Career Resources

Diana Anderson

The Ups and Downs of My First Year as a PA

When Diana Anderson, PA-C, graduated from her PA program, she landed an exciting job in urgent care. But her first months of practice were filled with unexpected events. She candidly shares the ups and downs of her first year as a PA.

Alyssa Zantello

PAs on the Front Lines: Alyssa Zantello Helps New York City During COVID-19

As the COVID-19 surge began in the U.S., Alyssa Zantello, PA-C, who practices orthopaedics in Michigan, found she couldn’t sit at home and do nothing. Forty eight hours after a conversation with her mentor, she was on a plane to New York City.

Nicole S. Cournoyer reviewing a chart

A Day in the Life of PA Faculty and Clinician

Nicole S. Cournoyer, PA-C, faculty member at Thomas Jefferson University, started her career in a community-based oncology office. Teaching patients and family members about disease processes, medications and interventions led to lecturing then teaching full-time at her alma mater.

Edwin Welsh, Clare Lookian, Jack Carter, Erin Schulte, Devon Gersh, Kasey Keane

Day in the Life of a Texas Children’s Hospital Pediatric Surgical PA Fellow

Pediatric Surgery Community Fellow at Texas Children’s Hospital, Devon Gersh, PA-C, describes a day in her life during the rigorous 12-month program at Texas Children’s community hospital in The Woodlands. Fellows get the opportunity to rotate through multiple subspecialties of surgery.

Young-Bin Song looking at an x-ray

What PA Practice Looks Like in Neuro-Oncology

Young-Bin Song, MCHS, PA-C, describes his practice at a multi-disciplinary neuro-oncology/radiation oncology brain tumor clinic at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Communicating with the patient population, he relates, requires preparation, practice, and patience.

A Career in Orthopaedics: Why I Love the Specialty

Almas Abbas, PA-C, grew up playing sports – and getting injured. Her on-field experiences inspired an early interest in how the body works and how best to treat herself, and eventually led to a career as a PA in orthopaedics.

Rural field

Country Living: Working as a PA in Rural Healthcare

Things are different in the country, and healthcare is no exception. PAs who leave the big city to work in the country are in for a unique and rewarding experience. Here’s what a few PAs had to say about working in a rural setting.

Erin Stutz headshot

PA in Critical Care Shares 4 Crucial Tips

Erin Stutz, PA-C, started her career in hospital medicine and currently works in critical care in upstate New York. With her experience in both specialties, Stutz shares her top four tips for any PA who is caring for a critically ill patient.

Josanne Pagel headshot

Long-Time PA Leader Josanne Pagel Shares Motivations and Career Journey

Josanne Pagel, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, AAPA past president, recently shared her thoughts about her career journey with AAPA’s Andrea Lowe, MHA, PA-C. Pagel reflects on everything from her days in the Peace Corps to her current role at the Cleveland Clinic.

PA pointing at a computer in front of another PA

3 Ways PAs Can Advance Their Careers Through Leadership

For PAs looking to grow in their careers, there are also many opportunities to become a true leader in your field — either directly or through thought leadership. Here are three ways to advance in your career and become a leader.

Dave Bunnell, PA-C

Profile of a PA Specializing in Cardiac Electrophysiology

Ever wonder what a PA who specializes in cardiac electrophysiology does? David J. Bunnell, MSHS, PA-C, Lead Medical Center PA at the Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center tells us about his current role and why he changed specialties mid-career.

PA sitting at her desk, smiling

Looking for a Non-Clinical Role? Consider Medical or Clinical Science Liaison

PAs who serve as medical and clinical science liaisons play a unique role in pharmaceutical and other medical organizations. They use their clinical skills to interpret clinical trials, medications’ chemical composition, safety matters, and help to educate clinicians.

Vituity Emergency Medicine PA Fellows

A Day or Night in the Life of an Emergency Medicine Fellow

Stephen Lewia, PA-C, has spent the past few months as a Vituity Emergency Medicine PA Fellow at Arrowhead Medical Center in Colton, California. He shares his insights about the experience and about balancing life with being a new PA.

Dave Sander with a couple members of his DMAT and a Customs and Border Protection Special Unit officer talking to a local in Puerto Rico

How PAs Can Use Their Skills in Disaster Medicine

Interested in using your skills to help communities in need after a disaster? Four PAs offer their best advice for getting involved, from participating in trainings and minimizing harm to being patient throughout the process.

Erin Stutz headshot

A Day in the Life of a PA in a Medical ICU

Erin Stutz, PA-C, works in pulmonary critical care in the medical ICU at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). She shares what her days are like, and why the upcoming Adult Hospital Medicine Boot Camp is worth your time.