Career Resources
Prepare for the Ins and Outs of Practicing in Orthopaedic Surgery
AAPA’s latest Huddle “Ask Me” session called on four experts to answer questions about starting a career in orthopaedic surgery, practicing in various subspecialties, and which resources will best prepare PAs for success in this popular surgical specialty.
Three Steps for Bouncing Back from Career Setbacks
Career disappointments and setbacks are parts of the professional journey that will happen to almost every PA at some point—and they can feel devastating. In this article I’d like to explore some ideas and approaches for responding to career setbacks so that you not only rebound but return to your practice with greater zest and confidence.
PAs in Dermatology Offer Advice for Breaking into the Competitive Specialty
In Huddle’s latest Ask Me session, PAs in dermatology Amber Blair, MMS, PA-C, and Kristin Rygg, MPAS, PA-C, fielded questions from students and practicing PAs looking to enter the dermatology specialty.
Pennsylvania PA has a Passion for Correctional Medicine
LCDR Stephanie Hoover, PA-C, MPAS, has made her career in her hometown of Loretto, Pennsylvania, where she attended a PA program, landed her first Federal Bureau of Prisons job, and currently serves as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service at a Federal Correctional Institution.
A Day in the Life of a PA in Genetics
As a PA practicing in medical genetics, Wesley Patterson, PhD(c), MSPA, PA-C, evaluates and treats patients with suspected or known genetic disorders. His current dissertation work focuses on genetics and genomic education for PAs, mirroring his passion to advocate for the importance of further incorporating genetics into the PA profession.
A Day in the Life of a PA in Dermatology
Sara M. Wilchowski, MS, PA-C, never has a typical day practicing in dermatology. She enjoys the variety of her specialty, from conducting full-body cancer exams to navigating tough conversations with patients and their families in order to communicate treatment options.
On-the-job Stimulation and Work-life Balance Draw PAs to Nephrology
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents both a significant challenge for patients and an enormous opportunity for providers. Many PAs in other specialties play a role in treating their patients who have CKD. Practicing in nephrology gives clinicians a solid foundation in medicine.
Your Top 5 Career Questions Answered by the PA Career Coach
Jennifer Anne Hohman, the PA Career Coach, answers the top five questions we heard from PAs this year. She offers her expert advice on asking for a raise, negotiating (and renegotiating) your salary, how to land a job as a new grad, and more.
A Day in the Life of a PA in Outpatient Obstetrics and Gynecology
PA Melissa Rodriguez says that obstetrics has been her passion since childhood and caring for women during their pregnancies is the only career she seriously considered. She believes it’s time to augment women’s healthcare and that PAs are the solution.
A Day in the Life of a PA in the Bureau of Prisons
PA Joshua Henderson decided to combine his interest in orthopaedics with his desire to serve his country and started his career with the U.S. Public Health Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons. He serves as a clinical PA at a high-security penitentiary in Florida.
How to Tailor Your Job Application for a Specialty Transition
Any successful career transition is rooted in self-knowledge, curiosity and a zestful movement towards what inspires you as a clinician. PAs have unique career journeys given their ability to navigate specialty transitions that can be both exciting and daunting.
PAs: Obstetrics and Gynecology Needs You!
President of APAOG, Melissa Rodriguez, DMSc, PA-C, thinks PAs are a great fit for practicing in obstetrics and gynecology; they are medically trained, compassionate, team-oriented, and are qualified to identify, prevent, and treat most, if not all, causes of maternal mortality.
Adrenaline Junkie: After 22 Years in Air Force, Pamela Lucas Now President of Veterans Caucus
Pamela Lucas, PA-C, spent 22 years in the Air Force. She made personnel assignments, planned for disasters, and was one of only three healthcare providers at a NATO base. She looks back on her active-duty career and shares what she’s up to now.
A Week in the Life of a PA in Radiation Oncology
What does a week look like for a PA in radiation oncology? Katey Wert, PA-C, has been practicing in the specialty for six years. While difficult at times, given the patient population, she finds the work rewarding and meaningful.
PA Career Pivots: 6 Tips for Redirecting Your Future
COVID-19 upended PA career paths, from furloughs to redeployment. It also caused PAs to reflect upon their current roles and future goals. The PA Career Coach shares six tips for PAs who find themselves needing or wanting a career pivot.