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/

Host: Katarina Astrup, MSPAS, PA-C

Guests: Cindy Goetz, Ed.D., MAPS, PA-C

Graduated 1992 - Des Moines PA program
Worked in family medicine, urgent care, bariatric medicine, occupational medicine and retail medicine.
Began working in PA education in 2014 - currently the Program Director
Mission work - Guatemala, Reynosa -Mexico, Trujillo-Peru

Matthew Ard, DHSc, PA-C

National Health Service Corp Scholar with 9 years of family practice experience and currently working in Emergency Medicine for approximately 10 years
Doctor of Health Science, Global Health Concentration from Nova Southeastern University
25 years of medical mission's experience in a diverse array of environments

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to serve on a medical mission trip as a PA? In this episode, host Kat sits down with two other PAs, Matt and Cindy, to explore the world of medical missions. They walk us through the heart behind medical missions, the logistics of preparing for a trip, and what it takes to offer compassionate, sustainable care across cultures and borders.

Together, they explore how PAs can use their clinical skills in global outreach settings, what a typical day looks like on a mission trip, and the kinds of health concerns most often encountered. They reflect on the challenges, joys, and transformative moments they've experienced while serving abroad—and how it has shaped the way they practice medicine here in the U.S.

Whether you’re just curious, seriously considering joining a mission, or looking for a way to make a broader impact with your medical career, this episode is full of wisdom, practical tips, and encouragement. You’ll also hear about various organizations doing this work and how you can get involved.

This episode is a reminder that medical missions aren’t just about providing care. They’re about building relationships, showing up with humility, and letting service change you, too.

Medical Missions Pharmacy - Blessings International | Home
Medical Missions Grants - Mission Scholarships – Christian Medical & Dental Associations® (CMDA)
Global Health Outreach - GHO - Find a Trip – Christian Medical & Dental Associations® (CMDA)
Global Health ImPAct - Global Health Impact | global health experience
Global Missions Health Conference 2025 - GMHC 2025 - November 6-8, 2025

Medical Missions Outreach (MMO): medical-outreach.com

Contact Matt: matthew.ard@yahoo.com

Host: Josh Loew, PA-C, MPAS

Guest: Tracy Keizer, PA-C

Tracy shares her extensive experience with HPSP, which monitors and supports various medical and behavioral health clinicians to maintain their licenses, particularly in areas of substance use disorder and mental illness. They discussed the program's history, processes for self-referral or third-party referral, and various scenarios where individuals might seek help through HPSP, while also addressing challenges such as financial concerns and accessibility.

Find out more about HPSP at mn.gov/boards/hpsp/

Join host Bev Kimball, PA-C, DFAAPA, and guests Adam Weber, PA-S, and Jay Minton, PA-S, as they discuss the PAEA Future Educator Fellowship. Jay and Adam are second-year students at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth and two of only fifteen students nationwide who were chosen to participate in the Fellowship. Learn about what the Fellowship entails and their plans for the future.

Find information on the Future Educator Fellowship here:

https://paeaonline.org/how-we-can-help/pa-students/future-educator-fellowship

Find information on the Health Policy Fellowship here:

https://paeaonline.org/how-we-can-help/pa-students/student-health-policy-fellowship

Host: Josh Loew, PA-C, MPAS
Guest: Gay Lentfer, PA-C

Episode Summary:
In this episode, host Josh Loew sits down with Gay Lentfer to dive into the role and impact of the Minnesota PA Advisory Council. Gay shares her journey into PA leadership, how the Council functions, and why it's an essential body for Minnesota's PA community.

Topics Covered:

• What the PA Advisory Council is — and what it isn’t
• The composition of the Council, including PAs, physicians, and public members
• Common issues the Council addresses and how these have evolved over time
• The Council’s relationship with the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice
• Advice for PAs interested in leadership or Council involvement

This podcast was adapted from a webinar session of the Student Lecture Series. PA students Amanda Gallagher and Adam Weber lead a discussion about the path to becoming a PA. Joined by PA student panelists Sid Bauer, Jessica Dang, Josie Hogeland, and Nate Chau, and Professor Shawn Garvey, they delve into key aspects of the application process, highlighting the significance of personal statements and healthcare experience. The group also explores the interview process and the overall progression of the training program. Additionally, they answer audience questions, such as “What advice do you have for re-applicants?” and “Is taking a gap year recommended?”