The Human Side of Medicine: Emotional Intelligence for Early Career PAs
Why Emotional Intelligence Is One of the Most Important Skills in Modern Healthcare
Date: Sept. 15, 7–8 p.m. ET
Great clinicians rely on more than medical knowledge — they understand people. Emotional intelligence helps PAs navigate difficult conversations, build trust with patients, collaborate effectively with healthcare teams, and stay resilient in demanding clinical environments. In this engaging session, we’ll explore how emotional intelligence shapes patient care, teamwork, and professional success; and learn practical ways to strengthen these skills in everyday clinical practice. Designed for PAs in their first five years of practice, this session will also include an opportunity for audience Q&A and discussion.
Attendees can earn 1.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credit when they attend the live session. This presentation will be recorded and made available on Career Central, but the discussion that follows will not be recorded. This event is available exclusively to AAPA members.
Speaker: Risa Zimmerman
Risa Zimmerman, MBA, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, is the Associate Program Director for the PA Program at the College of Saint Mary in Omaha and a PA who worked in hematology for more than 30 years. She graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center PA program in 1992, earned a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies in 2004, and completed an Executive MBA in Healthcare from Creighton University in 2020. Zimmerman has served nationally as Co-Chair of the AAPA Task Force on PA Leadership Competencies and is the Past President of the Nebraska Academy of PAs, where she supports leadership development and professional advocacy.