PA Insights - Powered by NCCPA

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at NCCPA’s 2025 Statistical Profile of Board Certified PAs by Specialty. Joining us are NCCPA Research Analysts Colette Jeffery and Kasey Puckett, along with NCCPA Research Scientist Dr. Mirela Bruza to discuss what the latest data reveals about the PA workforce.We’ll explore how the profession is expanding across specialties, where demand for PAs is growing, and what the research tells us about career flexibility, job satisfaction, burnout and the increasing role of telemedicine in healthcare delivery.

Michael Fanning, MPAS, PA-C, of UT Southwestern Medical Center joins the PA Insights Podcast to discuss the evolving role of PAs in infectious disease.Michael shares his career path and discusses how the role of PAs on infectious disease teams has changed over time. We also explore the management of complex infections, antibiotic stewardship, antibiotic resistance, and recent developments in infectious disease practice that PAs across specialties should understand.The conversation also covers what makes infectious disease a rewarding career path for PAs, the skills and experiences that can help PAs enter the specialty, and how PAs can prepare patients for influenza season through vaccination, prevention, and patient education.

Mental and behavioral health challenges affect patients across every healthcare setting—not just psychiatry. In this episode of PA Insights, we're joined by psychiatry PAs Tajuana Lordeus, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry, and Erin C. Crown, MHSPAS, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry, to explore the expanding role of PAs in mental and behavioral health care.They discuss their journeys into psychiatry and how Board Certified PAs are prepared to deliver comprehensive, whole-person care. The conversation also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and why every PA, regardless of specialty, should feel confident recognizing and addressing behavioral health concerns.The episode also explores the benefits of earning the NCCPA Psychiatry Certificate of Added Qualifications (Psych CAQ), including how the credential supports professional growth and demonstrates advanced expertise in psychiatric medicine.

Emergency medicine demands quick thinking, clinical expertise and strong teamwork. In this episode of PA Insights, Sara Champoux, DHSc, PA-C, and Tenell Zahodnik, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, CAQ-EM, share what it's like to practice in one of health care's most fast-paced specialties.From caring for critically ill patients to navigating the unpredictable nature of the emergency department, they discuss the knowledge, adaptability and collaboration that help PAs succeed. They also explain why some Board Certified PAs choose to earn an NCCPA Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in emergency medicine, how it supports professional growth and what it can mean throughout a career.Whether you're a PA student exploring specialties, a Board Certified PA considering emergency medicine or simply interested in learning more about the profession, this conversation offers practical insights into the evolving role PAs play in delivering high-quality patient care.

In this special episode of PA Insights Podcast, we hear directly from NCCPA's 2026 PA Ambassadors as they share the personal stories that shaped their careers. From discovering the profession through shadowing and mentorship to finding purpose in patient care, these candid conversations highlight the many paths that lead to becoming a PA.

Explore the inspiring journey of Nguyen Park, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, a PA leader in genetics, as she shares her path and passion for advancing health equity. Delve into her leadership roles, the founding of the Society of PAs in Genetics & Genomics, and her personal experiences as an immigrant shaping her healthcare perspective. This episode addresses the nuance in health challenges in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, emphasizing the importance of diversity, mental health, and mentorship. Discover impactful initiatives and collaborations that are transforming access to care and learn how PAs can support culturally responsive healthcare.

Discover key insights from the latest NCCPA Statistical Profile of Board Certified PAs by State report on the PA workforce, including growth trends, income disparities, and telemedicine adoption. Ideal for PAs, policymakers, and healthcare professionals.

 In this episode of the PA Insights Podcast, we welcome Noor Ali, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, a Board Certified PA practicing in ocular oncology. Ali shares her journey into the field, discussing the challenges and rewards of working in such a specialized area. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork, mentorship, and continuous learning in her career. The conversation also delves into the day-to-day responsibilities, the role of PAs in subspecialty care, and the personal stories that have shaped Noor's professional path.

PAs Laura and Jeff give us a glimpse into what makes a marriage last and thrive over 35 years. Their story combines humor and reflection while revealing how shared passions shape a lifelong partnership. In this episode, you'll discover how two PAs navigated the complexities of working in different specialties, balancing careers while raising a family, avoiding burnout and maintaining a deep connection.

In this engaging conversation, Nicole Burwell, PhD, MSHS, PA-C reflects on her experience leading the PA program at North Carolina A&T. She explores how intentional program design, leadership, and community connection can strengthen representation within the PA profession, support learner success, and foster trust across patient populations. As we observe Black History Month, the conversation underscores the importance of expanding opportunity and building a workforce equipped to serve communities across the country.