NCAPA

North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants

Leading the Way

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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. […]

Celebrating World Marrow Donor Day with Caroline Purdy

Sep 18, 2024
Did you know? World Marrow Donor Day is September 21st, 2024, and celebrates those that say “yes” to joining the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry, to donating blood stem […]

Celebrating World Marrow Donor Day with Caroline Purdy

by Pauline Bulala

Did you know? World Marrow Donor Day is September 21st, 2024, and celebrates those that say “yes” to joining the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry, to donating blood stem […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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’ […]

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’ […]

Woman in White Medical Scrub

Spotlight on NCAPA Employer Group Relationships

Jul 1, 2024
“As we continue our journey as a ‘Best Place to Care,’ opportunities like these illustrate our commitment to a work environment where APPs can flourish personally, clinically, and professionally,” states […]

Spotlight on NCAPA Employer Group Relationships

by Pauline Bulala

Woman in White Medical Scrub

“As we continue our journey as a ‘Best Place to Care,’ opportunities like these illustrate our commitment to a work environment where APPs can flourish personally, clinically, and professionally,” states […]

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 […]

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 […]

The 2024 HBCU Pre-PA Fair

Apr 10, 2024
NCAPA was proud to host the second annual HBCU Pre-PA Fair this past Saturday, April 6, at the Stead Center. Pre-PA students from North Carolina Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) traveled […]

The 2024 HBCU Pre-PA Fair

by Pauline Bulala

NCAPA was proud to host the second annual HBCU Pre-PA Fair this past Saturday, April 6, at the Stead Center. Pre-PA students from North Carolina Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) traveled […]

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 […]

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 Memoriam – Mufiyda Abraham, MPAS, PA-C

Feb 14, 2024
“Life is a precious gift, and we never fully know the length of that gift. My friend, Mufiyda would encourage all to always attempt to serve others and to never […]

In Memoriam – Mufiyda Abraham, MPAS, PA-C

by Pauline Bulala

“Life is a precious gift, and we never fully know the length of that gift. My friend, Mufiyda would encourage all to always attempt to serve others and to never […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 Assistants (NCAPA) spoke with Family Medicine PA, Julia Niemi, DHSc, MSPH, PA-C, CHES, CPH, […]

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 Assistants (NCAPA) spoke with Family Medicine PA, Julia Niemi, DHSc, MSPH, PA-C, CHES, CPH, […]

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 […]

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 […]

PAs Go Beyond at Every Stage: Ginger Sims, PA-C, DFAAPA

Oct 12, 2023
As part of the 2023 PA Week Celebration from Oct. 6 through Oct. 12, the NCAPA is highlighting NCAPA Members and North Carolina PAs Going Beyond at *every stage* of their PA […]

PAs Go Beyond at Every Stage: Ginger Sims, PA-C, DFAAPA

by Pauline Bulala

As part of the 2023 PA Week Celebration from Oct. 6 through Oct. 12, the NCAPA is highlighting NCAPA Members and North Carolina PAs Going Beyond at *every stage* of their PA […]

PAs Go Beyond at Every Stage: Christopher Norman, MS, MBA, PA-C

Oct 11, 2023
As part of the 2023 PA Week Celebration from Oct. 6 through Oct. 12, the NCAPA is highlighting NCAPA Members and North Carolina PAs Going Beyond at *every stage* of […]

PAs Go Beyond at Every Stage: Christopher Norman, MS, MBA, PA-C

by Pauline Bulala

As part of the 2023 PA Week Celebration from Oct. 6 through Oct. 12, the NCAPA is highlighting NCAPA Members and North Carolina PAs Going Beyond at *every stage* of […]

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. […]

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. […]

In Memoriam – Ryan O’Hara, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, CAQ-EM

Oct 11, 2023
The NCAPA is deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of our PA leaders – Ryan O’Hara, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, CAQ-EM. PA O’Hara received his BA in Exercise and […]

In Memoriam – Ryan O’Hara, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, CAQ-EM

by Pauline Bulala

The NCAPA is deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of our PA leaders – Ryan O’Hara, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, CAQ-EM. PA O’Hara received his BA in Exercise and […]

PAs Go Beyond at Every Stage: Christina Saldanha, PA-C, NCMP

Oct 4, 2023
As part of the 2023 PA Week Celebration, the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (NCAPA) are highlighting NCAPA Members and PAs Going Beyond at every stage of their PA […]

PAs Go Beyond at Every Stage: Christina Saldanha, PA-C, NCMP

by Pauline Bulala

As part of the 2023 PA Week Celebration, the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (NCAPA) are highlighting NCAPA Members and PAs Going Beyond at every stage of their PA […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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, […]

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 Assistants (NCAPA) sat down with Goldsboro Family Medicine Physician Assistant (PA) and President of the Central Coastal Plains Association […]

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 Assistants (NCAPA) sat down with Goldsboro Family Medicine Physician Assistant (PA) and President of the Central Coastal Plains Association […]

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. […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]