2025 Preceptor of the Year is Known for Her Unwavering Dedication to Service

Emily Monahan is a Model of Selflessness in Guiding Future PAs

May 8, 2025

By Dorsey Griffith

Emily Monahan, PA-C, is the 2025 recipient of the AAPA/PAEA Preceptor of the Year Award. Monahan practices orthopaedics at BayCare Medical Group in Tampa Bay, Florida. She felt called to begin serving as a preceptor for PA students early in the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when both providing care and finding preceptors to train the next generation of PAs was especially challenging.

The role suited Monahan, who committed herself to service from a very young age. Growing up in a small town in Iowa, Monahan says helping others and giving back to her community was second nature. Drawn to direct patient interaction, her career journey led her to athletic training. That’s when she met a PA who profoundly influenced her path—and with his guidance and encouragement, she became a PA.

“The most rewarding part of being a PA is the ability to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives,” Monahan says. “Whether it’s helping someone regain function after an injury, guiding them through recovery, or simply being a reassuring presence, the connection with patients is invaluable.”

The Preceptor of the Year Award, presented in partnership with PAEA, honors a preceptor who demonstrates exemplary service in the clinical education of PA students as a mentor, role model, and instructor; and furthers the image of PAs by exemplifying the PA profession’s philosophy of providing accessible, quality healthcare.

Monahan’s dedication to service is evident to both PA faculty and her students. In their letter of recommendation for Monahan, two former students wrote that she raises the bar on

preceptorship by “creating a dynamic, hands-on learning environment where students are encouraged to dive deep into patient care…. Emily’s ability to meet each student where they are in their learning journey and to tailor her mentorship to suit each individual sets her apart.”

“Mentoring the next generation of PAs, providing opportunities for students to learn, grow, and thrive, is important to me,” Monahan says. “By investing in future providers and advocating for our profession, I hope to leave a lasting impact that goes beyond my daily practice.”

Monahan’s commitment to teaching extends beyond her role as a preceptor. She has given the keynote address at Barry University PA graduations twice, where she graduated and received the Program Director’s Award, as well as the Dr. Jules Ross Award for her excellence in academics and community service.

An outspoken cheerleader for her profession, Monahan co-manages the popular Instagram account “theboneafiedpac,” which has become a social space where she and her friend and former classmate, Katie Albright, teach orthopaedics, share career insights, mentor students, and advocate for the PA profession.

The platform has led to speaking engagements at pre-PA programs and associations across the country.

Monahan’s work, both as a clinician and mentor, has earned her many accolades. In 2024, she won the BayCare system-wide Extraordinary Award in the category of Academic Excellence, an honor recognizing her ongoing commitment to personal and professional growth and dedication to fostering educational excellence. She’s also been tapped to chair the Advanced Practice Provider Multidisciplinary Council at BayCare, where she can further advance the well-being and advocacy for the PA profession and drive continuous improvements in patient care.

Praised for her support for PA students long after graduation, Monahan says that she recognizes that students are not only learners, but valuable teachers whose insights contribute to her own growth.

“Seeing students develop confidence and skills reminds me of why I chose this path,” she says. “The PA profession offers the perfect balance of challenge, collaboration, and compassion, and I’m grateful every day to be part of it.”