“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 is also the Director of Advanced Practice for Duke Health Integrative Practice (DHIP), chair of the DHIP Advanced Practice Provider Advisory Council (APPAC) and chair of the NCAPA’s Government Affairs’ Regulatory Subcommittee.
Growing up in Cullowhee, North Carolina, PA Stephens set off early on a path towards medicine. His experience prior to PA school started with being a flight paramedic in eastern North Carolina; although it equipped him with invaluable skills and training, he knew he wanted to expand beyond his role. “That was really good healthcare exposure, but the time we spent with the patient was such a short amount of time. You’re transporting patients for 10 – 30 minutes, and that was it. You don’t participate in the follow up, which is what I wanted. I knew I wanted to do more with patients and have a lot more patient interaction.”
PA Stephens attended PA school at Duke University, graduating in 2016. “I certainly have mentors throughout my current role, but there have been faculty at Duke who had really supported me throughout PA school – my advisor, PA Betsy Melcher (and fellow NCAPA Member, being one of them.”
His membership with NCAPA started when he was a student. “I enjoyed my student membership after learning about it when NCAPA came to speak about the organization to my first-year class. I think really getting connected to PAs and knowing what was going on was invaluable.”
His advice to pre-PAs and PA students? “PA school is hard, but you will make it. Continue seeking out clinical mentors as you emerge into practice to help you hone in on your clinical practice and skills. You learn the fundamentals in PA school but there is so much more that you continue to learn.”
“Give yourself grace. You’re not going to know everything after PA school. There is so much to learn. Be patient with yourself. We’re all still learning and growing.” -Allen Stephens, PA-C
After graduating from PA school, PA Stephens started out in cardiothoracic ICU and is now in outpatient cardiology. “When I started out, I was in the bucket of excitement and unpredictability – which is why I was a flight paramedic. Afterwards, I worked towards more of a longitudinal role and that’s why I transitioned to the outpatient role. A lot of PA students come out of school thinking of a path they have in mind, are in it for a few years and then realize they want to pivot to something else. That’s one of the fascinating things about the PA profession – the ability and flexibility to pivot.”
A day in the life of PA Stephens includes following up on patients’ general cardiology needs, which can include coronary disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and more. As a leader in and out of the clinic, PA Stephens also wears several hats. “I am also the team lead for our outpatient cardiology group and the Director of Advanced Practice at Duke Health’s Integrated Practice, helping to shape what it’s like to be an APP at Duke and helping change the way we do things. It’s been fantastic to see the structure of the health system and see the level of opportunity we have as PAs.”
And speaking of opportunities, PA Stephens urges PAs and Members to seek them out – beyond the clinic. “Get started. Get involved. The worst thing that can happen is that you start and change gears. Getting involved opens up your eyes to what is available. Learn about the NCAPA and what it can offer to PAs but also know that it’s beneficial to share your voice.”
PA Stephens also shared how he would like to see the profession change in the next five years. “I think we all recognize the medical access challenge that we have,” he had said. “We know that PAs can help meet that need and be part of the solution. We have to continue advocating for ourselves and what we have to offer, and I hope that we continue to work towards Optimal Team Practiceand the PA Licensure Compact.”
In his free time, he is a self-proclaimed water lover, and enjoys any form of activity on the beach, the lake, and the outdoors. Interestingly, if PA Stephens was not a PA, he would have been a pilot. “I’ve always enjoyed the aviation aspect, which is why I liked working as a flight paramedic. [AS1] But overall, I have zero regrets – I would not change a thing. I am proud to call myself a PA and humbled by the opportunity to provide care to my patients.”
