MTA 5: Meet the Authors

ePoster Meet the Authors (MTA): 4-minute ePoster presentations within a 60-minute time block in Expo, not eligible for CME


ePsoter 1: Breaking Barriers to Continuum of Care
PA's and other healthcare providers, such as midwives, play an integral role in task-sharing in order to dismantle clinical barriers and provide continuum of care, particularly among resource-constrained FQHC facilities. Using Community of Hope Family Health and Birth Center as a case study to explore patient centered care, this research discusses themes of enhancing access and efficiency among unique clinical settings to sustainably improve health outcomes within the communities they serve.
Speaker: Sierra Acker, MPH, PA-S – Student, The George Washington University

Additional Authors:
Howard Straker, EdD, MPH, PA-C – Associate Professor, Director of MPH/PA Program, EdD, MPH, PA-C, The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Karen McDonnell – Associate Professor, Department of Prevention and Community Health, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health
Alex Blue, MPH, PA Student, The George Washington University


ePoster 2: Coronary By-PASs: imPAct of Hands-Only CPR in Battling Health Disparities
Black and Hispanic individuals face disparities in receiving bystander CPR during out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, leading to poorer outcomes. Recent reach found these groups were less likely than White individuals to receive CPR at home or in public. The Coronary By-PASs Project addresses this by offering free CPR training in Durham, NC, led by Duke PA students. Early feedback reflects increased confidence, emphasizing the need for inclusive CPR education to reduce inequities.
Speaker: Kristina Miller, MS, ATC – Physician Assistant Student, Duke University
Anna Senft Miller – Physician Assistant Student, Duke University

Authors:
Janelle Bludorn, MS, PA-C – Assistant Professor, Duke University
Adriana DaCosta – Physician Assistant Certified, CentroMed


ePoster 3: Effect of LGBTQIA+ Curricular Inclusion on PA Student Confidence
Given that there is no standardized curriculum across 208 accredited PA programs, this study examines how the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ health topics in PA programs affects students' self-perceived confidence. This study surveyed PA students nationwide via a 17-question survey, evaluating the correlation between hours of LGBTQIA+ education and their self-perceived total confidence.
Speaker: Sharil Orellana – Physician Assistant Student, Seton Hall University
Tara R. O'Donnell – Physician Assistant Student, Seton Hall University

Additional Authors:
Royce Yimbo – Physician Assistant Student, Seton Hall University
Camila Lopez Trujillo – Physician Assistant Student, Seton Hall University


ePoster 4: Effects of a 3-Week Empathy Intervention on Pre-Clerkship PA Students
Pre-clerkship PA students are at risk of a decline in empathy levels, which can affect patient care. This quasi-experimental study examined whether a three-week structured simulation intervention could improve empathy levels. Short-term gains were achieved but declined after 90 days, underscoring the need for ongoing, integrated empathy development to maintain improvements and enhance both patient outcomes and clinician well-being.
Speaker: Jun Hee Kim, PA-C – Physician Assistant, Stanford University


ePoster 5: Is It a True Emergency?: ERs vs Urgent Cares
The study assesses where an individual goes for their acute medical needs: urgent care facilities or emergency departments. It looks into the factors that influence an individual’s decision to present to an urgent care center or emergency department such as perception of severity of medical conditions, clinical sites, and clinical practitioners. With the data obtained, further research can be performed to assess if patient education is being provided and what areas may be in need of improvement.
Speaker: Jon-Paul Bourgelais – Physician Assistant Student, Wagner College Physician Assistant Program
Lauren Reuter – Physician Assistant Student, Wagner College Physician Assistant Program
Nicholas Giuseffi – Physician Assistant Student, Wagner College Physician Assistant Program
Vincent Lanzillo, PA-S – Physician Assistant Student, Wagner College Physician Assistant Program
Michael J. Hubert, Jr., PA – Physician Assistant Student, Wagner College Physician Assistant Program

Additional Authors:
Nicole Pirozzi – Clinical Director, Wagner College Physician Assistant Program


ePoster 6: Optimal Team Practice: PA Perceptions from Across the Professional Continuum
Optimal Team Practice or OTP, focuses on increasing team-based practice in health care. Since its creation, OTP has been debated by various healthcare professionals. Through qualitative thematic analysis, this study aimed to determine the effects OTP has had on PAs across the profession through analysis of current and future PAs. Results indicated that OTP will enhance PA autonomy and lead to more collaborative healthcare teams, improving patient outcomes.
Speaker: Kristen K. Will, PhD, MHPE, PA-C – Clinical Professor and Associate Dean, Arizona State University
Nicole Lesan – Student, Arizona State University

Additiona Authors:
Amber Brooks-Gumbert, Amber Brooks-Gumbert, MMS, PA-C, DFAAPA – Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Director, Arizona State University


ePoster 7: Paws and Reflect: Exploring Animal-Assisted Therapy in PA Education
The study explores the PA students' perceptions of the impact of animal-assisted therapy in managing stress and promoting well-being among PA students. The study highlights PA students’ insights from a needs-based survey on dog therapy’s perceived effectiveness and how to maximize it. Overall, the study explores student perceptions of wellness initiatives, demonstrating how dog therapy can reduce burnout, foster resilience, and enhance wellness in PA education and clinical practice.
Speaker: Shelby E. Steadman, PA-S1 – Physician Assistant Student, George Washington University Physician Assistant Program
Jeanne Coyle – PA/MPH-S2, George Washington University Physician Assistant Program
Britney DeRoehn – PA-S1, George Washington University Physician Assistant Program

Additional Authors:
Malwina Huzarska – MS, MMS, CAQ-EM, PA-C, George Washington University Physician Assistant Program
Brandon Beattie, MMSc – MMSc, PA-C, George Washington University Physician Assistant Program


ePoster 8: Seeing Potential: Bridging the Gap for Physician Associates in Ophthalmology
This study explores the low representation of PAs in ophthalmology despite the growing demand for eye care. Interviews with seven PAs revealed barriers such as ophthalmologists' unfamiliarity with PA roles, limited PA exposure to ophthalmology, and lack of integration models. Findings highlight the critical role PAs play in enhancing care and suggest expanding training opportunities and fostering collaboration to improve patient access and address provider shortages in eye care
Speaker: Hannah Henderson, PA-S – PA Student, Stanford University School of Medicine

Additional Authors:
Eric J. Ip, PharmD, APh, BCPS, CSCS, CDCES, FCSHP – Clinical Professor, Stanford University School of Medicine
Annette Nasr – PhD, RN, MPA, NE-BC, Stanford University School of Medicine


ePoster 9: Student Perceptions of a Gamified Versus Traditional Interprofessional Education
This session compares first-year OT, PA, PT, and AT students’ responses to gamified IPE versus traditional case studies. Surveys showed higher engagement and understanding of roles with the gamified approach. Attendees will explore how feedback informed curriculum design and future strategies for advancing interprofessional collaboration. Ideal for educators and interdisciplinary teams focused on enhancing communication and understanding of the each others professions.
Speaker: Rachel Weinzimmer, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-EM, CPAAPA – Assistant Program Director, Director of Didactic Education, Assistant Professor, Colorado Mesa University

Additional Authors:
Cassidy Herringer – Assistant Professor, Colorado Mesa University


ePoster 10: Trials and Tribulations of Clinical Psilocybin use for Mental Health
This qualitative study evaluates the perspectives of practicing psilocybin facilitators on the legal implementation of psilocybin to treat mental health in Oregon. Participants were interviewed on a variety of subjects including personal experiences and professional backgrounds, patient outcomes, barriers, recommended changes, and future directions of research. Interview transcripts were analyzed to determine three common categories and one overarching theme.
Speaker: Jardon Weems – PA-S2, Stanford University School of Medicine
Susan Jameson – PA-C, LPD, MHP, Stanford University School of Medicine
Eric J. Ip, PharmD, APh, BCPS, CSCS, CDCES, FCSHP – Clinical Professor, Stanford University School of Medicine


ePoster 11: Utilizing Advanced Practice Providers as Thoracentesis Proceduralists at Stanford Hospital
The study examines the impact of advanced practice providers on patient wait times for outpatient thoracentesis procedures in interventional pulmonology at Stanford Hospital. A retrospective chart review showed a reduction in average wait times, 20.42 days in the pre-APP group to 11.43 days in the post-APP group. There was also an increase in the number of total thoracenteses performed and a higher rate of follow up appointments. These findings indicate the value of APPs as proceduralists.
Speaker: Daphne Lee – Second Year PA Student, Stanford University