NCAPA

North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates

Leading the Way

Speaking of Sleep: Conference Speaker, Gina Mauldin PA-C

Jul 16, 2025
Gina Mauldin, PA-C is an NCAPA Member and upcoming NCAPA Summer Conference speaker who specializes in sleep medicine. She received her Master of Health Sciences degree from the Duke University Physician Assistant (PA) program in 2011. She has a passion for raising awareness for the field of sleep medicine and increased discussions around sleep health […]

Speaking of Sleep: Conference Speaker, Gina Mauldin PA-C

by Pauline Bulala

Gina Mauldin, PA-C is an NCAPA Member and upcoming NCAPA Summer Conference speaker who specializes in sleep medicine. She received her Master of Health Sciences degree from the Duke University Physician Assistant (PA) program in 2011. She has a passion for raising awareness for the field of sleep medicine and increased discussions around sleep health […]

From Advocacy to Academics, and From NCAPA to PA School

Jun 4, 2025
Pauline Bulala is the NCAPA Marketing and Communications Coordinator and is leaving NCAPA to begin PA school at Campbell University next month. As a pre-PA in this role, she shares a written reflection below on her unique path from reapplicant to NCAPA to PA school.   Like many other pre-PAs, my journey to PA school and the […]

From Advocacy to Academics, and From NCAPA to PA School

by Pauline Bulala

Pauline Bulala is the NCAPA Marketing and Communications Coordinator and is leaving NCAPA to begin PA school at Campbell University next month. As a pre-PA in this role, she shares a written reflection below on her unique path from reapplicant to NCAPA to PA school.   Like many other pre-PAs, my journey to PA school and the […]

Interview with Member Robin Hunter-Buskey, First Female PA on NC Medical Board

Jun 4, 2025
NCAPA Member Robin Hunter-Buskey, DHSc, CPHP, CCHP, CDCES, PA-C, Captain USPHS has been driven by the pursuit of service to others her whole life. A New York native, she is a graduate of the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook’s physical therapy and physician assistant (PA) programs, and a graduate of the […]

Interview with Member Robin Hunter-Buskey, First Female PA on NC Medical Board

by Pauline Bulala

NCAPA Member Robin Hunter-Buskey, DHSc, CPHP, CCHP, CDCES, PA-C, Captain USPHS has been driven by the pursuit of service to others her whole life. A New York native, she is a graduate of the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook’s physical therapy and physician assistant (PA) programs, and a graduate of the […]

Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with Marisa Isbell, PA-C

May 19, 2025
In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, the NCAPA is spotlighting Marisa Isbell, PA-C, CAQ-PSYCH, NCAPA Member and psychiatric physician assistant (PA) who owns her own mental health clinic in Asheville, North Carolina. PA Isbell shared her journey into discovering the profession to owning her own practice, and recounts her experience during Hurricane […]

Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with Marisa Isbell, PA-C

by Pauline Bulala

In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, the NCAPA is spotlighting Marisa Isbell, PA-C, CAQ-PSYCH, NCAPA Member and psychiatric physician assistant (PA) who owns her own mental health clinic in Asheville, North Carolina. PA Isbell shared her journey into discovering the profession to owning her own practice, and recounts her experience during Hurricane […]

Member Laura Blanchard, PA-C Wins APPOS MVP of the Year

Apr 22, 2025
There are several patients that I’ve been fortunate enough to foster deep connections with. That’s what keeps me coming back to my job everyday – helping people get through some of the hardest and the worst times of their lives and celebrating with them at their biggest wins.” –Laura Blanchard, MPAP, PA-C   The NCAPA […]

Member Laura Blanchard, PA-C Wins APPOS MVP of the Year

by Pauline Bulala

There are several patients that I’ve been fortunate enough to foster deep connections with. That’s what keeps me coming back to my job everyday – helping people get through some of the hardest and the worst times of their lives and celebrating with them at their biggest wins.” –Laura Blanchard, MPAP, PA-C   The NCAPA […]

PA Allen Stephens’ Journey: Flight Paramedic to Leading the Way

Mar 24, 2025
“The more our voices are heard, the more people are aware of PAs and what we can bring to the table.” -Allen Stephens, PA-C The NC Academy of PAs recently sat down with Member Allen Stephens, PA-C, who currently practices in Outpatient Cardiology at Duke Health. A practicing PA for over nine years, PA Stephens […]

PA Allen Stephens’ Journey: Flight Paramedic to Leading the Way

by Pauline Bulala

“The more our voices are heard, the more people are aware of PAs and what we can bring to the table.” -Allen Stephens, PA-C The NC Academy of PAs recently sat down with Member Allen Stephens, PA-C, who currently practices in Outpatient Cardiology at Duke Health. A practicing PA for over nine years, PA Stephens […]

PA Joshua Newton Reflects on the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Feb 24, 2025
FOUR MONTHS AFTER HURRICANE HELENE made landfall in Western North Carolina, Joshua Newton, PA-C still remembers the feeling of being, “shellshocked.” As a PA and family medicine practice owner, his town of Spruce Pine, North Carolina was battered and left devastated in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Floodwaters had ravaged not only his home and […]

PA Joshua Newton Reflects on the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

by Pauline Bulala

FOUR MONTHS AFTER HURRICANE HELENE made landfall in Western North Carolina, Joshua Newton, PA-C still remembers the feeling of being, “shellshocked.” As a PA and family medicine practice owner, his town of Spruce Pine, North Carolina was battered and left devastated in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Floodwaters had ravaged not only his home and […]

Military PA M. Tiye Young Leads Western NC Relief & Recovery

Feb 24, 2025
Being both in the military for fourteen years and practicing medicine is “an honor to be trusted to do both,” described Wake Forest PA graduate, Major Makeda Tiye Young, PA-C. Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, the PA journey was anything but linear for Major Young. “I was actually going to the Army’s PA […]

Military PA M. Tiye Young Leads Western NC Relief & Recovery

by Pauline Bulala

Being both in the military for fourteen years and practicing medicine is “an honor to be trusted to do both,” described Wake Forest PA graduate, Major Makeda Tiye Young, PA-C. Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, the PA journey was anything but linear for Major Young. “I was actually going to the Army’s PA […]

How a REACH PPP Training Inspired PA Marty Nelson to Train Others

Jan 28, 2025
NCAPA recently sat down with Martha “Marty” Nelson, MHS, PA-C, who serves a unique role as a physician assistant (PA). In addition to practicing at Duke University’s Healthy Lifestyles clinic since 2008, PA Nelson is also a REACH PPP trainer for the NC Psychiatry Access Line (NC-PAL). Originally from Mississippi, Marty was a Registered Nurse (RN) […]

How a REACH PPP Training Inspired PA Marty Nelson to Train Others

by Pauline Bulala

NCAPA recently sat down with Martha “Marty” Nelson, MHS, PA-C, who serves a unique role as a physician assistant (PA). In addition to practicing at Duke University’s Healthy Lifestyles clinic since 2008, PA Nelson is also a REACH PPP trainer for the NC Psychiatry Access Line (NC-PAL). Originally from Mississippi, Marty was a Registered Nurse (RN) […]

PA Brett Curtis on Being a Reservist in the NDMS

Dec 3, 2024
“I was blown away by the camaraderie of just random people in the community helping each other. These people’s lives were changed irreparably.” –Brett Curtis, PA-C In the wake of Hurricane Helene, emerging from the images of its destruction and devastation in Western North Carolina, were stories of heroes and community members coming together as […]

PA Brett Curtis on Being a Reservist in the NDMS

by Pauline Bulala

“I was blown away by the camaraderie of just random people in the community helping each other. These people’s lives were changed irreparably.” –Brett Curtis, PA-C In the wake of Hurricane Helene, emerging from the images of its destruction and devastation in Western North Carolina, were stories of heroes and community members coming together as […]

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with PA Claudia Mendoza

Oct 9, 2024
Working with the Latino population was what motivated me to become a medical professional. I saw from an early age that, especially in the medical field, bilingual providers and translators were very limited. -Claudia Mendoza, PA-C For National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 through Oct. 15th), the NCAPA celebrates the contributions and dedication of PAs […]

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with PA Claudia Mendoza

by Pauline Bulala

Working with the Latino population was what motivated me to become a medical professional. I saw from an early age that, especially in the medical field, bilingual providers and translators were very limited. -Claudia Mendoza, PA-C For National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 through Oct. 15th), the NCAPA celebrates the contributions and dedication of PAs […]

PA Julie Romeis: From Veterinary Medicine to Psychiatry

Sep 23, 2024
The NCAPA had the honor of sitting down with NC Academy of PAs (NCAPA) Member, psychiatry physician assistant (PA), and recent Summer Conference Speaker, Julie A. Romeis, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry. Dr. Romeis, a board-certified PA and a graduate of the PA program at the University of Lynchburg, is also a graduate of Lynchburg’s Doctor of […]

PA Julie Romeis: From Veterinary Medicine to Psychiatry

by Pauline Bulala

The NCAPA had the honor of sitting down with NC Academy of PAs (NCAPA) Member, psychiatry physician assistant (PA), and recent Summer Conference Speaker, Julie A. Romeis, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry. Dr. Romeis, a board-certified PA and a graduate of the PA program at the University of Lynchburg, is also a graduate of Lynchburg’s Doctor of […]

PA Toni Jackson: Moving to North Carolina for PA Practice

Aug 14, 2024
“Being a PA is more than just medical knowledge. You need to have the soft skills to be successful. My main goal as a PA educator is for students to learn not only medicine, but how to be a good human that takes great care of other humans.” -Toni Jackson, MMS, PA-C The NCAPA sat […]

PA Toni Jackson: Moving to North Carolina for PA Practice

by Pauline Bulala

“Being a PA is more than just medical knowledge. You need to have the soft skills to be successful. My main goal as a PA educator is for students to learn not only medicine, but how to be a good human that takes great care of other humans.” -Toni Jackson, MMS, PA-C The NCAPA sat […]

Lavette Shirley Elee DScPAS, PA-C

PA Lavette Shirley Elee: Author and Nonprofit Founder

Jul 16, 2024
A board-certified physician assistant (PA), founder of a nonprofit, assistant professor, NCAPA Director-at-Large, and a children’s book author – Lavette Shirley Elee, DScPAS, PA-C’s impact on her community and beyond is profound, and the NCAPA is excited to be spotlighting her accomplishments in July’s edition of “I am NCAPA” Member Highlights.   Professor Elee currently […]

PA Lavette Shirley Elee: Author and Nonprofit Founder

by Pauline Bulala

Lavette Shirley Elee DScPAS, PA-C

A board-certified physician assistant (PA), founder of a nonprofit, assistant professor, NCAPA Director-at-Large, and a children’s book author – Lavette Shirley Elee, DScPAS, PA-C’s impact on her community and beyond is profound, and the NCAPA is excited to be spotlighting her accomplishments in July’s edition of “I am NCAPA” Member Highlights.   Professor Elee currently […]

How Getting Involved in State Academies Led PA Trey Boyd to NCAPA

Jul 1, 2024
“PAs will always change and evolve as healthcare continues to change and evolve. The big thing I hope to continue to see is for PAs to become the ‘change agents’ of healthcare, especially in North Carolina.”  – Trey Boyd, DMSc, MSM, PA-C With his avid involvement in many different state academies, healthcare organizations, free clinics, […]

How Getting Involved in State Academies Led PA Trey Boyd to NCAPA

by Pauline Bulala

“PAs will always change and evolve as healthcare continues to change and evolve. The big thing I hope to continue to see is for PAs to become the ‘change agents’ of healthcare, especially in North Carolina.”  – Trey Boyd, DMSc, MSM, PA-C With his avid involvement in many different state academies, healthcare organizations, free clinics, […]

PA Alex Leng on the Power of Social Media and PA Mentors

May 28, 2024
“Patients come from all types of underrepresented backgrounds. It is an unexplained bond that occurs when you see community and patients that speak the same language as you and relate with you on core experiences that you share. That level of trust carries them through their entire patient experience.” -Alex Leng, PA-C For May’s monthly […]

PA Alex Leng on the Power of Social Media and PA Mentors

by Pauline Bulala

“Patients come from all types of underrepresented backgrounds. It is an unexplained bond that occurs when you see community and patients that speak the same language as you and relate with you on core experiences that you share. That level of trust carries them through their entire patient experience.” -Alex Leng, PA-C For May’s monthly […]

PA Shay Shaw: “Never Too Late to Lead the Life You Lead”

May 28, 2024
I really am a believer that it is never too late to do the things you really desire to do with your life. I am saying this as a person who graduated PA school at 44, married with two children – it is never too late. If you are not leading the life you want […]

PA Shay Shaw: “Never Too Late to Lead the Life You Lead”

by Pauline Bulala

I really am a believer that it is never too late to do the things you really desire to do with your life. I am saying this as a person who graduated PA school at 44, married with two children – it is never too late. If you are not leading the life you want […]

Getting to Know PA Emily Epling, NCAPA Vice President

Apr 23, 2024
“Whether it is in my current administrative role in our system and helping APPs feel supported, or my clinical role, caring for patients and their families – whatever that looks like, I love helping people live their best lives.” -Emily Epling, MA, PA-C For the April #IamNCAPA Member Highlight, the NCAPA is spotlighting the new […]

Getting to Know PA Emily Epling, NCAPA Vice President

by Pauline Bulala

“Whether it is in my current administrative role in our system and helping APPs feel supported, or my clinical role, caring for patients and their families – whatever that looks like, I love helping people live their best lives.” -Emily Epling, MA, PA-C For the April #IamNCAPA Member Highlight, the NCAPA is spotlighting the new […]

PA Savannah Junkins, from NHSC Scholar to Integrated Behavioral Health

Mar 26, 2024
For the March #IamNCAPA Member Highlight, the NCAPA sat down and spoke with Savannah Junkins, PA-C, MPAS. A West Virginia native and a graduate of the Chatham University PA Program in Pittsburgh, Junkins has been a PA for over thirteen years. She is currently the Director of Integrated Behavioral Health at Freedom Hill Community Health […]

PA Savannah Junkins, from NHSC Scholar to Integrated Behavioral Health

by Pauline Bulala

For the March #IamNCAPA Member Highlight, the NCAPA sat down and spoke with Savannah Junkins, PA-C, MPAS. A West Virginia native and a graduate of the Chatham University PA Program in Pittsburgh, Junkins has been a PA for over thirteen years. She is currently the Director of Integrated Behavioral Health at Freedom Hill Community Health […]

PA Ziad El Tannir, NHSC Scholar to FQHC Provider & Clinical Informaticist

Jan 17, 2024
For the first #IamNCAPA Member Highlight of 2024, the NCAPA sat down and spoke with Ziad El Tannir, PA-C. Ziad is a 2020 graduate of the Wake Forest University PA Program, and is currently practicing in Family Medicine. He was also a participant of Wake Forest’s Emerging Leaders Program, a three-year program consisting of earning […]

PA Ziad El Tannir, NHSC Scholar to FQHC Provider & Clinical Informaticist

by Pauline Bulala

For the first #IamNCAPA Member Highlight of 2024, the NCAPA sat down and spoke with Ziad El Tannir, PA-C. Ziad is a 2020 graduate of the Wake Forest University PA Program, and is currently practicing in Family Medicine. He was also a participant of Wake Forest’s Emerging Leaders Program, a three-year program consisting of earning […]

PA Julie Niemi’s Journey from Student Membership to Professional PA Member

Dec 18, 2023
For the last edition of #IamNCAPA Member Highlights for 2023, the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA) spoke with Family Medicine PA, Julia Niemi, DHSc, MSPH, PA-C, CHES, CPH, BC-ADM. With her role as a board-certified PA in Advanced Diabetes Management, PA Niemi also teaches quarterly diabetes education classes at the community health center […]

PA Julie Niemi’s Journey from Student Membership to Professional PA Member

by Pauline Bulala

For the last edition of #IamNCAPA Member Highlights for 2023, the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA) spoke with Family Medicine PA, Julia Niemi, DHSc, MSPH, PA-C, CHES, CPH, BC-ADM. With her role as a board-certified PA in Advanced Diabetes Management, PA Niemi also teaches quarterly diabetes education classes at the community health center […]

Veterans Day Spotlight and an NCAPA Past President, Ercell Tate

Nov 14, 2023
In honor of Veterans Day, the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA) recently spoke with Ercell Tate, PA-C, who is a Wake Forest PA Program graduate, NCAPA past president, and proud veteran. The NCAPA had the honor of reflecting with PA Tate, who was the third president of the organization, on his early years […]

Veterans Day Spotlight and an NCAPA Past President, Ercell Tate

by Pauline Bulala

In honor of Veterans Day, the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA) recently spoke with Ercell Tate, PA-C, who is a Wake Forest PA Program graduate, NCAPA past president, and proud veteran. The NCAPA had the honor of reflecting with PA Tate, who was the third president of the organization, on his early years […]

Highlighting the Central Coastal Plains Association of PAs (CCPAPA)

Nov 6, 2023
NCAPA is dedicated to highlighting the work, dedication, and passion shown by PAs and members across the state, especially within our Regional Chapters. Each month starting in September 2023, we are highlighting one Regional Chapter, spotlight their goals and events, as well as highlight a specific member/members from that chapter. This month, we are highlighting […]

Highlighting the Central Coastal Plains Association of PAs (CCPAPA)

by Pauline Bulala

NCAPA is dedicated to highlighting the work, dedication, and passion shown by PAs and members across the state, especially within our Regional Chapters. Each month starting in September 2023, we are highlighting one Regional Chapter, spotlight their goals and events, as well as highlight a specific member/members from that chapter. This month, we are highlighting […]

Christopher Craig, PA-C is the 2023 North Carolina PA of the Year!

Oct 11, 2023
This year, the NCAPA Membership Committee received a record number of submissions and the committee conducted a thorough review of the nominations for this year’s group of very deserving PAs. We are so excited to announce that the 2023 NC PA of the Year is Christopher Craig, PA-C! PA Craig started his long career of […]

Christopher Craig, PA-C is the 2023 North Carolina PA of the Year!

by Pauline Bulala

This year, the NCAPA Membership Committee received a record number of submissions and the committee conducted a thorough review of the nominations for this year’s group of very deserving PAs. We are so excited to announce that the 2023 NC PA of the Year is Christopher Craig, PA-C! PA Craig started his long career of […]

PA Nicole Burwell: Founding PA Program Director of NC A&T State University

Sep 25, 2023
I have been blessed and fortunate enough to have people who were willing to invest in me.  It’s my responsibility to pay it forward. One of my favorite quotes is by Mary Church Terrell: ‘lifting as we climb, onward and upward we go.’ Nicole Burwell, Ph.D., PA-C, DFAAPA For September’s edition of #IamNCAPA Member Highlights, […]

PA Nicole Burwell: Founding PA Program Director of NC A&T State University

by Pauline Bulala

I have been blessed and fortunate enough to have people who were willing to invest in me.  It’s my responsibility to pay it forward. One of my favorite quotes is by Mary Church Terrell: ‘lifting as we climb, onward and upward we go.’ Nicole Burwell, Ph.D., PA-C, DFAAPA For September’s edition of #IamNCAPA Member Highlights, […]

Chief Population Health Officer and PA, Lisa Shock

Aug 29, 2023
“It takes a team to raise a patient. We all do our good parts to improve health, and PAs can give great care, they can diagnose and treat, and can be very independent in their healthcare delivery.” Lisa Shock, DrPH, MHS, PA-C For August’s Member Highlight Interview, the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA) […]

Chief Population Health Officer and PA, Lisa Shock

by Pauline Bulala

“It takes a team to raise a patient. We all do our good parts to improve health, and PAs can give great care, they can diagnose and treat, and can be very independent in their healthcare delivery.” Lisa Shock, DrPH, MHS, PA-C For August’s Member Highlight Interview, the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA) […]

Jeff LaFuria and John Goldfields are both Assistant Medical Directors of the North Carolina Medical Board.

Getting to Know PAs Jeff LaFuria John Goldfield of the NC Medical Board

Jul 17, 2023
The NCAPA sat down with two special guests for the July edition of Member Highlights. For this month, we spoke with Physician Assistants (PAs) Jeff LaFuria, PA-C and John Goldfield, MHS, PA-C. Both are Assistant Medical Directors of the North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB) and they had much to say about their roles and responsibilities, […]

Getting to Know PAs Jeff LaFuria John Goldfield of the NC Medical Board

by Pauline Bulala

Jeff LaFuria and John Goldfields are both Assistant Medical Directors of the North Carolina Medical Board.

The NCAPA sat down with two special guests for the July edition of Member Highlights. For this month, we spoke with Physician Assistants (PAs) Jeff LaFuria, PA-C and John Goldfield, MHS, PA-C. Both are Assistant Medical Directors of the North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB) and they had much to say about their roles and responsibilities, […]

Headshot of Jennifer Holley, PA-C

PA Jennifer Holley: How PA Day at the Legislature Inspired Her to Act

Jun 20, 2023
For June’s #IamNCAPA Member Highlight, the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA) sat down with Goldsboro Family Medicine Physician Assistant (PA) and President of the Central Coastal Plains Association of PAs (CCPAPA), Jennifer Holley, PA-C. “I hope that we align with the model that allows us to practice to the best of our ability […]

PA Jennifer Holley: How PA Day at the Legislature Inspired Her to Act

by Pauline Bulala

Headshot of Jennifer Holley, PA-C

For June’s #IamNCAPA Member Highlight, the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA) sat down with Goldsboro Family Medicine Physician Assistant (PA) and President of the Central Coastal Plains Association of PAs (CCPAPA), Jennifer Holley, PA-C. “I hope that we align with the model that allows us to practice to the best of our ability […]

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May 30, 2023
In honor of May being Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the NCAPA is highlighting Bowie Tran, a North Carolina Physician Assistant, Wake Forest University PA Program graduate, and proud Vietnamese-American whose dedication for his patients and profession shines bright. Bowie shares, “Being a PA in the AAPI community holds great significance for me. Throughout […]

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

by Pauline Bulala

In honor of May being Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the NCAPA is highlighting Bowie Tran, a North Carolina Physician Assistant, Wake Forest University PA Program graduate, and proud Vietnamese-American whose dedication for his patients and profession shines bright. Bowie shares, “Being a PA in the AAPI community holds great significance for me. Throughout […]

Getting to Know Wilmington FQHC PA, Israel Mendez

May 15, 2023
For May’s #IamNCAPA Member Highlight, NCAPA sat down with Family Medicine Physician Assistant (PA), Israel Mendez. Team-based care is certainly the way to go and gives patients the best outcomes. It also helps prevent burnout in the medical field since you have a reliable team you can pull ideas from and lean on. Israel Mendez, […]

Getting to Know Wilmington FQHC PA, Israel Mendez

by Pauline Bulala

For May’s #IamNCAPA Member Highlight, NCAPA sat down with Family Medicine Physician Assistant (PA), Israel Mendez. Team-based care is certainly the way to go and gives patients the best outcomes. It also helps prevent burnout in the medical field since you have a reliable team you can pull ideas from and lean on. Israel Mendez, […]

How Her Children Inspired PA Jo Hughes to Pursue Medicine

Apr 24, 2023
“I think there are so much more opportunities to utilize the PA services for patients, especially with telehealth and within rural places.” Jo A. Hughes DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-PSY This month’s #IamNCAPA Member Highlight is Jo Hughes, a Michigan native and Greensboro Physician Assistant (PA) in Psychiatry. Jo spoke with the NCAPA about how she found […]

How Her Children Inspired PA Jo Hughes to Pursue Medicine

by Pauline Bulala

“I think there are so much more opportunities to utilize the PA services for patients, especially with telehealth and within rural places.” Jo A. Hughes DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-PSY This month’s #IamNCAPA Member Highlight is Jo Hughes, a Michigan native and Greensboro Physician Assistant (PA) in Psychiatry. Jo spoke with the NCAPA about how she found […]

Leading the Way | Lisa Gennosa, PA-C

Mar 15, 2023
Lisa attended UNC Pembroke University and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Biology. After years working in the pharmaceutical industry, Lisa was motivated to find a path that was more aligned with her passion for hands-on healthcare and preventative medicine. She then enrolled in the East Carolina University’s PA Program as a more seasoned student. […]

Leading the Way | Lisa Gennosa, PA-C

by Pauline Bulala

Lisa attended UNC Pembroke University and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Biology. After years working in the pharmaceutical industry, Lisa was motivated to find a path that was more aligned with her passion for hands-on healthcare and preventative medicine. She then enrolled in the East Carolina University’s PA Program as a more seasoned student. […]

Leading the Way | Melissa Ricker, DMSc, PA-C

Nov 15, 2022
Melissa Ricker, DMSc, PA-C, grew up in eastern North Carolina and came from a large family of medical professionals, including her mother who was a Family Nurse Practitioner at a non-profit serving at risk children and adolescents. Melissa attended North Carolina State University, where she received a Bachelors of Science in Biology and graduated in […]

Leading the Way | Melissa Ricker, DMSc, PA-C

by Kat

Melissa Ricker, DMSc, PA-C, grew up in eastern North Carolina and came from a large family of medical professionals, including her mother who was a Family Nurse Practitioner at a non-profit serving at risk children and adolescents. Melissa attended North Carolina State University, where she received a Bachelors of Science in Biology and graduated in […]

Leading the Way | LaDonna Clark, DMSc, PA-C

Oct 15, 2022
LaDonna Clark, DMSc, PA-C, always wanted to be a healthcare provider. Due to a close bond with her grandmother who suffered from cardiomyopathy and diabetes, she developed a passion for helping others. LaDonna attended UNC-Chapel Hill, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sports Science, graduating with Honors in 2006. While at […]

Leading the Way | LaDonna Clark, DMSc, PA-C

by Kat

LaDonna Clark, DMSc, PA-C, always wanted to be a healthcare provider. Due to a close bond with her grandmother who suffered from cardiomyopathy and diabetes, she developed a passion for helping others. LaDonna attended UNC-Chapel Hill, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sports Science, graduating with Honors in 2006. While at […]

Leading the Way | Justin Gambini, DMSc, MSPASc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Sep 13, 2022
North Carolina PAs leading the way. Justin Gambini, DMSc, MSPASc, PA-C, DFAAPA, is the Chair of the NCAPA Student Affairs Committee. Hailing from the mountains of West Virginia, Justin grew up in the town of New Creek, down the road from the Lost River. He attended West Virginia University, where he graduated with a Bachelors […]

Leading the Way | Justin Gambini, DMSc, MSPASc, PA-C, DFAAPA

by Kat

North Carolina PAs leading the way. Justin Gambini, DMSc, MSPASc, PA-C, DFAAPA, is the Chair of the NCAPA Student Affairs Committee. Hailing from the mountains of West Virginia, Justin grew up in the town of New Creek, down the road from the Lost River. He attended West Virginia University, where he graduated with a Bachelors […]

Leading the Way | Andrea McKinnond, PA-C

Aug 9, 2022
North Carolina PAs leading the way. Andrea McKinnond, PA-C, is one of the Co-Chairs of the NCAPA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She was born and raised in Fort Pierce, Florida. Upon graduating high school, Andrea joined the US Air Force and served active duty for seven years while trying to decide what she wanted […]

Leading the Way | Andrea McKinnond, PA-C

by Kat

North Carolina PAs leading the way. Andrea McKinnond, PA-C, is one of the Co-Chairs of the NCAPA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She was born and raised in Fort Pierce, Florida. Upon graduating high school, Andrea joined the US Air Force and served active duty for seven years while trying to decide what she wanted […]