JPAE Podcast

Coaching for Success: Rethinking Student Support in PA Education

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, editor-in-chief of the Journal of PA Education, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, chair and associate clinical professor at Northeastern University, are joined by Joy Hampton, DMSc, MS, PA-C, Assistant Professor at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, for a discussion on student success coaching in PA education. Dr. Hampton shares the development of a pilot coaching program designed to support newly matriculated PA students who continued to struggle despite existing academic resources. She explains how the program used referral criteria and a student-driven coaching model focused on metacognition, resilience, accountability, and long-term growth. The conversation explores how coaching differs from traditional advising and remediation, along with the specialized training Dr. Hampton completed to prepare for the role. She also reviews the study design and findings from a retrospective evaluation of the program, including both quantitative and qualitative outcomes, positive student feedback, and lessons learned from implementing coaching within PA education.
This episode is sponsored by AMBOSS.
 
Show notesJPAE article: Implementation of a Student Success Coaching Program
 
The JPAE Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.
 

Predicting Success: Using EOC Data to Prepare Students for the PANCE

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, are joined by Ryan A. Downey, PhD, Mitchell Barnett, PharmD, MS, and Susan Jameson, PhD, to discuss their JPAE article on using the PAEA End of Curriculum (EOC) exam to assess student readiness for the PANCE. The conversation explores the challenge of balancing remediation with real-world consequences, as Dr. Jameson outlines concerns about raising EOC passing scores and the financial, logistical, and psychological impact on students—alongside the high stakes of PANCE failure. The team shares how they developed and validated a program-specific predictive model using six years of data, finding the EOC exam to be a strong standalone predictor, with only modest gains from additional assessments. They also discuss how incorporating error metrics helped create a more reliable cut score, leading to 100% PANCE pass rates. The episode highlights the importance of dedicated learner support and looks ahead to a multi-site follow-up study.
Show notes
JPAE article: Using the End of Curriculum Exam to Evaluate Student Readiness: Balancing the Need for Remediation Against Real-World Consequences
The JPAE Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Navigating AI in PA Education

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, are joined by Chris Roman, DMS, PA-C, associate professor in PA Studies at Butler University, and David Bunnell, PhD, MSHS, PA-C, DFAAPA, assistant professor in the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program at the University of Maryland, to discuss physician associate students’ use of large language models during the didactic year. The guests share findings from their qualitative research exploring how PA students are integrating LLMs into their studies. Through interviews with students from two programs, they found that learners often use these tools to generate practice questions, clarify complex concepts, and prepare for assessments. They also discuss the benefits and concerns students reported, including efficiency and study support alongside worries about inaccurate outputs and limited institutional guidance. The conversation touches on broader issues such as equity, intellectual property, and the evolving role of AI in competency-based PA education.
 
Show notes
JPAE article: Physician Associate Student Use of Large Language Models to Support Learning: A Phenomenological Study
The JPAE Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Specialization in PA Education: Exploring the Future of the Profession

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, welcome Malwina Huzarska, director of didactic education and assistant professor in the PA program at The George Washington University, along with Sarah Marsan, admissions officer for the university’s PA program, to explore emerging research on specialization in PA education. The conversation examines how the evolving healthcare landscape may require shifts in PA curricula to better support students and align with workforce needs. Together, they discuss the potential move from a generalist to a more specialized training model, consider the implications of curriculum changes and a possible PA doctorate pathway, and highlight the importance of continued research, collaboration, and dialogue among educators, policymakers, and students.
This episode is sponsored by Body Interact. Explore Body Interact’s new PA Virtual Simulation Catalog and see how it supports your curriculum: https://bodyinteract.com/physician-assistant.
 
Show notes
JPAE article: Preparing for the Future: A Call to Examine Specialization in Physician Assistant Education
The JPAE Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Predicting PANCE Success: What EOC Exams Can Tell PA Educators

In this episode, hosts Dr. Trenton Honda and Carrie Berry are joined by Rachel Ditoro, EdD, MSPAS, PA-C; Shalon R. Buchs, EdD, PA-C; and Jennifer Coombs, PhD, PA-C, MPAS to discuss their research on the predictive value of the Physician Assistant Education Association’s (PAEA) end-of-curriculum (EOC) exams for performance on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). The conversation explores what inspired the study, how the research team came together, and the methods used to analyze exam performance data. The guests also discuss the importance of identifying at-risk students earlier in the educational process and how EOC exams can support timely intervention. The episode concludes with a look at how these findings can inform PA education practices, strengthen student support strategies, and offer practical takeaways for educators and learners alike.
Show notes
JPAE article: Physician Assistant Education Association End of Curriculum Exam as a Predictor for Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination Performance
The JPAE Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Behind the Mic: What We’ve Learned from the JPAE Podcast

In this special year-end episode of the JPAE Podcast, JPAE managing editor Denise Rizzolo, PhD, turns the microphone on co-hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, to reflect on their journey creating and producing the show. Together, they revisit the inspirations that sparked the podcast, the unexpected challenges they navigated along the way, and how their interviewing styles have evolved over time. They share a mix of humorous moments and meaningful insights drawn from their conversations with the PA education community, offering listeners a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring each episode to life. The discussion also looks ahead to future goals and topics they hope to tackle, underscoring the importance of human connection, curiosity, and continuous improvement in PA education. Whether you’re a longtime listener or thinking about launching a podcast of your own, this episode offers both reflection and inspiration.
This episode is sponsored by Body Interact. Explore Body Interact’s new PA Virtual Simulation Catalog and see how it supports your curriculum: https://bodyinteract.com/physician-assistant
 
The JPAE Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Unlocking Learning: Gamifying PA Education

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, editor-in-chief of the Journal of PA Education, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, chair and associate clinical professor at Northeastern University, talk with Rachel Weinzimmer, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-EM, CPAAPA, DFAAPA, assistant professor of PA Studies and director of didactic education at Colorado Mesa University. Dr. Weinzimmer shares how she and her students turned a creative capstone project into a study exploring the use of escape rooms to gamify ultrasound education for PA students. She explains how academic puzzles tied to ultrasound concepts challenge students to “escape” the room—boosting engagement, confidence, and motivation along the way. The discussion also dives into research design, statistical analysis, and practical takeaways for educators looking to bring innovation and play into the classroom.
 
Show notes
JPAE article: Point-of-Care Ultrasound Escape Rooms: Gamification of Ultrasound Education in Physician Assistant Students
The JPAE Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Beyond the Grades: Can Preceptor Evaluations Predict Exam Success?

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, editor-in-chief of the Journal of PA Education, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, chair and associate clinical professor at Northeastern University, talk with Kevin Bogenschutz, DMS, PA-C, assistant professor of PA Studies at Butler University, about his recent research exploring whether preceptor evaluations can predict PANCE and End-of-Rotation (EOR) exam performance. Bogenschutz shares his path from preceptor to researcher and reflects on the critical role of preceptors in assessing students beyond academic knowledge—evaluating skills, professionalism, and communication. The conversation dives into the design of his study, the importance of preceptor training, and what the findings reveal about assessment in PA education. While the study found some statistically significant correlations, Bogenschutz explains why preceptor evaluations alone may not serve as reliable predictors of standardized exam outcomes. The discussion concludes with a look ahead to future research opportunities, including job placement trends and how artificial intelligence could shape the future of medical education.
 
Show notes
JPAE article: Assessing the Assessments: Do Preceptor Evaluations Predict Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam and End of Rotation Performance?
The JPAE Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Why PA Faculty Struggle to Publish

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, editor-in-chief of the Journal of PA Education, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, chair and associate clinical professor at Northeastern University, dive into the challenges PA faculty face when it comes to publishing research. They’re joined by Dr. Amy Roberts, PA-C of Hofstra Northwell and Dr. Mirela Bruza-Augatis, PA-C of Seton Hall University to discuss their recent study on the issue. Together, they unpack findings from the 2019 PA Education Association faculty and director dataset, revealing how factors such as tenure-track status, academic rank, advanced degrees, and research funding influence productivity. The conversation also highlights the toll of heavy teaching, clinical, and service responsibilities on motivation and burnout, and explores how institutions can better support PA faculty in building a culture of scholarship.
Show notes
JPAE article: An Update on Scholarly Productivity for Physician Assistant/Associate Faculty
The JPAE Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

How Social Media Shapes Future PAs

In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, editor-in-chief of the Journal of PA Education, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, chair and associate clinical professor in Northeastern University’s Department of Medical Sciences, explore the power—and pitfalls—of social media in shaping prospective PA students’ decisions. They’re joined by Patrick Heagey, MPAS, PA-C, of West Chester University, Amanda Lois, MSPAS, PA-C, of SUNY Upstate Medical University, and Joy Moverley, DHSc, MPH, PA-C, of Touro University California, to unpack their recent study on the topic. Together, they dive into surprising findings, innovative research methods, and how PA programs can harness social platforms strategically. From showcasing authentic student stories to understanding the long-term impact on recruitment and retention, this conversation offers valuable insights for educators navigating the evolving digital landscape.
This episode is sponsored by DxR Development Group.
 
Show notes
JPAE article: Does Social Media Have a Role in the Decision to Matriculate Into a Physician Assistant Program?
The JPAE Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.