In this episode of MAPA’s Podcast Collection, host Josh Loew, PA-C sits down with retired PA Robert Carlson, PA-C (Health Partners Center for International Health, Health Partners Infectious Disease Clinic, Ramsey County Public Health) and certified medical interpreter Mitzi Vasquez, CMI for an insightful conversation about working effectively with medical interpreters.

Rob shares more than two decades of clinical experience serving refugee and immigrant communities in Minnesota, while Mitzi brings the perspective of a first-generation Mexican-American who has been interpreting, first informally, then professionally, for most of her life.

Together, they explore the essential role interpreters play in patient care, the legal responsibilities involved, best practices for clinicians, and the challenges of both in-person and remote interpreting. This episode is filled with practical advice, personal stories, and guidance for providers wanting to improve communication, cultural competency, and patient outcomes.

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/