Transitioning from PA school to clinical practice is a pivotal moment in every new PA’s career. In this first episode of Ready, Set, Practice: Insights for New PAs, we sit down with Natalie Crump, MS, PA-C, to discuss the realities of entering the workforce, from the job search and credentialing process to contract negotiations and work-life balance. Whether you're a new grad or preparing for this transition, this episode provides practical advice, personal insights, and essential resources to help you navigate your first steps as a PA-C with confidence.

PA Crump has a background in women’s health and reproductive medicine. She’s also a past AAPA Student Academy President and served on the AAPA Board of Directors. Her experience as a new PA and her passion for mentorship make her the perfect guest to share insights on what to expect after graduation.

Resources:

Learning Central: Claim your CME for this episode. https://cme.aapa.org/

Career Central: https://www.aapa.org/career-central/

New Graduate Checklist: https://www.aapa.org/career-central/career-advancement-and-transitions/new-graduate-checklist/

Salary Report: https://www.aapa.org/research/salary-report/customized-salary-report/

PA Job Source: https://www.aapa.org/career-central/pa-jobsource/

Areas of Practice Guide: https://www.aapa.org/career-central/areas-of-practice/

PA Portfolio: https://www.aapa.org/career-central/pa-portfolio/

PANCE PANRE Review Resources - https://www.aapa.org/cme-central/pance-panre-review-resources/

• (00:00:00) - Ready Set Insight for New PAs
• (00:01:24) - Natalie Flannery on the Future of Science
• (00:01:39) - PA School Student Natalie on Her Path to Becoming a PA
• (00:03:58) - Katie's PA School Job Search
• (00:07:45) - How to negotiate salary as a PA
• (00:11:14) - PAs on the importance of career satisfaction
• (00:15:06) - How to Get Organized as a New Clinician
• (00:20:18) - The Importance of Transitioning From PA in Obgyn to PA
• (00:23:32) - on PA Job Search
• (00:29:03) - "It's Going to Be Okay..."
• (00:30:41) - Insight for New PAs

Starting your first job as a physician associate (PA) is exciting — but navigating the rules that define your practice can be complex. In this episode of Ready, Set, Practice, we’re joined by Dr. Megan Fulton, System Executive Director of the APP Best Practice Center at MUSC Health. Dr. Fulton breaks down the key factors that influence what PAs can do in clinical practice, from federal and state laws to facility policies and insurance regulations. She’ll also share strategies for self-advocacy and professional growth, ensuring new PAs understand not just their scope of practice, but how to shape it for the future.

In addition to her executive leadership role, Dr. Fulton is a professor at the MUSC PA program, a primary care clinician, and the Legislative Chair for SCAPA. She’s eager to share valuable insights to help new PAs navigate and thrive in their clinical careers.

Resources:

• Learning Central: Claim your CME for this episode.
• Federal Laws and Regulations
• U.S. State Laws and Regulations
• Guide to PA Regulations, Compliance, and Professional Practice

• (00:00:00) - Ready Set Insight for New PAs
• (00:01:17) - PA Page's journey to leadership
• (00:03:51) - The Law, Policies and Advisories of Graduates
• (00:07:30) - Pharmacists: Basic Legal Advice for New Grads
• (00:11:07) - Policy and Procedures for PAs
• (00:14:35) - Restriction of Prescriptive Authority
• (00:19:48) - How to Find Work-Life Balance
• (00:24:01) - Sourdough Bread
• (00:24:55) - Ready, Set Practice

In this episode, we sit down with Duncan Daviau, MPAS, PA-C, a dedicated physician associate leader and advocate, to discuss the future of the PA profession. From legislative and regulatory changes to evolving reimbursement models, we explore the key issues shaping PA practice and career opportunities. We’ll also break down what the title change means for PAs and how you can get involved in advocating for your future.

PA Daviau has been at the forefront of efforts to modernize PA practice laws and expand professional opportunities in Massachusetts, offering valuable insight into how policy changes impact the profession. At the time of this recording, PA Daviau was pursuing a Doctor of Medical Science degree with a concentration in Health Policy at Northeastern University and expected to complete his coursework in 2025.

Resources:

• Learning Central: Claim your CME for this episode.
• Advocacy Central : https://www.aapa.org/advocacy-central
• AAPA Constituent Organizations: https://www.aapa.org/advocacy-central/constituent-organizations/
• Modernizing PA Practice: https://www.aapa.org/advocacy-central/optimal-team-practice/
• Title Change: https://www.aapa.org/title-change/
• PA Licensure Compact: https://www.pacompact.org/

• (00:00:00) - New PAs: Ready Set Insights for New PAs
• (00:00:54) - An Advocacy for the PA Profession
• (00:01:51) - PA Practice Barriers
• (00:03:29) - What does a Collaborating Physician mean?
• (00:05:28) - PAs in the crisis era
• (00:06:20) - Massachusetts mental health care coverage
• (00:11:13) - Physician Assistants on Modernizing Pa's Title
• (00:13:20) - What is the transition from physician assistant to physician associate?
• (00:15:51) - The future of PAs in Massachusetts
• (00:18:30) - What can PAs do to advocate for their patients?
• (00:20:45) - Ready Set Insight for New PAs