MAPA Podcast: Recent Episodes
Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants (MAPA)
Host: Josh Loew, PA-C, MPAS
Guest: Becky Ness, PA-C
In this episode of the MAPA Podcast, host Josh Loew sits down with Becky Ness, PA-C, to unpack the details and impact of Minnesota’s 2080 Hour Rule, an important part of PA legislation that shapes how Physician Assistants practice across the state.
Together, they explore:
- The purpose and history behind the 2080 Hour Rule
- The difference between a collaborative agreement and a practice agreement
- The recent legislative changes affecting PA practice in Minnesota
- How MAPA’s advocacy efforts including grassroots engagement, PA Day on the Hill, and legislative partnerships helped bring these changes to life
- Ways that Minnesota PAs can get involved to continue supporting MAPA’s mission and future legislative wins
Whether you’re a practicing PA, a student, or simply interested in how state-level legislation influences the profession, this episode provides valuable insight into how collaboration, advocacy, and leadership continue to advance PA practice in Minnesota.
Host: Faith Schlicht, PA-C
Guest: Katarina Astrup, MSPAS, PA-C
Faith Schlicht, PA-C and Katarina Astrup, MSPAS, PA-C are back with the Money Series for PAs and medical professionals, this time answering real financial questions from PA students and new grads. Faith, a cardiology PA, teams up with Kat Astrup, creator of PA the FI Way, to share practical tips for budgeting during PA school and launching your career with confidence.
Learn how to stretch your student budget, negotiate your first salary, and make the most of your benefits as a new grad. Whether you’re pre-PA, in school, or starting your first job, this episode will help you build a strong financial foundation and work toward financial independence.
Resources Mentioned:
PA the FI Way Podcast – Financial independence tips for PAs
PA Money Sense Budget Guide (AAPA)
Budgeting Apps: YNAB, Monarch, EveryDollar
Student Loan Help:
https://studentloanadvice.com/partner/pa-the-fi-way/
https://www.studentloanplanner.com/
Host: Katarina Astrup, MSPAS, PA-C
Guests: Cindy Goetz, Ed.D., MAPS, PA-C
Graduated 1992 - Des Moines PA program
Worked in family medicine, urgent care, bariatric medicine, occupational medicine and retail medicine.
Began working in PA education in 2014 - currently the Program Director
Mission work - Guatemala, Reynosa -Mexico, Trujillo-Peru
Matthew Ard, DHSc, PA-C
National Health Service Corp Scholar with 9 years of family practice experience and currently working in Emergency Medicine for approximately 10 years
Doctor of Health Science, Global Health Concentration from Nova Southeastern University
25 years of medical mission's experience in a diverse array of environments
Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to serve on a medical mission trip as a PA? In this episode, host Kat sits down with two other PAs, Matt and Cindy, to explore the world of medical missions. They walk us through the heart behind medical missions, the logistics of preparing for a trip, and what it takes to offer compassionate, sustainable care across cultures and borders.
Together, they explore how PAs can use their clinical skills in global outreach settings, what a typical day looks like on a mission trip, and the kinds of health concerns most often encountered. They reflect on the challenges, joys, and transformative moments they've experienced while serving abroad—and how it has shaped the way they practice medicine here in the U.S.
Whether you’re just curious, seriously considering joining a mission, or looking for a way to make a broader impact with your medical career, this episode is full of wisdom, practical tips, and encouragement. You’ll also hear about various organizations doing this work and how you can get involved.
This episode is a reminder that medical missions aren’t just about providing care. They’re about building relationships, showing up with humility, and letting service change you, too.
Medical Missions Pharmacy - Blessings International | Home
Medical Missions Grants - Mission Scholarships – Christian Medical & Dental Associations® (CMDA)
Global Health Outreach - GHO - Find a Trip – Christian Medical & Dental Associations® (CMDA)
Global Health ImPAct - Global Health Impact | global health experience
Global Missions Health Conference 2025 - GMHC 2025 - November 6-8, 2025
Medical Missions Outreach (MMO): medical-outreach.com
Contact Matt: matthew.ard@yahoo.com
Host: Josh Loew, PA-C, MPAS
Guest: Tracy Keizer, PA-C
Tracy shares her extensive experience with HPSP, which monitors and supports various medical and behavioral health clinicians to maintain their licenses, particularly in areas of substance use disorder and mental illness. They discussed the program's history, processes for self-referral or third-party referral, and various scenarios where individuals might seek help through HPSP, while also addressing challenges such as financial concerns and accessibility.
Find out more about HPSP at mn.gov/boards/hpsp/
Join host Bev Kimball, PA-C, DFAAPA, and guests Adam Weber, PA-S, and Jay Minton, PA-S, as they discuss the PAEA Future Educator Fellowship. Jay and Adam are second-year students at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth and two of only fifteen students nationwide who were chosen to participate in the Fellowship. Learn about what the Fellowship entails and their plans for the future.
Find information on the Future Educator Fellowship here:
https://paeaonline.org/how-we-can-help/pa-students/future-educator-fellowship
Find information on the Health Policy Fellowship here:
https://paeaonline.org/how-we-can-help/pa-students/student-health-policy-fellowship
Host: Josh Loew, PA-C, MPAS
Guest: Gay Lentfer, PA-C
Episode Summary:
In this episode, host Josh Loew sits down with Gay Lentfer to dive into the role and impact of the Minnesota PA Advisory Council. Gay shares her journey into PA leadership, how the Council functions, and why it's an essential body for Minnesota's PA community.
Topics Covered:
- What the PA Advisory Council is — and what it isn’t
- The composition of the Council, including PAs, physicians, and public members
- Common issues the Council addresses and how these have evolved over time
- The Council’s relationship with the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice
- Advice for PAs interested in leadership or Council involvement
This podcast was adapted from a webinar session of the Student Lecture Series. PA students Amanda Gallagher and Adam Weber lead a discussion about the path to becoming a PA. Joined by PA student panelists Sid Bauer, Jessica Dang, Josie Hogeland, and Nate Chau, and Professor Shawn Garvey, they delve into key aspects of the application process, highlighting the significance of personal statements and healthcare experience. The group also explores the interview process and the overall progression of the training program. Additionally, they answer audience questions, such as “What advice do you have for re-applicants?” and “Is taking a gap year recommended?”
Host: Faith Dammann Schlicht, PA-C
Guest: Katarina Astrup, MSPAS, PA-C
Katarina and Faith discuss financial literacy, with Katarina sharing her journey from being financially illiterate to becoming a financial independence advocate. Katarina highlights the importance of financial independence, especially for PAs, and how it can help prevent burnout. The discussion is aimed to empower PAs to take control of their finances and manage them effectively.
Book recommendations for PAs interested in learning about FI:
https://www.pathefiway.com/blog/book-recommendations-for-pas-on-the-way-to-financial-independence
Free PA the FI Way Beginner's Workbook:
https://www.pathefiway.com/download-the-free-pa-the-fi-way-beginner-s-workbook
Podcast Episode about HYSAs and Emergency Funds:
https://www.pathefiway.com/podcasts/pa-the-fi-way/episodes/2148992733
Website: pathefiway.com
Connect with Kat:
Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/
Hayden Middleton, DMSc, PA-C speaks with Emma Sellers, MS from the Physician Assistant Education Association about how DEI can be utilized in your practice and help with the treatment and care of your patients. They discuss Project Access and its goals of creating outreach for PAs and educating people at an early age about the roles and opportunities for PAs in the healthcare field.
You can find out more about the Physician Assistant Education Association at https://paeaonline.org/
Learn about Project Access at https://paeaonline.org/resources/public-resources/about-project-access
MAPA President Clinton Billhorn, PA-C, CAQ-HM, is joined by Julie Schaefer, MD, to discuss the working relationship between PAs and physicians and how that partnership can grow in the future.
Host: Alannah Zheng, MSPA, PA-C, CLC practices OBGYN at Allina Health.
Guest: Clinton Billhorn, PA-C, CAQ-HM practices hospital medicine at HealthPartners
Show notes: In this episode, Alannah sits down with current MAPA president, Clinton Billhorn, to explore what it’s really like to lead the academy. Clinton shares his journey, from his first involvement with MAPA up to his current presidency, and how he works to lead and shape the organization. Whether you’re curious about leadership roles or want to learn more about MAPA’s mission, this episode offers a candid look at what it means to be at the helm. Any questions for Clinton? Email him at cjbillhorn@gmail.com
Hear from the three 2024 MAPA Award Recipients as they talk about the work and dedication that led to them being chosen as MAPA Award Winners.
(Guests)
MAPA 2024 Advocacy Award Recipient: Alannah Zheng, MSPA, PA-C, CLC
Alannah is a PA in OB/GYN at Allina Health and serves as the MAPA Legislative
Committee Chair as well as Delegate to AAPA HOD. This past legislative session, her contributions helped remove a confusing clause from a state statute that limited PAs treating patients with mental health conditions. With her leadership, the state legislature also passed the PA licensure compact, making Minnesota the 10th state to join the compact.
MAPA 2024 Preceptor of the Year: Danielle Johnson, MPAS, PA-C
Danielle is a Hospital Medicine PA at Regions Hospital and serves as Program Director for the HealthPartners Hospital Medicine APC Fellowship. Throughout her career, Danielle has “used her passion for medical education as her guiding star, incorporating it into her practice every day”. In her newer role as Fellowship Director, she has demonstrated dedication, empathy, and adaptability by working with medical education leaders, administrators, and fellow clinicians to enhance the development of each individual fellow ensuring they are best-prepared for their role.
MAPA 2024 PA of the Year: Pat Loew, MPAS, PA-C
Pat is a Family Medicine PA with North Memorial Health. During his more than 35 years of practice, he has been dedicated to patient-centered care, recognizing the individuality and unique needs of each patient. He has been a continuous mentor to Pre-PA students, a clinical preceptor to PA students, and an exemplary colleague to other providers who work around him. Furthermore, he has been a strong leader and advocate for the PA profession, holding roles including Regional Provider Lead for 10+ years, Medical Director for North Memorial for 3+ years, member and current chair of the Professional Staff Committee, voting member on the Medical Credentialing Committee, and voting member on North Memorial’s Executive Committee. “Pat exemplifies what being a PA leader is and continues to serve his patients, community, colleagues, friends, and family. He never seeks recognition, asks for praise, or looks for Rewards.”
Host: Katarina Astrup, MSPAS, PA-C
Katarina is a telepsychiatry PA with Minnesota Clinic for Health and Wellness. She is MAPA's Treasurer and serves on the Social Media and Marketing Committee.
Hear from MAPAs immediate past-president about the award that MAPA won for AAPAs annual Constituent Organization Award.
Host: Josh Loew, PA-C, MPAS
Guest: Brittany Strelow, DMSc, PA-C, MS, DFAAPA
Are you currently a Pre-PA student, or thinking about becoming a PA? MAPA is committed to growing the PA profession by helping Pre-PA students with several membership benefits. In this episode you will hear from Josh Loew, PA-C, MPAS, Chair of the Leadership and Development Committee, talk with one of MAPAs Pre-PA members on their journey to becoming a PA student, as well as the resources available through MAPA for Pre-PA students.
Host: Josh Loew, PA-C, MPAS
Guest: Christian Lindbloom, Pre-PA Student/aspiring PA
Did you know that MAPA has a lobbyist? MAPA is committed to advocating for Minnesota PAs and patients and advancing the profession in our state. One way we achieve that is by partnering with a lobbyist to affect change on healthcare policy in the legislature. In this episode, Alannah Zheng, co-chair of the Legislative & Reimbursement Committee speaks with Tom Lehman, lobbyist with the Lehman Group, about what it's like to represent Minnesota PAs on Capitol Hill.
Host: Alannah Zheng, MSPA, PA-C, CLC practices OBGYN at Allina Health.
Guest: Tom Lehman, lobbyist with the Lehman Group
Listen to our latest podcast where Erin Monahan, Dermatology PA, shares tips on Sun Safety!
Bios:
Host: Hayden Middleton, DMSc, PA-C is a family medicine PA and clinical researcher at M Health Fairview in St. Paul, Minnesota. He holds a Doctor of Medical Science Degree from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah and completed PA School at Bethel University in St. Paul. Hayden has a special interest in dermatology and dermoscopy both in clinical practice and research. He has published multiple peer-reviewed articles and posters and has presented at National, State, and Local Conferences. He is also a 2023-2024 AAPA-PAEA Research Fellow. He currently serves on the MAPA board, as President-Elect and the MAPA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee Chair.
Panelist: Erin Monahan DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-Derm practices with Essentia Health Dermatology in Duluth, MN and Superior, WI. She is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University in Fort Myers, FL. She started her career in Family Medicine then transitioned into Dermatology in 2016. Erin is a diplomate fellow of the Society of Dermatology PAs (SDPA), an AAPA Recognized Clinical Preceptor, and was Essentia Health’s East Market APP of the Year in 2023.
During this discussion we discuss caring for the LGBTQIA+ community and Jacob Ginter's role as a PA in the Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health
Host: Hayden Middleton, DMSc, PA-C (Family Medicine PA at M Health Fairview)
Panelist: Jacob Ginther, PA-C
My first job out of PA school after graduating Augsburg University was in St. Cloud where I provided primary care for the LGBTQIA+ community providing gender care, primary care, and urgent care. My interest has always been psychiatry which led to me to my current role at ISGH. I believe mental health plays an integral role in every aspect of life and patients are at the center of my care. I am honored to serve my community and I strive to better one’s health. When I am not in the office I love all things outdoors and trying new food in the cities.
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an incredibly helpful tool that many PAs utilize to help guide the management of acutely ill or injured patients.
Take a listen to hear two ultrasound evangelists, Thomas Pahl, PA-C and Peter Lindbloom, PA-C, share about the benefits of POCUS for both patients and PAs as well as examples of how POCUS has been helpful in their practices.
You will also learn about The Minnesota Point-Of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Project, which offers free ultrasound training to eligible providers through a grant offered by The Helmsley Charitable Trust. This allows Minnesota PAs to be trained in POCUS for free to better care for their patients. You can learn more information or register online here: portal.hqmeded.com
Guest: Thomas Pahl, PA-C, CAQ-EM
Tom is an Emergency Medicine PA in the Glacial Ridge Health System. He is a skilled clinician with expertise in point-of-care ultrasound, resuscitation, and various emergency procedures. Tom is Co-Clinical Director of the Helmsley Project, a published author in ultrasound texts, teaches ultrasound courses, and is the vice-chair of the MN State Trauma Advisory Council. He is an active educator in local PA programs, and he precepts many students in their clinical rotations.
Guest: Peter Lindbloom, MPAS, PA-C, RDMS, FCCM
Peter is a graduate of the inaugural physician assistant class at Augsburg College and has been in practice for the past 26 years. He has experience in family medicine, emergency medicine, administration and currently practices at North Memorial Health—Robbinsdale Hospital in trauma and surgical critical care. He has been using POCUS in his practice for over 18 years.
Host: Katarina Astrup, MSPAS, PA-C
Katarina is a telepsychiatry PA with Minnesota Clinic for Health and Wellness. She is a Director-At-Large for MAPA and serves on the Social Media and Marketing Committee.
Take a listen to this MAPA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Podcast, as we interview Taneasha Muonio, who is a health equity consultant at HCMC. In this podcast, we discuss how she is advocating for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion!
Hosts: Hayden Middleton, DMSc, PA-C, Elise Haupt, MPH, PA-C, and Sumaya Noor, PA-C
Panelist: Taneasha Muonio, MSPAS, PA-C
Taneasha Muonio is a proud Minnesota native and PA-C with a diverse background encompassing medicine, social justice, and advocacy. Prior to becoming a PA she worked in case management, pain management/addiction medicine, and JEDI consulting in the non-profit, corporate, and grassroots sectors. In addition to her 9 years of equity consulting, she practiced as a PA on the east coast with a passion for Internal and Emergency Medicine.Taneasha has dedicated her career to advancing health equity and addressing systemic disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
Throughout her professional journey, Taneasha has been at the forefront of advocating for marginalized communities, particularly focusing on extending the life expectancy for Black patients through a combination of social justice initiatives, research, and increasing medical literacy. Her commitment to courageous conversations and amplifying underrepresented voices has made her a respected figure in the field.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Taneasha is a fervent advocate for systemic change within healthcare systems. She champions policies and practices that prioritize equity, accessibility, and inclusivity, aiming to create a more just and equitable healthcare landscape for all individuals regardless of their identities.
Taneasha's multifaceted approach to healthcare, blending clinical proficiency with social advocacy and DEI consulting, reflects her unwavering dedication to improving lives and fostering positive societal change. Her work serves as an inspiration to fellow professionals and community members alike, demonstrating the profound impact that can be achieved through a combination of passion, expertise, and bravery.
PAs have several qualities that make them excellent leaders. In fact, if you're a PA, you're already a leader for your patients, the medical staff, and the admin staff that you work with. Meghan and Aaron are PAs who lead hundreds of APPs within their healthcare organizations. In this episode, we discuss how they got to where they are and what recommendations they would have for any of you interested in pursuing a leadership role as a PA.
Guests:
Aaron Browne, PA-C is the Vice President of APP Services at M Health Fairview and practices in urgent care.
Meghan McCoy, PA-C is the Director of Advanced Practice Providers at Hennepin Healthcare and practices in ENT.
Host:
Katarina Astrup, PA-C practices telepsychiatry through Minnesota Clinic for Health and Wellness, serves on MAPA's Social Media and Marketing Committee, and is a Director-At-Large for MAPA.
Do you have questions about being a PA leader? Reach out to Meghan or Aaron:
Meghan McCoy, PA-C: meghan.mccoy@hcmed.org
Aaron Browne, PA-C: aaron.browne@fairview.org
Show Notes:
Take a listen to this MAPA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Podcast as we discuss what it means to be an ally vs. accomplice vs. co-conspirator. This conversation is the first step in discussing how we as PAs, NPs, and healthcare workers in Minnesota and beyond can leverage our power to breakdown systemic racism and other healthcare disparities.
Hosts: Elise Haupt, MPH, PA-C & Hayden Middleton, PA-C
Panelists:
Toweya Brown
Harrison Reed, MMSc, PA-C
Hannah Hineman, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
MAPA Pride Listening Session with LGBTQA PAs
A panel discussion of PAs who work in LGBTQ medicine and/or identify as LGBTQA. Recorded live on June 21, 2022.
Moderated by George Froehle PA-C, AAHIVS (Hennepin County Medical Center), LGBTQ Primary Care, Gender Medicine, HIV medicine
Panelists
- Hayden Middleton PA-C (Mayo Clinic), Primary Care
- Clinton Billhorn PA-C (Health Partners), Hospitalist
- Justine Herndon PA-C (Mayo Clinic), Endocrinology and gender medicine
- Nora Powers PA-C (Family Tree Clinic), Gender medicine, reproductive medicine
Resources
Anal Paps knowledge base, part of the free LGBT HEALTH 101 lecture series, LBGT PA Caucus.
American Academy of HIV Medicine, aahivm.org
Take a listen to learn interesting details about the history, benefits, and challenges of telemedicine.
Host: Katarina Astrup, MSPAS, PA-C (Psychiatry through Minnesota Clinic for Health and Wellness)
Guest: Nicole Cole, MSPA, PA-C (Psychiatry through Nystrom & Associates, Ltd.)
Have you served as a preceptor to PA students? Or have you been thinking of trying out precepting? We all needed supportive preceptors to mentor us during PA school. In this episode, Katarina Astrup, MSPAS, PA-C hosts Cindy Goetz, Ed. D., PA-C, and Katie Sorenson, MSPAS, PA-C, as they share the benefits of precepting, the few perceived cons of precepting, and how you can make a difference for future PAs through precepting.
Audio version of the January & February 2023 issue of imPAct.
https://www.minnesotapa.org/page/imPAct
Panel interview and discussion about increasing diversity in PA education from a student and faculty standpoint.
Moderators:
- Elise Haupt, PA-C, Regions Hospital, MAPA DE&I Committee Chair
- Sumaya Noor, Second-year PA Student at St. Catherine University, MAPA DE&I Committee volunteer
Panelists:
- Jasmine Cofield, PA-C, Executive Director and Founder of Physician Assistants of Color; Primary Care Provider
- Miranda LaCroix, PA-C, Hospital Medicine at Regions; Adjunct Faculty, Augsburg PA Program
- Merari Morales, PA-C, MBA, Member of Augsburg PA Program Advisory Council on Curriculum and Clinical Training
- Jolene Young, MS, Admissions Representative, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
Audio version of the November & December 2022 issue of imPAct. https://www.minnesotapa.org/page/imPAct
Panel interview with rural medicine PAs in celebration of National Rural Health Day.
Moderator:
- Katerina Astrup, MSPAS, PA-C, telepsychiatry PA, MAPA Social Media and Marketing Committee volunteer, and host of the PA the FI Way podcast.
Panelists:
- Alexis White, PA-C, Essential Health Elder Care, Virginia, MN
- Brenda Bullerman, PA-C, Hendricks Community Hospital Association, Hendricks, MN
Audio version of the September & October 2022 issue of imPAct. https://www.minnesotapa.org/page/imPAct
Audio version of the July & August 2022 issue of imPAct. https://www.minnesotapa.org/page/imPAct
MAPA Pride Listening Session with LGBTQA PAs
A panel discussion of PAs who work in LGBTQ medicine and/or identify as LGBTQA. Recorded live on June 21, 2022.
Moderated by George Froehle PA-C, AAHIVS (Hennepin County Medical Center), LGBTQ Primary Care, Gender Medicine, HIV medicine
Panelists
- Hayden Middleton PA-C (Mayo Clinic), Primary Care
- Clinton Billhorn PA-C (Health Partners), Hospitalist
- Justine Herndon PA-C (Mayo Clinic), Endocrinology and gender medicine
- Nora Powers PA-C (Family Tree Clinic), Gender medicine, reproductive medicine
Resources
Anal Paps knowledge base, part of the free LGBT HEALTH 101 lecture series, LBGT PA Caucus.
American Academy of HIV Medicine, aahivm.org
Audio version of the May & June 2022 issue of imPAct. https://www.minnesotapa.org/page/imPAct
Retired PA Bev Kimball, better known to many as "Mama MAPA," shares her story of becoming a PA and getting involved with MAPA; as well as discusses the history (and future) of MAPA and the PA profession in Minnesota.
Audio version of the March & April issue of imPAct. https://www.minnesotapa.org/page/imPAct
Audio version of the January & February 2022 issue of imPAct.
https://www.minnesotapa.org/page/impact
Audio version of the November & December 2021 issue of imPAct.
https://www.minnesotapa.org/page/impact
Audio version of the September & August 2021 issue of imPAct.
https://www.minnesotapa.org/page/impact
Audio version of the July & August 2021 issue of imPAct.
https://www.minnesotapa.org/page/imPAct
Audio version of the May & June 2021 issue of imPAct.
https://www.minnesotapa.org/page/imPAct