JAAPA Podcast

Ulcerative colitis (UC) can present significant challenges in primary care settings. Today's episode features expert insights on ulcerative colitis, covering diagnosis, severity classification, treatment options, and holistic care approaches. Perfect for primary care providers seeking to enhance their management strategies.

Dermatology PAs not only expand access to dermatologic care but also contribute to innovations and professional development. Join us as Michael Overcash, JAAPA Dermatology Department Editor, Sarah Vicari, President of the Society of Dermatology PAs, and Cynthia Griffith, Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of Dermatology PAs (JDPA) show how Dermatology PAs empower each of us to broaden our understanding of how to manage dermatologic conditions and contribute to professional advocacy efforts.

Psychiatric skin disorders are common but access to dermatology providers is limited. Learn more about these skin disorders in this episode as Alicyn Trask, DMSc, PA-C describes the bidirectional connections between skin and mental health. And, explore how PAs can contribute to integrative care delivery for patients with primary or secondary psychiatric skin disorders.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD) is an increasingly prevalent condition that is associated with multiple comorbidities and has been identified as a significant public health risk. We, as PAs, play an important role in early detection and management. Join us as we discuss screening and management of MASLD with PA Anne Geary.

In recognition of World Obesity Day, this JAAPA Podcast episode brings together three Physician Associates who specialize in obesity medicine to discuss the current state of obesity care. The conversation examines comprehensive treatment in the era of direct-to-consumer GLP1 prescribing, the role of multidisciplinary care, and the growing policy discussions around Medicare and Medicaid coverage for anti-obesity medications. The panel also addresses how media portrayals and weight stigma influence patient experiences, how internalized bias affects engagement in care, and the persistent disparities in screening and access to treatment. This episode highlights the critical role PAs play in advancing evidence-based obesity care and advocating for equitable, patient centered treatment.

In this episode, the JAAPA podcast team discusses the evolution of post-professional doctoral programs for Physician Assistants (PAs) with Dr. Kari Bernard and Dr. Aisha Hussein. They explore the history and growth of Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) programs and the diverse educational opportunities these programs offer. We further delve into the DMSc Consortium and the hot topic discussion of accreditation for these programs.

Adverse events, near misses, and medical errors are occupational hazards that contribute to burnout. Join us as we discuss research surrounding the PA and APRN experience after an adverse event and learn about how we can support each other after such an event.

In this episode, we sit down with the board of PAs in Obesity Medicine (PAOM) for a candid, practice-focused conversation on elevating obesity care in primary care. From reframing obesity as a chronic disease to integrating evidence-based treatments into busy clinics, our guests share real-world insights, clinical pearls, and strategies PAs can use today. Whether you're new to obesity medicine or looking to deepen your impact, this episode offers a forward-looking look at how PAs are leading the future of comprehensive, compassionate obesity care.

For more information and resources on Obesity Medicine, you can visit: https://pasinobesitymedicine.mypanetwork.com/

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) has been a hot topic, especially as the FDA removed menopause hormone therapy black box warning this month (November, 2025). To better understand how MHT can benefit women's health, tune into this enlightening conversation with JAAPA authors Ashley Church and Megan Biagi and JAAPA OBGYN Department Editor Alannah Zheng.

Note, our guests gave a fantastic overview of MHT - to learn more check out their article at: https://journals.lww.com/jaapa/abstract/2025/07000/menopausal_hormone_therapy__making_sense_of.3.aspx

Contributors:

Ashley Church

Credentials: MPAS, PA-C

Job Title: Physician Associate

Primary Employer: Western Sierra Medical Clinic

City, ST: Grass Valley, CA

Megan Biagi

Credentials: MPAS, PA-C, CHSE

Job Title: Associate Professor

Primary Employer: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

City, ST: Reno, NV

Alannah Zheng

Alannah Zheng, MSPA, PA-C, CLC

Job Title: Physician Assistant

Primary Employer: Allina Health

City, ST: St. Paul, MN

Happy PA Week! Celebrate with AAPA President Todd Pickard as he shares how PAs make connections and relationships that drive forward access, quality, innovation, advocacy, and ultimately patient care. We will learn about our professions' advances over the past year and get a sneak peak at what's to come!

In this episode, we further discuss the critical topic of malpractice prevention and risk management for PAs. Following up from the previous podcast "PAs in Legal Medicine Part 1," our expert guests provide an essential guide to protecting your practice, your patients, and your career. You'll learn actionable strategies for mindful EHR charting, effective patient communication, and proper delegation in collaborative practice. We also address the legal side of medicine, including the most common causes of malpractice lawsuits.

In this episode, we tackle the critical topic of malpractice prevention and risk management for PAs. Our expert guests provide an essential guide to protecting your practice, your patients, and your career. We break down the fundamentals, from foundational prevention tips and understanding different types of liability insurance, to navigating the PA standard of care. You'll learn actionable strategies for mindful EHR charting, effective patient communication, and proper delegation in collaborative practice. We also address the legal side of medicine, including the most common causes of malpractice suits, and how the handling of errors can impact your professional life. Tune in for a must-listen conversation that will empower every PA to practice with confidence and minimize litigation risk.

Why is advanced care planning so important, and how can PAs make a difference? Tune in to the latest JAAPA podcast episode with guest Christa Cooper to explore the innovative research she and her colleague Jessica Karl conducted on Telemedicine Advanced Care Planning led by Physician Associates. Discover how this approach enhances communication, reduces burdens on families, and ensures patient preferences are honored. Get the details and earn CME credit at cme.aapa.org!

Recently, a team of researchers at the NCCPA examined the impact of educational debt on PA specialty selection - tune in as we discuss their work as recently published in JAAPA. We know that the decision to specialize is nuanced, involving a PA's individual goals, experiences in PA school, job availability for each physical location, compensation, and levels of debt accrued in training. Listen as Andrez Kozikowski, Alicia Quella, and Mirela Bruza-Augatis discuss this important topic.

The American population is aging. In one century, life expectancy in the US rose from 47 to 78. In 2050, 20% of the U.S. population will be older than 65. With this in mind, we must identify ways to improve the quality of the final days of life. In this episode, we explore how the PA profession contributes to palliative care, focusing on symptom management, quality of life, and communication with JAAPA Authors Rebecca Jones and Natalie Mohammad.

Additional resources mentioned during the podcast available here:

Palliative Care for PAs: Physician Associates in Hospice & Palliative Medicine (PAHPM) PAHPM - Home

CAQ in Palliative Medicine & Hospice Care Specialty Certificates - NCCPA

End of Life Training and Serious Illness Conversation Guides

Ariadne Labs Serious Illness Conversation Guide: Serious-Illness-Conversation-Guide.2023-05-18.pdf

RE-MAP: REMAP: A Framework for Goals of Care Conversations | JCO Oncology Practice

Training Courses for breaking bad news & having serious illness conversations

Vital Talk: Home - VitalTalk

PalliTalk: PalliTALK and WeTALK Communication Workshops | Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison

End of Life Education (from nursing)

ELNEC: End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC)