In this episode, host Emma Sellers, MS, sits down with Afsoon Moktar, PhD, MSc, EMBA, BSN, BHS, CT (ASCP), professor in the Physician Assistant Program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Minh Tran, PA-C, an emergency medicine PA at Newton-Wellesley, to explore their experiences in the Future Educator Fellowship. Dr. Moktar reflects on mentoring the next generation of clinician educators and explains how the fellowship’s structure, support, and sense of community make an academic career feel both accessible and sustainable. Tran shares how the program broadened her understanding of PA education beyond the classroom, introducing her to curriculum design, assessment, accreditation, leadership, and intentional mentorship. She also discusses the shift from being clinically proficient to learning how to teach with clarity and purpose. Together, they examine the intensity of PA training, the many responsibilities faculty members carry, and the evolving landscape of recruiting and supporting educators. They offer practical advice for aspiring faculty: begin teaching before you feel fully ready, seek strong mentors, build community to prevent burnout, and remain curious as you grow.

This episode is sponsored by Logan University.

The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Emma Sellers, MS, speaks with Denise Rizzolo, PhD, MPH, PA-C, Director of Research and Publication at the Physician Assistant Education Association and managing editor of the Journal of PA Education. Dr. Rizzolo shares her professional journey and explores how PA students and faculty can get involved in research at any stage of their careers. She underscores the importance of early exposure, strong mentorship, and starting with manageable projects to build confidence and momentum. The conversation also highlights the wide range of research opportunities available to PAs—from clinical practice and public health to the pharmaceutical industry—and introduces the JPAE Podcast as a resource designed to make research more approachable and less intimidating for the PA community.

This episode is sponsored by Logan University.

The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Emma Sellers, MS, sits down with Dr. Sara Fletcher, CEO of the PA Education Association, to reflect on a milestone year for the PA Path podcast. They discuss the show’s growing impact—including more than 50,000 downloads and an expanding international audience—and explore key themes shaping PA education today, such as access, affordability, and technology. The conversation highlights standout episodes on topics like ghosting in PA admissions, virtual shadowing, and financing PA education, while underscoring the importance of inclusivity and amplifying diverse voices. The episode wraps with an invitation for listener feedback and continued community support as the podcast looks ahead to addressing emerging issues in PA education.

The PA Path Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.