NCAPA

North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates

Physician Assistant

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

Annual Advocacy Day in Raleigh, NC

Jun 19, 2024
MAY 15, 2024 2024 PA Day at the NC Legislature NCAPA’s 2024 advocacy day, PA Day at the Legislature, was the largest attendance to date, with 150+ practicing PAs and PA students traveling to Raleigh, NC from across the state. The goal? To not only spread awareness and recognition of the PA profession, but to […]

Annual Advocacy Day in Raleigh, NC

by Pauline Bulala

MAY 15, 2024 2024 PA Day at the NC Legislature NCAPA’s 2024 advocacy day, PA Day at the Legislature, was the largest attendance to date, with 150+ practicing PAs and PA students traveling to Raleigh, NC from across the state. The goal? To not only spread awareness and recognition of the PA profession, but to […]

PA Students Leading Legislative Visits

Jun 18, 2024
Across North Carolina, PA students have been leading the way in spearheading legislative visits with the goal of spreading awareness of the PA profession to state legislators. PA students have been inviting North Carolina Representatives, Senators, and candidates to tour their PA program facilities and classrooms, while engaging in robust discussions about the PA profession. […]

PA Students Leading Legislative Visits

by Pauline Bulala

Across North Carolina, PA students have been leading the way in spearheading legislative visits with the goal of spreading awareness of the PA profession to state legislators. PA students have been inviting North Carolina Representatives, Senators, and candidates to tour their PA program facilities and classrooms, while engaging in robust discussions about the PA profession. […]

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 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 […]

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 stop dancing!” Truett Smith, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA “Some people just make the world a better place! Mufiyda was one of those people. I first met […]

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 stop dancing!” Truett Smith, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA “Some people just make the world a better place! Mufiyda was one of those people. I first met […]

PA Candidate Spotlight | Mark Hollo

Feb 7, 2024
The NCAPA is a nonpartisan, membership organization that serves and represents PAs in the state, and advocates for the PA profession within North Carolina. The North Carolina Academy of PAs (NCAPA) is interviewing current NCAPA members who are running for office, and this week, the NCAPA had the opportunity to talk with Mark Hollo. Hollo […]

PA Candidate Spotlight | Mark Hollo

by Pauline Bulala

The NCAPA is a nonpartisan, membership organization that serves and represents PAs in the state, and advocates for the PA profession within North Carolina. The North Carolina Academy of PAs (NCAPA) is interviewing current NCAPA members who are running for office, and this week, the NCAPA had the opportunity to talk with Mark Hollo. Hollo […]

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 […]

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 career, from being a Pre-PA, to PA student, to Early Career PA, to having been a practicing PA for over 20 years – and everything in […]

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 career, from being a Pre-PA, to PA student, to Early Career PA, to having been a practicing PA for over 20 years – and everything in […]

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 their PA career, from being a Pre-PA, to PA student, to Early Career PA, to having been a practicing PA for over 20 years – […]

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 their PA career, from being a Pre-PA, to PA student, to Early Career PA, to having been a practicing PA for over 20 years – […]

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 […]

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 Sports Medicine from UNC Chapel Hill, his Master’s in PA Studies from Wake Forest University, his MBA from UNC Pembroke, and his DMSc degree from […]

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 Sports Medicine from UNC Chapel Hill, his Master’s in PA Studies from Wake Forest University, his MBA from UNC Pembroke, and his DMSc degree from […]

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 Associates (NCAPA) are highlighting NCAPA Members and PAs Going Beyond at every stage of their PA career, from being a Pre-PA to having been a practicing PA for over 20 years – and everything in between. For the NCAPA’s Practicing 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 Associates (NCAPA) are highlighting NCAPA Members and PAs Going Beyond at every stage of their PA career, from being a Pre-PA to having been a practicing PA for over 20 years – and everything in between. For the NCAPA’s Practicing PA […]

PAs Go Beyond at Every Stage: Courtney Martin, PA-C

Oct 4, 2023
As part of the 2023 PA Week Celebration, the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA) are highlighting NCAPA Members and PAs Going Beyond at every stage of their PA career, from being a Pre-PA to having been a practicing PA for over 20 years – and everything in between. For the NCAPA’s Early Career […]

PAs Go Beyond at Every Stage: Courtney Martin, PA-C

by Pauline Bulala

As part of the 2023 PA Week Celebration, the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA) are highlighting NCAPA Members and PAs Going Beyond at every stage of their PA career, from being a Pre-PA to having been a practicing PA for over 20 years – and everything in between. For the NCAPA’s Early Career […]

Student Director-at-Large Recap: AAPA Leadership & Advocacy Summit 2023

Oct 4, 2023
By Beth Ehlers, PA-C This past week, AAPA hosted their annual Leadership & Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. North Carolina was well represented with PAs from various specialties and students from multiple North Carolina PA Programs. The summit started strong with congressional meetings on Capitol Hill. The focus was on two current federal bills that […]

Student Director-at-Large Recap: AAPA Leadership & Advocacy Summit 2023

by Pauline Bulala

By Beth Ehlers, PA-C This past week, AAPA hosted their annual Leadership & Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. North Carolina was well represented with PAs from various specialties and students from multiple North Carolina PA Programs. The summit started strong with congressional meetings on Capitol Hill. The focus was on two current federal bills that […]

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, […]

Regional Chapter Highlight: BRMAPA

Sep 14, 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 would like to highlight one Regional Chapter, spotlight their goals and events, as well as highlight a specific member/members from that chapter. This week, we […]

Regional Chapter Highlight: BRMAPA

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 would like to highlight one Regional Chapter, spotlight their goals and events, as well as highlight a specific member/members from that chapter. This week, we […]

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) […]

PA Day at the NC Legislature

Apr 5, 2023
march 22, 2023 2023 PA Day at the NC Legislature The North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates’ annual advocacy day at the Legislature was one for the books, with a record amount of 79 physician assistants (PA) and PA students traveling from across the state to Raleigh for the 2023 PA Day at the Legislature […]

PA Day at the NC Legislature

by Pauline Bulala

march 22, 2023 2023 PA Day at the NC Legislature The North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates’ annual advocacy day at the Legislature was one for the books, with a record amount of 79 physician assistants (PA) and PA students traveling from across the state to Raleigh for the 2023 PA Day at the Legislature […]