Episode #32
Making the Transition to PA Educator
In this episode, Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, welcomes Sarah Bolander, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, assistant professor of Physician Assistant Studies at Northern Arizona University, and Thomas Woods, DHSc, M.Ed, PA-C, professor in the Physician Assistant Sciences department at Saint Francis University, to explore the transition from clinical practice to PA education. They discuss some of the unexpected realities new faculty encounter, from administrative responsibilities and time management to teaching outside their clinical specialty and navigating imposter syndrome, technology, and AI. The conversation also explores the skills that help clinicians become effective educators, including course and lecture design, assessment writing, exam analysis, and using feedback to strengthen teaching. Bolander and Woods share practical advice for balancing teaching, service, scholarship, and accreditation responsibilities while continuing to grow as an educator. They emphasize the value of mentorship, observing experienced faculty, practicing and reviewing your teaching, giving yourself “grit and grace,” and finding a professional community through PAEA programs, committees, and other resources. This episode is sponsored by PA History Society . All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings .
