspired her to connect and lead within the profession. Sean reflects on his role as faculty champion, emphasizing the importance of engaging students early and fostering community involvement. Together, they highlight how initiatives like this competition can strengthen recruitment, empower student leadership, and build the next generation of PA professionals.
 
The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Season 6: Episode 111 - Financing the Future

In this episode, host Emma Sellers, MS, talks with Tyler Smith, MPH, chief policy officer at the PA Education Association, about the many pathways to financing PA education. Tyler breaks down federal student loan options—including unsubsidized Stafford Loans and Grad PLUS loans—alongside private lending alternatives. He also explores recent changes in PA education funding, key advocacy initiatives, and the role of programs like the National Health Service Corps and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Throughout the conversation, Tyler emphasizes the power of grassroots advocacy and how sharing personal stories can shape meaningful policy change.
 
This episode is sponsored by the University of Saint Francis and its online Doctor of Medical ScienceDegree.

Season 6: Episode 110 - Expanding Access Through Virtual Shadowing

In this episode, host Emma Sellers, MS, sits down with Kathryn Reed, PA-C, assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh and founder of the National Society of Black Physician Assistants (NSBPA), to explore how virtual shadowing is transforming access to the PA profession. Reed explains how this innovative approach expands opportunities for pre-PA students, especially those facing geographic, financial, or systemic barriers. She offers practical tips for identifying high-quality virtual experiences and dives into the broader PA pathway—from application challenges to the power of mentorship. Whether you're an aspiring PA or supporting future healthcare leaders, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and resources for the journey ahead.
This episode is sponsored by the University of Saint Francis and its online Doctor of Medical ScienceDegree.
 
PA PAth is produced by Association Briefings.

Season 6: Episode 109 - Applying Smart: PAEA Tools Every Future PA Should Know

In this episode, host Emma Sellers, MS, chats with Erika Brooks, manager of application services at the PA Education Association (PAEA), about the essential tools and resources available to prospective PA students. Erika breaks down PAEA’s suite of admission services—including the CASPA application and the CASPA Program Directory—and shares how these tools can help applicants find programs that match their values and goals. The conversation also explores the competitive nature of PA admissions, the growing importance of virtual engagement, and practical tips for navigating the application process. From researching prerequisites to maintaining professionalism in online settings, Erika offers valuable guidance—plus details on PAEA’s fee assistance program to help reduce financial barriers.
 
PA Path is produced by Association Briefings.

Season 6: Episode 108 - Ghosting in PA Admissions: Why Applicants Go Quiet

In this episode, host Emma Sellers, MS, talks with Kristy Goodman, MS, MPH, PA-C, associate director of PA admissions at Southern California University of Health Sciences, and Amy Terstriep, Ph.D., director of pre-professional advising at Purdue University, about the growing issue of ghosting in the PA admissions process. They explore why applicants and institutions alike sometimes go silent, the role of virtual interviews, and how both sides can foster clearer, more respectful communication. With practical tips for students and admissions professionals, this conversation offers insights on reducing ghosting and improving the admissions experience for everyone involved.
This episode is sponsored by Massey & Associates Consulting Solutions .
 
The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings .