Episodios

  • 171 | A PA’s Guide to Malpractice Insurance: Coverage, Claims, and Career Protection (Interview with Chris Cannell, PA-C)
    Jan 9 2026
    Malpractice insurance is something most PAs and other clinicians assume they understand... until something goes wrong. In this episode, Kat sits down with Christopher Cannell, DMSc, MPAS, MPLC, PA-C, DFAAPA, founder of The APC Consultant, for a clear, practical deep dive into malpractice insurance 101 and the medical-legal realities no one teaches us in PA school or on the job. We break down what malpractice insurance actually covers, the key differences between claims-made and occurrence policies, and why employer-provided coverage may not protect you in the way you think it does. Chris explains common assumptions clinicians make about liability insurance, tail coverage, and personal policies, and where those assumptions can quietly put your license, career, and finances at risk. We also go beyond the policy itself to talk about real-world risk management and walk through an anonymized case study that highlights how communication, documentation, and post-event decisions can dramatically affect outcomes. We explore how legal uncertainty contributes to burnout, defensive medicine, and chronic stress, and why legal literacy is an essential (but overlooked) form of clinician self-care. Whether you’re early in your PA career or years into practice, this episode will help you feel more confident, informed, and proactive about protecting yourself in today’s increasingly complex healthcare environment. Topics Covered: Malpractice insurance explained for PAs and other medical providers Claims-made vs. occurrence policies Tail coverage, nose coverage, and employer-provided malpractice insurance Common malpractice insurance myths and mistakes Risk management strategies that actually matter Medical-legal case studies and lessons learned How legal stress contributes to burnout Resources Mentioned: Check out The APC Consultant and join the waitlist for Chris's masterclass: theapcconsultant.com The Academy of Physician Associates in Legal Medicine (APALM): apalm.net AAPA's Risk Management CME Course: cme.aapa.org/local/catalog/view/product.php?productid=902 Connect with Chris: Email: chris@theapconsultant.com | info@theapcconsultant.com Website: theapcconsultant.com Phone: 339-933-1952 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christophercannell https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-apc-consultant Instagram: @theapcconsultant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-APC-Consultant-61553148984788/ If this episode was helpful, subscribe to the PA the FI Way podcast or YouTube channel for more content to help you build financial independence and prevent burnout along the way. Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here! Website / Blog: pathefiway.com Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathefiway Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway
    Más Menos
    1 h y 7 m
  • 170 | Your Year-End Wellness & Wealth Review (for Healthcare Providers)
    Dec 26 2025

    As healthcare providers, we’re constantly evaluated at work, but rarely taught how to step back and evaluate our own lives. In this episode, I walk you through your Wellness & Wealth Annual Review, which is a reflective, intentional process to help you take stock of your finances, energy, health, time, and overall alignment after another year. This is not about budgets, hustle, or setting rigid resolutions. It’s about awareness, compassion, and creating margin so burnout doesn’t quietly follow you into another year.

    To help you follow along (or do this review later), I’ve created a Wellness & Wealth Annual Review worksheet, a resource designed to make this process simple and actionable. I recommend setting aside 15 to 30 minutes with the worksheet, your favorite cozy beverage, and a quiet space. You don’t need perfection- just honesty and curiosity.

    👉 Download your copy of the Wellness & Wealth Annual Review Workbook here and do this alongside the episode or at your own pace.

    This is an annual reset I wish I had learned earlier in my career, and I hope it helps you enter the next year with more clarity, calm, and intention.

    Thanks to Caleb Pepperday, CFP, CHFC, founder of Advanced Practice Planning, LLC, for sponsoring this episode! If you're interested, visit www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/fi to grab your free consultation.

    If this episode was helpful, subscribe to the PA the FI Way podcast or YouTube channel for more content to help you build financial independence and prevent burnout along the way.

    Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

    Website / Blog: pathefiway.com

    Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

    Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

    Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathefiway

    Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

    Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

    Más Menos
    21 m
  • 169 | Real Estate 101 for Busy Healthcare Providers: Buying, Selling, & Investing with Confidence (Interview with Realtor, Joel Anderson)
    Dec 12 2025

    In this episode, I sit down with seasoned realtor and real estate investor Joel Anderson of Counselor Realty to break down everything busy healthcare providers need to know about buying, selling, renovating, and investing with confidence. We cover how to choose the right realtor for you, how to know if you’re ready to buy versus rent, and how much house you should actually purchase based on your financial and lifestyle goals. Joel shares common buyer and seller mistakes, the hidden fees and upfront costs that surprise people, and which cosmetic updates actually boost a home’s value.

    We also talk through smart selling strategies, whether staging is worth it, and how to price your home without leaving money on the table. To wrap up, Joel shares about his real estate investing journey and covers what may be realistic for clinicians navigating unpredictable schedules and long hours.

    If you’re looking to buy or sell in the next year, or just want to make smarter housing decisions on your financial independence journey, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need.

    Connect with Joel:

    Joel Anderson

    651-303-5050 (cell)

    andersonpo7@hotmail.com

    www.counselorrealty.com

    Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

    Website / Blog: pathefiway.com

    Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

    Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

    Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathefiway

    Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

    Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

    Más Menos
    1 h y 15 m
  • 168 | The Power of Yet: How One Word Can Change Everything
    Nov 14 2025
    In this episode, I break down one of the simplest but most transformative concepts in personal development: The Power of Yet. Inspired by Dr. Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset, “yet” is the tiny word that shifts you from feeling stuck to seeing possibility. Whether you’re struggling with money, burnout, confidence, career direction, or new skills, adding “yet” rewires your brain to believe you’re capable of change- because you are. You’re not good at budgeting... yet. You don’t feel confident at work... yet. You’re not financially independent... yet. You don’t have work–life boundaries... yet. Not “no.” Not “never.” Just not yet. This episode gives practical examples, stories, and tools to help you adopt the “yet” mindset so you can grow in any area of your life. What is covered in this episode: • What the “Power of Yet” actually means A simple mindset shift backed by decades of psychology and neuroscience. • A quick overview of Dr. Carol Dweck’s research How growth mindset vs. fixed mindset impacts confidence, learning, resilience, and even burnout. • How “yet” reframes failure Turning mistakes into information, not identity. • Real-life examples of “yet” in action Money, relationships, boundaries, investing, career development, and personal habits. • Why 'yet' is crucial for financial independence If you don’t believe you can learn to budget, invest, or build wealth… you won’t. • The neuroscience behind “yet” Why this tiny word activates motivation pathways instead of threat pathways in the brain. • How the Power of Yet protects against burnout When you see yourself as someone who can grow, setbacks feel temporary- not personal. • Easy ways to integrate the “yet” mindset into daily life Microhabits, affirmations, self-reflection prompts, and language shifts. By the end of this episode, you will learn: How to spot fixed-mindset thoughts How to rewrite them using “yet” statements How to create microhabits that support growth How to build confidence through incremental wins How “yet” can change the trajectory of your financial life How to use this mindset shift to reduce burnout and self-doubt How to apply “yet” in relationships, career, money, and personal goals Resources Mentioned: Wealthfront HYSA referral link: https://www.wealthfront.com/c/affiliates/invited/AFFA-NGE2-ZDDZ-K8BK Dr. Carol Dweck’s TED Talk – “The Power of Yet” If this episode was helpful, subscribe to the PA the FI Way podcast or YouTube channel for more content to help you build financial independence and prevent burnout along the way. Thanks to Caleb Pepperday, CFP, CHFC, founder of Advanced Practice Planning, LLC, for sponsoring this episode! If you're interested, visit www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/fi to grab your free consultation. Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here! Website / Blog: pathefiway.com Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathefiway Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway
    Más Menos
    28 m
  • 167 | Decluttering Your Way to Freedom: How to Simplify, Downsize, and Keep What Truly Matters
    Oct 31 2025

    In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve been learning firsthand as I declutter and prepare for the upcoming sale of our house, and how this process has completely reshaped the way I think about freedom, finances, and fulfillment. I’ve realized how much the things we own can quietly drain our time, energy, and even money.

    I’ll cover some helpful decluttering principles that my husband and I have recently implemented as we gradually move toward a more minimalistic lifestyle, including the 20/20 rule, the 90/90 rule, and how to break free from the sunk cost fallacy, along with a few mindset shifts that have helped us let go with intention.

    You’ll learn why simplifying your space is so powerful for both your peace and your financial independence journey. If you’ve been feeling weighed down by too much “stuff” or craving a simpler, lighter life, this episode will inspire you to start creating more room for what truly matters.

    If this episode was helpful, be sure to subscribe to the PA the FI Way podcast or YouTube channel for more content to help you build financial independence and prevent burnout along the way.

    Thanks to Caleb Pepperday, CFP, CHFC, founder of Advanced Practice Planning, LLC, for sponsoring this episode! If you're interested, visit advancedpracticeplanning.com/FI to grab your free consultation.

    Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

    Website / Blog: pathefiway.com

    Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

    Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

    Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

    Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

    Más Menos
    33 m
  • 166 | Top 10 Things NOT to Spend Your Money On as a Healthcare Provider
    Oct 17 2025

    You work way too hard for your money to waste it. Between charting after hours, missing family dinners, and grinding through long shifts, every dollar you earn should be buying back your freedom, not fueling burnout. In this episode of PA the FI Way, Kat breaks down the Top 10 Things NOT to Spend Your Money On as a Healthcare Provider, the sneaky traps that drain your wallet, energy, and joy while pretending to make life easier or more rewarding.

    From MLM “opportunities” that prey on overworked professionals, to timeshares that promise lifelong vacations but deliver endless fees, to whole life insurance schemes and overpriced “health” fads, let's expose the money pits that keep you stuck in the burnout cycle. Kat shares real stats, relatable stories, and actionable alternatives so you can start spending in ways that buy you peace, time, and flexibility instead of financial stress.

    You’ll also hear about status spending, McMansions, luxury cars, convenience overload, unused subscriptions, and other “quiet leaks” that can easily add up to thousands per year. This episode isn’t about guilt; it’s about awareness. When you start aligning your spending with what truly matters, you reclaim control over your finances and your freedom.

    Tune in, take notes, and pick one small money detox to start this week.

    If this episode hits home, make sure to subscribe to the PA the FI Way podcast YouTube channel for more content that helps you build financial independence and a burnout-proof life.

    Thanks to Caleb Pepperday, CFP, CHFC, founder of Advanced Practice Planning, LLC, for sponsoring this episode! If you're interested, visit www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/fi to grab your free consultation.

    Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

    Website / Blog: pathefiway.com

    Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

    Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

    Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

    Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

    Más Menos
    38 m
  • 165 | The Energy Audit: Spend Your Energy Wisely
    Oct 3 2025

    We often talk about money as currency, but what about energy? Every meeting, obligation, and habit in your day is either giving you energy or draining it. If you have ever ended the day feeling depleted, even when your calendar did not look that full, you have probably been spending your energy without realizing it.

    In this episode, we walk through how to perform your own energy audit so you can gain clarity on what truly fuels you and what quietly drains you. We will cover the emotional energy zones, from times when you are thriving to times when you feel stressed, recovering, or running on empty, and how to recognize the difference.

    You will also learn how to spot your personal energy givers and energy takers, along with practical ways to shift your schedule, boundaries, and mindset so that your days leave you more filled than emptied. Think of this as financial planning, but for your energy, the resource that powers every part of your life.

    Be sure to download your free copy of the Energy Audit Workbook so you can put these ideas into practice right away and start investing your energy in what matters most.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • How to identify the four emotional energy zones and what they mean for your well-being

    • Common examples of energy givers and energy takers in daily life

    • Practical steps to spend your energy more intentionally

    • How to use an energy audit to reduce burnout and increase fulfillment

    Grab your free copy of the Energy Audit Workbook: https://www.pathefiway.com/energy

    Thanks to Caleb Pepperday, CFP, CHFC, founder of Advanced Practice Planning, LLC, for sponsoring this episode! If you're interested, visit advancedpracticeplanning.com/FI to grab your free consultation.

    Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

    Website / Blog: pathefiway.com

    Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

    Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

    Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

    Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

    Más Menos
    23 m
  • 164 | Holistic Wellness and Burnout Healing with Psychiatry PAs from PA Mindset Matters
    Sep 19 2025

    On today’s episode, Kat sits down with Mercedes and Jessica, psychiatry PAs and hosts of PA Mindset Matters podcast, to talk about holistic wellness and burnout healing for PAs and medical providers. From lifestyle habits to mindset shifts to money stress, this conversation is full of practical tools providers can start using right away to feel more balanced and resilient.

    Connect with Mercedes and Jessica with PA Mindset Matters:

    Website: www.pamindset.com Listen to PA Mindset Matters podcast on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5jaHvj5JGxQ81v7oy6okX7 YouTube: youtube.com/@pa_mindsetmatters Instagram: instagram.com/pa_mindsetmatters LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/pa-mindset Contact: info@pamindset.com

    Connect with Kat:

    Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!

    Website: pathefiway.com

    Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

    YouTube: @pathefiway www.youtube.com/@pathefiway

    Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

    Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

    Questions or thoughts about the show? Email pathefiway@gmail.com

    Más Menos
    42 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_DT_webcro_1694_expandible_banner_T1