The PA Path Podcast

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 Science Degree.

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 Science Degree. PA PAth is produced by Association Briefings.

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 PA 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.

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 .

In this episode, host Emma Sellers, MS, sits down with Nathalie Ortiz Pate, Associate Professor and Clinical Coordinator at High Point University, and Demetrius Dunbar, a first-year PA student at Howard University. Together, they share valuable insights for pre-PA students, from navigating the admissions process and managing mental health to finding balance and choosing the right program. They also dive into the power of mentorship and why finding a program that aligns with your values matters. This episode is sponsored by Massey & Associates Consulting Solutions. The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Emma Sellers, MS, speaks with Diamond Means, PA-S, a PA student at the University of Pittsburgh, and Chiamaka Nwokeocha, MPH, PA-S, a PA student at Morehouse School of Medicine, to share invaluable advice for pre-PA students. They discuss navigating the interview process, the power of mentorship, and the importance of building a supportive community. Diamond reflects on her journey from pre-med at Fisk University to choosing the PA path with guidance from a mentor. She also shares her passion for community service and her dream of launching a nonprofit to promote health literacy. Chiamaka discusses her non-linear journey influenced by her Nigerian heritage and her background in public health, tech, and education. She highlights the critical role of community support in the PA application process and her aspirations to serve rural healthcare populations. This episode is supported by the University of Pittsburgh, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences’ Doctor of Medical Science program. The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Emma Sellers chats with Jessica Scholz, director of client support at Liaison International, to break down the CASPA application process for PA programs. Jessica explains what CASPA is, its benefits, and how to navigate key timelines. The conversation highlights common mistakes to avoid, best practices for managing your application, and the importance of thorough research and preparation. Whether you're just starting or finalizing your application, this episode provides actionable insights to help pre-PA students submit a complete, polished, and competitive application. This episode is supported by Southern Illinois University Medicine Doctor of Medical Science Degree. The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Emma Sellers sits down with Kelli Hutchens, Assistant Director at the University of Mississippi, to discuss her work guiding students through the PA admissions process. Kelli shares how she developed a specialized pre-course to help pre-PA and pre-med students prepare for their applications, along with the unique challenges aspiring PAs face, such as varying school requirements, competitive timelines, and the need for hands-on patient care experience. She offers practical advice on getting started early, tracking experiences, and building connections for shadowing. Kelli also explores how the complexity of PA admissions can create barriers, particularly for first-generation and underrepresented students, and shares strategies to navigate these obstacles successfully. This episode is supported by the University of Pittsburgh, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences’ Doctor of Medical Science program. The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In our season 6 premiere, host Emma Sellers chats with Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, about the organization’s fresh approach to its goals. Dr. Fletcher explains how recruitment and retention efforts are being unified under the lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion. She shares insights on the critical need for early exposure to healthcare careers, starting as early as elementary school, and highlights the role of community involvement in shaping future healthcare professionals. Dr. Fletcher also discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed admissions processes, leading to more flexible and inclusive criteria. She champions holistic admissions, emphasizing the value of life experiences alongside traditional metrics, and calls on clinicians to actively mentor and inspire the next generation of PAs. This episode is supported by Southern Illinois University Medicine Doctor of Medical Science Degree. The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Kevin Lohenry, PhD, PA-C, and Stephane VanderMeulen, MA, MPAS, PA-C, look back on five incredible seasons of PA Path as they prepare to hand the mic to a new host. They reflect on the podcast’s journey, revisiting key themes like passion for the PA profession, commitment to diversity, and the importance of service, while sharing highlights from their favorite episodes. Kevin and Stephane introduce the podcast’s new host, Emma Sellers, PAEA’s Chief Diversity Officer, who will carry the mission forward. They also take a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to listeners, contributors, and their programs for the ongoing support that has made PA Path such a success. Join us as we celebrate the past, embrace the future, and continue the journey of advancing the PA profession! The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Babcock, DHSc, PA-C, Associate Professor and Director of the Creighton University PA Program in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Babcock reflects on her journey from growing up in small-town Wisconsin to becoming a PA and leader in PA education. She shares insights from her career path, including her early passion for medicine, her education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her PA training at Midwestern University. Dr. Babcock also delves into the Creighton program’s service-oriented mission, rooted in Jesuit principles, and provides valuable advice for future applicants on demonstrating a commitment to service and gaining meaningful healthcare experience. This episode is sponsored by Creighton University. PA Path is produced by Association Briefings.

In our 100th episode, we celebrate a milestone with Melanie “MJ” Ellis, MPAS, PA-C, program director for the University of Arizona's developing PA program. Ellis shares her inspiring 36-year journey in the US Air Force and discusses the launch their new program in August 2026, with accreditation review set for March 2026. Designed with a mission to prioritize person-centered primary care, rural health, and medical Spanish, the program will feature cutting-edge facilities, including a new clinical skills lab and the Arizona Simulation Technology and Education Center. Ellis highlights the program’s focus on resilience, interprofessional collaboration, and aligning with its core mission and values. This episode is sponsored by the University of Arizona College of Health Sciences. PA Path is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, we’re joined by Nour Safa, PA-C, Mubashir Ahmed, and Marwha Kayali, three global leaders who have developed the Muslim Association of Physician Associates and Students, now a caucus within the American Academy of Physician Associates. They share the journey of creating this group, inspired by their own paths to becoming PAs and the need for cultural and religious competency in healthcare. Together, they discuss the importance of mentorship, resources, and advocacy for Muslim PAs and students, highlighting how their organization fosters a sense of community, inclusivity, and support for future professionals in the field. PA Path is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Betsy Schmidt, program director for the Butler University PA program, about her diverse career in emergency medicine and orthopedic surgery, as well as her role in founding a PA-owned surgical assistance program in Indiana. Schmidt shares insights on the importance of thinking creatively and adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape. She also highlights Butler University’s highly regarded 24-month PA program, known for its personalized attention, focus on service, and leadership development. For prospective students, Schmidt encourages embracing unique experiences and non-traditional career paths without hesitation. PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Elias Villarreal, Jr., DMSc, PA-C, associate dean and founding program director of the UCSD School of Medicine Atkinson PA Education, shares his inspiring journey from engineering major to physician assistant, driven by a passion for biology and chemistry. He discusses the challenges and successes of launching a PA program from the ground up and highlights the program’s strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Elias also emphasizes the power of storytelling in applications, offering advice on how applicants can stand out through personal narratives. For new educators, he shares his guidance on following your passion and seeking support from colleagues and mentors. PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, we chat with Emily WhiteHorse, PhD, PA-C, founder of The PA Faculty Development Academy, about her latest book, Becoming a PA Educator: A Practical Guide for Physician Assistant/Associate Faculty. Dr. WhiteHorse shares her unique journey from high school teacher to practicing PA and now educator. She dives into the challenges clinicians face when transitioning into PA education, including the common misconceptions about teaching and the steep learning curve. With a growing faculty shortage in PA programs, she explains how many new educators leave within three years due to insufficient support. Her book offers practical tools and advice to ease this transition, focusing on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and faculty growth.

In this episode, we talk with Lisa Gables, CEO of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA). Lisa shares her path into the PA profession and AAPA's mission to advocate for and educate over 178,000 PAs. She also discusses the ongoing transition from the title "Physician Assistant" to "Physician Associate," and emphasizes the importance of engaging pre-PA students, fostering leadership development, and staying connected to the profession. This episode is supported by Southern Illinois University Medicine Doctor of Medical Science Degree. The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this special episode, our hosts Kevin Lohenry, PhD, PA-C and Stephane Vandermeulen, MA, MPAS, PA-C, discuss key considerations for selecting the right PA program. They highlight the importance of aligning your personal values and career goals with a program’s mission, culture, and curriculum. The discussion also covers critical metrics such as PANCE pass rates, attrition rates, and the program’s approach to remediation. Additionally, they explore how to assess a program’s accreditation history and analyze trends in attrition to gauge its overall quality. The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, we chat with Constance Goldgar, MS, PA-C, a professor at the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program. Constance shares her inspiring journey into the PA profession, highlighting the significance of leadership and clinical excellence. We delve into the crucial role of genetic education and research in healthcare, showcasing the contributions of notable geneticists and the necessity for comprehensive genetic education within the PA profession. Constance offers valuable insights on advancing the PA field through leadership and education, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities that align with one’s passions and values. This episode is supported by Southern Illinois University Medicine Doctor of Medical Science Degree. The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, we speak with Kristopher Maday, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA, program director and associate professor for University of Tennessee Health Science Center Physician Assistant Program. Kristopher shares his journey to becoming a PA, emphasizing the impact of personal experiences and mentorship on career decisions. He discusses the challenges and rewards of building a program from the ground up, the rising popularity of PA programs, and the essential role of hands-on training and innovative teaching methods. Tune in to discover what sets the UTHSC Physician Assistant Program apart and gain valuable tips on applying to the program. The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.