Episodes

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. ...

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 shar...

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 wi...

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 Creighto...

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 clinica...

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...

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 se...

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 i...

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 facul...

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 U...

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 histor...

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 insi...

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 tea...

In this episode, we speak with Edward Williams, DMSc, M.Ed., PA-C, chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He shares his unique journey from combat medic to physician assistant, highlighting the differences between these roles and the challenges of practicing medicine in a combat environment. They also discuss the critical importance of professional development opportunities, education, and mentorship. Additionally, they emphasiz...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Curt Stilp, associate dean of the College of Medical Science and program director to the George Fox University PA program. He shares his journey into the PA profession, and discusses the importance of interprofessional education and highlights the crucial role of interprofessional education and the impact of PAs in rural healthcare settings. Tune in to learn more about George Fox University's program and what attracts applicants to it. The PA Path Podcast is p...

In this episode, we speak with Chandra Lynch, chair of the PA program at Baldwin Wallace University. She shares her journey into the PA profession, drawing from her experience in family practice to excel in PA education. From her decision to join the entrepreneurial venture of launching a new program to her ascent in leadership, Chandra offers valuable insights. Tune in to learn about BWU's unique program, standout applicant qualities, and the significant role graduates play in giving back throu...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Susan White, program director for the Boston University School of Medicine, PA Program, and Aliza Stern, MMSc, PA-C, assistant professor of dermatology, for the Boston University School of Medicine, PA Program. They share their journeys into the PA profession, delve into the role of PAs in women's health, discuss the significance of trauma-informed care, and talk about the importance of focusing on vulnerable populations. Learn about the unique features and ben...

In this episode, we speak with Don Diemer, DHSc, PA-C, program director for the Southern Illinois University PA program. From his experiences in the Air Force to his current role at SIU, Dr. Diemer provides valuable insights into the differences between PAs in military and civilian practice settings. Discover the advantages of having a PA program co-located with a medical school, unique aspects of the SIU program, and available options for a doctorate of medical science. Whether you're a prospec...

In this episode, we speak with Carrie Hall, PA-C, program director for the Rocky Mountain College PA program in Billings, Montana, and Cody Halverson, admissions director at Rocky Mountain College. They share their inspiring journeys into PA education, shed light on the college's admissions process, and discuss the significance of serving rural communities. From highlighting the unique features of their program and the college's scenic surroundings to the decision to remove the GRE from admissio...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Gerard Marciano, Director of Physician Assistant Program at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. Dr. Marciano shares his remarkable journey into the PA profession and reflects on the evolution of the field over his 20+ year career. Gain valuable insights as he discusses strategies for program directors to inspire students, highlights the unique aspects of his program, and offers advice for new program directors. Discover success stories of his graduates a...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Beth Buyea, clinical associate professor at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Buyea shares her personal journey into the PA profession and sheds light on the barriers and challenges faced by today's first-generation applicants. Delve into her early experience working in adolescent care at a boarding school in Connecticut and her belief in a collaborative approach to patient care promotion. Discover the unique program at Tufts Uni...

In this episode, we speak with Dana Villmore, PhD, PA-C, assistant clinical professor and chair of admissions for the University of New England PA Program in Portland, Maine. Explore Dr. Villmore's personal journey into the PA profession, her transition from clinical practice to education, and delve into the distinctive aspects of the UNE program and curriculum. Gain insights into the quintessential applicant profile, discover the program's commitment to serving the Maine community, and explore ...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Vanessa Bester, PA-C, PA program director at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We discuss her fascinating journey into the PA profession, fueled by a deep commitment to serving underserved communities. Dr. Bester shares insights into her expertise in HIV medicine, primary care, and infectious disease and describes what sets her program at Augsburg University apart in the realm of PA education. This episode is sponsored by Butler University Doctor ...

In this episode, we speak with Jasmina Cheeseman, PA-C, assistant professor of physician assistant studies at Franklin College in Franklin, IN. We discuss her transition from clinical laboratory science to the PA profession, advocacy, her journey into PA education, how applicants should prepare to stand out as a strong candidate, and what makes her program unique. This episode is sponsored by Butler University Doctor of Medical Science Programs.