The PA Playbook

Eileen Ravella & Troy Bender
  • 4.9 (7)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Monthly

Practical Advice for Physician Associates. We discuss smart strategies for PA practice, legislative updates, leadership and advocacy and making the most of your career.

  1. 5d ago

    Rural Healthcare at the Crossroads: Hospital Closures, Workforce Shortages, and Solutions

    Across the United States, rural communities are losing hospitals, struggling to recruit healthcare professionals, and facing increasing barriers to accessing timely, life-saving care. For millions of Americans, a medical emergency can mean traveling hours for treatment, while providers work tirelessly with limited resources to meet the needs of their communities. In this episode, we'll explore why rural hospitals are closing, the demographics driving these challenges, and the impact these closures have on patients, families, healthcare providers, and local economies. We'll also discuss innovative solutions—from telehealth and workforce development to new care delivery models and policy initiatives—that are helping strengthen rural healthcare. Guest: Brett Antczak

    Rural Healthcare at the Crossroads: Hospital Closures, Workforce Shortages, and Solutions

  2. 5d ago

    Recognized to treat but not to train?

    The Department of Education initially excluded PA and many advanced nursing programs from the higher professional-student borrowing category. On June 24, 2026, a federal court temporarily stayed key portions of that definition. Current federal guidance now treats qualifying PA, MSN, DNP, and nurse-anesthesia programs as professional-degree programs while litigation continues. Guests: Nancy Lawton & Bob Smithing

    Recognized to treat but not to train?

  3. Aug 3

    Sarcopenia: The Silent Epidemic of Muscle Loss and Aging, What Every PA Should Know.

    Sarcopenia is one of the most common—and least recognized—conditions affecting older adults. Beginning as early as our 30s, we gradually lose muscle mass and strength, increasing the risk of falls, fractures, frailty, hospitalization, disability, and loss of independence. In this episode of PA Playbook, host Eileen Ravella, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA I sit down with Dr. Stephanie Frentzel PA-C to discuss why sarcopenia has become one of the most important yet under-diagnosed conditions facing today’s healthcare providers. Together we explore the latest evidence on screening, diagnosis, nutrition, resistance training, and emerging therapies that can help patients preserve strength and maintain independence throughout life. Whether you practice primary care, emergency medicine, orthopedics, geriatrics, palliative care, or another specialty, you’ll leave this episode with practical, evidence-based strategies you can begin using with your patients immediately. Host: Eileen Ravella, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA Guest: PA Dr Stephanie Frentzel, DMSc

    Sarcopenia: The Silent Epidemic of Muscle Loss and Aging, What Every PA Should Know.

  4. Jul 23

    Health Equity in Focus: Endometriosis, Preeclampsia, & Black Maternal Outcomes

    Emerging research suggests that endometriosis is more than a chronic gynecologic condition—it may also increase the risk of serious pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and eclampsia. In this episode of PA Playbook, we examine the intersection of endometriosis, maternal health, and racial disparities, with a focus on the disproportionate impact on Black women. We discuss why endometriosis is often under-diagnosed and under-treated in Black patients, how delayed diagnosis may contribute to poorer pregnancy outcomes, and what clinicians can do to recognize risk earlier. Join us for an evidence-based conversation on improving awareness, advancing equitable care, and reducing preventable maternal morbidity and mortality. Host: Eileen Ravella Guest: Calbeth Alaribe Research: Alaribe, C. C., & Sapre, K. D. (2026). Association between preeclampsia and eclampsia in Black women with endometriosis: A scoping review. BMC Public Health, 26, Article 1953. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-27739-w

    Health Equity in Focus: Endometriosis, Preeclampsia, & Black Maternal Outcomes

  5. Jul 23

    Leadership Through Advocacy: A Conversation With Dr. David Mittman

    Join PA Playbook hosts Eileen Ravella, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, and Troy Bender, DMSc, PA-C, as they welcome Dr. David Mittman, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, one of the profession's most respected leaders in physician associate advocacy and leadership. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Mittman shares lessons from decades of advancing the PA profession, discussing leadership, legislative advocacy, professional identity, and the importance of shaping the future of healthcare. From navigating challenges in scope of practice to mentoring the next generation of PAs, this episode provides practical insights and inspiration for clinicians at every stage of their careers. Whether you're an experienced PA, a new graduate, or a PA student, you'll come away with strategies to become a stronger advocate, more effective leader, and influential voice for the profession.

    Leadership Through Advocacy: A Conversation With Dr. David Mittman

  6. Jul 17

    Palliative Care PAs: Heros In Medicine

    What does it really mean to provide compassionate care when a cure is no longer possible? In this episode of PA Playbook, hosts Eileen Ravella, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, and Troy Bender, DMSc, PA-C, welcome Tracey Piparo, PA-C, an experienced palliative care physician associate, for an insightful conversation about the vital role PAs play in improving quality of life for patients with serious illness. Together, they explore the principles of palliative care, dispel common misconceptions, discuss symptom management, communication with patients and families, and the growing need for palliative care providers in today's healthcare system. Whether you practice in primary care, emergency medicine, hospital medicine, or a specialty setting, this episode offers practical insights to help clinicians recognize when palliative care can make a meaningful difference. Join us as we highlight the compassion, expertise, and leadership of PAs who help patients live as well as possible at every stage of serious illness.

    Palliative Care PAs: Heros In Medicine

  7. Jun 29

    A Good Death: Lessons From a Palliative Care Chaplain

    How does a palliative care Hospice chaplain bridge End Of Life discussion between family patient and providers?

    A Good Death: Lessons From a Palliative Care Chaplain

  8. Jun 26

    Developing Leadership Skills: Are We Ever Done?

    From perception to practice, another dive into leadership strategies for growth minded PAs and more!

    Developing Leadership Skills: Are We Ever Done?
See All (42)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Practical Advice for Physician Associates. We discuss smart strategies for PA practice, legislative updates, leadership and advocacy and making the most of your career.

Information

  • Creator
    Eileen Ravella & Troy Bender
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The PA Playbook

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