PODCAST · health
The PA Playbook
by Eileen Ravella & Troy Bender
Practical Advice for Physician Associates. We discuss smart strategies for PA practice, legislative updates, leadership and advocacy and making the most of your career.
Episodes
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Canadian PAs vs. American PAs: Two Systems, One Profession
Podcast Description Canada and the United States have two very different healthcare systems—but physician assistants are playing an increasingly important role in both. In this episode of PA Playbook, we sit down with Ryan Bennett, President of the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants, to...
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No Preceptor, No Progress: Solving the NP Clinical Training Crisis
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that in 2025, nursing schools turned away more than 92,000 qualified applications across baccalaureate and graduate programs. Among the reasons cited were shortages of faculty, clinical sites, and clinical preceptors. At the same time, the…
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Finding Strength: Breast Cancer, Motherhood & the Journey Through PA Doctoral Program
Imagine spending years learning how to diagnose and care for patients—then suddenly hearing the words, “You have breast cancer.” In this moving episode of PA Playbook, we hear one PA student's story of navigating breast cancer while in PA school. We talk about fear, vulnerability, balancing...
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Beyond “Just a Cramp”: Rethinking Pain During Gynecologic Procedures
IUD placement and endometrial biopsy are common office-based gynecologic procedures—but for many patients, the pain and anxiety associated with these procedures can be significant. In this episode of PA Playbook, we explore how clinicians can better anticipate, prevent, and manage gynecologic...
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The Aging Imperative: PAs and NPs in Geriatric Care
America’s population is aging much faster than its geriatric workforce is growing. In this episode of PA Playbook, we examine the roles of PAs and NPs in caring for older adults and why so few clinicians identify geriatrics as their primary specialty. The discussion explores workforce shortages,...
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From Frontier Medicine to the Future: 50 Years of PA Practice
What has changed over the past 50 years for Physician Associates—and what challenges remain? In this episode of PA Playbook, Eileen Ravella sits down with a pioneer of the profession, Dr David Mittman a Physician Associate with five decades of clinical experience and a former President of the...
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Living with ALS: Finding Purpose After the Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) changes every aspect of life—but it doesn't define who you are. In this episode of PA Playbook, I sit down with Brian Bea, PA-C, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, Physician Assistant, and leader whose career was devoted to caring for others...
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From Information Overload to Clinical Confidence: Using PA GUIDE as a Study Tool
PA school is often described as drinking from a firehose—but does studying have to feel that chaotic? In this episode of PA Playbook, we explore PA GUIDE, a structured learning system designed to help PA students organize large amounts of medical information, practice active recall, strengthen...
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Rural Healthcare at the Crossroads: Hospital Closures, Workforce Shortages, and Solutions
Across the United States, rural communities are losing hospitals, struggling to recruit healthcare professionals, and facing increasing barriers to accessing timely, life-saving care. For millions of Americans, a medical emergency can mean traveling hours for treatment, while providers work...
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Recognized to treat but not to train?
The Department of Education initially excluded PA and many advanced nursing programs from the higher professional-student borrowing category. On June 24, 2026, a federal court temporarily stayed key portions of that definition. Current federal guidance now treats qualifying PA, MSN, DNP, and...
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Sarcopenia: The Silent Epidemic of Muscle Loss and Aging, What Every PA Should Know.
Sarcopenia is one of the most common—and least recognized—conditions affecting older adults. Beginning as early as our 30s, we gradually lose muscle mass and strength, increasing the risk of falls, fractures, frailty, hospitalization, disability, and loss of independence. In this episode of PA...
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Health Equity in Focus: Endometriosis, Preeclampsia, & Black Maternal Outcomes
Emerging research suggests that endometriosis is more than a chronic gynecologic condition—it may also increase the risk of serious pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and eclampsia. In this episode of PA Playbook, we examine the intersection of endometriosis, maternal health, and...
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Leadership Through Advocacy: A Conversation With Dr. David Mittman
Join PA Playbook hosts Eileen Ravella, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, and Troy Bender, DMSc, PA-C, as they welcome Dr. David Mittman, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, one of the profession's most respected leaders in physician associate advocacy and leadership. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Mittman shares lessons...
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Palliative Care PAs: Heros In Medicine
What does it really mean to provide compassionate care when a cure is no longer possible? In this episode of PA Playbook, hosts Eileen Ravella, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, and Troy Bender, DMSc, PA-C, welcome Tracey Piparo, PA-C, an experienced palliative care physician associate, for an insightful...
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A Good Death: Lessons From a Palliative Care Chaplain
How does a palliative care Hospice chaplain bridge End Of Life discussion between family patient and providers?
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Developing Leadership Skills: Are We Ever Done?
From perception to practice, another dive into leadership strategies for growth minded PAs and more!
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“Dr” A Profession or an Academic Title?
Join us and our guests nurse practitioners Bob Smithing and Nancy Lawton as we discuss controversy surrounding nurse practitioners and PAs using Dr in the clinical setting.
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AAPA Candidate: Paola Gonzalez
AAPA elections open Don May 18. Meet your candidates. What do you want from your candidate? What does the director at Large do? What do they see as AAPA's priorities? Join PA Playbook as we interview candidates for Director at Large and AAPA president. Best of luck to all the candidates.
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AAPA Candidate: Kris Pyles-Sweet
AAPA elections open Don May 18. Meet your candidates. What do you want from your candidate? What does the director at Large do? What do they see as AAPA's priorities? Join PA Playbook as we interview candidates for Director at Large and AAPA president. Best of luck to all the candidates.
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AAPA Candidate: Alisa Gifford
AAPA elections open Don May 18. Meet your candidates. What do you want from your candidate? What does the director at Large do? What do they see as AAPA's priorities? Join PA Playbook as we interview candidates for Director at Large and AAPA president. Best of luck to all the candidates.
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Brian Bea: The WAPA
In this special episode of PA Playbook, we sit down with special guest Brian Bea as he shares the vision, leadership journey, and passion driving his candidacy for WAPA President-Elect. Hear firsthand why he believes he is the right leader for this pivotal moment, and get inspired by his bold…
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Leadership
Get ready for another inspiring episode of PA Playbook as co-hosts Eileen Ravella and Dr Troy Bender dive into the power of leadership in the PA profession. From defining what truly makes a great leader to uncovering practical ways to step confidently into leadership opportunities, this episode…
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Inside Medical and Legal Consulting
This episode follows the journey of a Susan Ferrero who left the frontlines of clinical care to step into the world of medical case review for attorneys. Through her eyes, listeners get a firsthand look at what it takes to pivot from patient care to analyzing complex medical cases, the challenges...
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PA and NP: Yes We Can Collaborate
Nurse practitioners and Physician Associates have grown up together. What are our common goals? How can we support each other and become more collaborative? Don’t read the Reddit board! Listen to the first of many podcasts as we talk to nurse practitioner leaders and discuss shared goals and...
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PA Entrepreneurs Template for Success
Did you ever wish you could start your own practice? Listen up! We talk to Ed Lopez, an entrepreneurial PA, who has started multiple practices. We discuss plans from start to finish.
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Women Breaking the Glass Ceiling of Leadership
How do we grow PA leaders. Where do we educate PA leaders? What characteristics ensure success? Yolanda Freeman-Hildreth knows the skills we need for success. After all, she is a PA leader. Join us for this extremely informative episode with someone who is helping lead the way in breaking barriers.
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Medical Legal Liability and Risk Management Strategies
We discuss the current liability risk with PA practice and how to properly handle any potential risks.
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WAPA Conference Conversations
Join Troy and Eileen at the 2025 fall WAPA conference! What do PAs want from a conference? What's do they want from state organizations? Join us and stay tuned for more podcasts to come!
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I want to be a PA! Now what?
Follow us! Join Troy Bender DFAAPA DMSc and Eileen Ravella DFAAPA and DMSc candidate for part 2 on how to get into PA school. We talk to pre PA student El Wong and advise him on how to pick a PA program that fits his needs and the tools to strengthen his PA application.
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Next Level PA: The Doctoral Blueprint
This podcast explores the evolving role of the PA doctoral degree—why it matters, how it strengthens our profession, and what to consider when applying. From admission insights to program design and long-term career impact, we break down the essentials for PAs ready to take the next step.
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PA Admissions Blueprint: Strategies for Success"
"PA Admissions Blueprint: Strategies for Success” is a podcast guiding aspiring physician assistant applicants through the application process. It covers crafting a standout application, building a competitive profile with clinical experience and academics, choosing the right PA program for your...
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From Book to Bedside: Emergency Edition
The PA Playbook, Season 2, Episode 6, is out now, and Eileen and Joshua tackle emergency medicine! Whether you're a brand-new PA finding your footing or a seasoned pro juggling patient care and precepting, this episode of The PA Playbook is for you! We chat with John Stangl, PA-C, author of From...
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Strong Man, Strong Medicine
In this episode, Joshua and Eileen sit down with Jay O'Neill, a physician associate who works on the Makah reservation in the northwest corner of Washington State, on the Olympic Peninsula. Jay is a championship strongman and caber tosser, and he tells us about the unique contributions PAs make…
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Cutting Edge Care: PA in the Surgical Suite
Want to get into the OR as a PA—but not sure how to start? Feeling the gap between PA school and surgical confidence? Wondering how to switch specialties and keep your life in balance? In this special bonus episode of The PA Playbook, Joshua and Eileen bring you David Bunnell, PA-C— he’s been a...
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Into the Fray: PAs in Disaster Medicine!
Earthquakes, epidemics and war zones! What’s it really like for a PA working on the frontlines of disaster medicine? In our latest episode, Joshua and Eileen sit down with Eric Holden, a physician assistant who’s delivered care in the chaos of Haiti, Nepal, and Iraq—where medicine meets...
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HIV Care: PAs (and NPs) Do It!
This episode discusses the role of PAs in HIV care. Join Joshua and Eileen as they talk with Justin Hooks, NP, about how to get involved in HIV care, challenges of LGBT care access, and the nuances of primary care for people living with HIV.
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North to Canada
Ever wondered about how physician assistants practice in Canada? Join Kirsten Luomala, CCPA, DMSc as we talk about the development of the PA profession in Canada, her journey from the Canadian Armed Forces to President of the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants, the challenges of working...
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The Puzzle Patients
In The Puzzle Patients, Eileen and Joshua dive into the challenges of diagnostic uncertainty with seasoned rheumatologist, Amish Dave, MD. Explore the emotional toll of navigating complex cases, the role of social media and misinformation in patient care, best practices when referring to...
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Physician Associates at a Crossroads: Burnout, Misconceptions, and the Future
For our season finale, we dive into the AAPA’s national efforts to elevate PAs and support their careers, how they fight misconceptions about PAs and advance efforts to transform healthcare across the US. Our guest today is Dr. Jenn Orozco, Chief Medical Officer and Past President of the American...
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Insurance and Legislative Advocacy, Demystified!
In this exciting bonus episode, we’re joined by Washington State Senator Patty Kuderer, a fierce advocate for healthcare reform and a champion for patients and providers alike! As she runs for Washington State Insurance Commissioner, Senator Kuderer dives into the heated debate over prescription...
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Mind the Gap: PAs in Psychiatry, Black Mental Health, and Medicare
Join Eileen and Joshua as they dive into the complexities of mental health care in the United States, and explore the ways in which Medicare policies for mental health services fall short for our most vulnerable patients and people of color. Our featured guest, Tajuana Lordeus, PA-C—a practicing...
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Because I Could Not Stop for Death: End of Life Care and Death With Dignity
In this thoughtful episode, we tackle a critical and controversial topic – end of life care. Join Joshua Lumsden and Eileen Ravella as they delve into palliative care, with special guest, Oncology PA, Dane Thomas. Confused on the difference between hospice, palliative care and death with dignity?...
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Dublin Down to Business: The Impact of Physician Associates in Ireland
You may be aware of what physician assistants do in the United States, but what about in other countries? The Irish PA profession graduated their first class of students less than seven years ago, and we discuss the challenges they experience as they build their profession from the ground up Our...
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The Familiar Face of Care: The Importance of Minority Represenation in Medicine
Today, we provide a brief history of minorities and women in medicine in the United States, discuss patient outcomes when they have providers who come from their communities, and highlight one Latina Physician Assistant’s experience working within her community and advocating for diversity in the...
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The State of Collaborative Practice
State by state, collaborative practice laws are passing. But how does this change our practice? We take a closer look at what's happened in three states since their laws were passed. Join hosts, Eileen Ravella, WAPA Immediate Past President of WAPA and Joshua Lumsden, WAPA President Elect, as…
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Bonus Episode - Washington and Oregon Make a Joint Conference
Washington Academy of Physician Assistants and Oregon Society of Physician Associates held their first joint conference this month! Guests today include Troy Bender, PA-C, director of Northwest University's new physician assistant program, Bridget Albright, PA-C, WAPA secretary, Alisa Gifford,...
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Student PAs, Leadership and Their Role in our Future
Today, we are featuring three PA students from Washington State and beyond who have been active in leadership as students. We talk about what this means for the future of our profession, why it is important to support students in leadership, and the state of PA student training in academic…
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Telemedicine, the PA Compact and the role of the PA
For Episode #3,, Desmond Watt, PA-C, joins us to discuss the development of virtual medicine, changes in healthcare in the 2020s, the rise of telehealth, and what it means for our future as physician assistants.
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Rural Healthcare - Where PAs Fit in, and What You Can Do About It
Join Eileen Ravella and Joshua Lumsden, two physician assistants from Washington State, for their second monthly episode of the PA Playbook! This episode discusses the United States rural healhcare crisis and its development over the last 50 years, the closure of hospitals and the unique ways in...
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PA Playbook Episode One -- Our first episode!
This is the PA Playbook, a new monthly podcast hosted by PAs, where we discuss smart strategies for being a physician assistant. Join Eileen Ravella and Joshua Lumsden, two PAs from Washington State, for their first episode, as they talk about laws affecting PA practice, strategies for navigating...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The PA Playbook have?
The PA Playbook currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The PA Playbook about?
Practical Advice for Physician Associates. We discuss smart strategies for PA practice, legislative updates, leadership and advocacy and making the most of your career.
How often does The PA Playbook release new episodes?
The PA Playbook has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The PA Playbook?
You can listen to The PA Playbook on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The PA Playbook?
The PA Playbook is created and hosted by Eileen Ravella & Troy Bender.
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