Research Rounds 2

ePoster Research Rounds (CME): 6-minute ePoster presentations within a 60-minute time block

ePoster 1: Is Current PA Education Diverse? A Data-Driven Study
The findings of this study indicate that there is a racial disparity in the admission rates of PA students, with non-White applicants experiencing lower admission rates compared to White applicants. Unfortunately, the disparity in admission rates between racial and ethnic groups has not changed from 2019 to 2023. Additionally, they indicate age- and gender-based disparity in the PA admissions process. The admission rates are even lower in among age- and gender-undisclosed applicants.
Presenter: M. Reza Mirbolooki, MD, PhD – Clinical Associate Professor, Chapman University

Additional Authors:
Jennifer Swisher – Clinical Assistant Professor, Chapman University
Mayngan Stone – Clinical Assistant Professor, Chapman University
Jennifer Cates, MPAS – Clinical Assistant Professor, Chapman University
Stephanie Saldivar, MS, PA-C – Clinical Associate Professor, Chapman University
Jennifer Grumet – Clinical Associate Professor, Chapman University
Mara Snee – Clinical Associate Professor, Chapman University
Anne Walsh, MMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA – Clinical Professor, Chapman University

ePoster 2: Key Factors Driving Academic Challenges Among PA Students
Identifying the key factors driving academic challenges among PA students can aid PA programs in designing remediation and support strategies that lead to improved academic performance and student success.
Presenter: Jennifer Forbes, MHS, PA-C, DFAAPA – Clinical Associate Professor, Idaho State University

Additional Authors:
Angela Banuelas, PA-C – Assistant Professor, Austin College
Leslie Woltenberg – Associate Professor, University of Kentucky
Heidi Vonderheide – Assistant Clinical Professor, Mississippi State University
Andrew Draper, PharmD – Assistant Professor, University of Utah
Jill Cavalet, DHSc – Clinical Professor, Saint Francis University

ePoster 3: Sexual and Gender Minority PA Students: Wellness and Student Experiences
This study aims to assess the current status of PA students who self-identify as Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) status with a focus on outcomes related to well-being and student experience. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between students who identify as SGM status and those who do not were found in the following self-reported measures; mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, quality of life, belonging, and several negative experiences in PA School.
Presenter: Joanne Rolls, MPAS, MEHP, PA-C – Vice-Chair of Education for the PA Education and Sciences Division and Director of Didactic Education University of Utah PA Program, University of Utah School of Medicine
Quinnette B. Jones, DrPH, MSW, MHS, PA-C – Associate Professor, Duke University

Additional Authors:
Heather Batchelder, MA – Research Program Leader, Duke University, Department of Family Medicine & Community Health
Additional Author: Antoinette Polito – Associate Professor, Elon University

ePoster 4: Stress and Coping in PA Students: A Mixed Methods Exploration
This mixed-methods study examines stress and coping strategies among PA students, focusing on adaptive, maladaptive, and neutral behaviors. By analyzing the prevalence and effectiveness of these strategies, the research aims to identify patterns that affect student well-being and academic performance. Findings will inform targeted interventions and wellness initiatives to support resilience and reduce stress in PA education.
Presenter: Denise Rizzolo, PhD, MPH, PA-C – Director, Research and Publication, Managing Editor of JPAE, PAEA
Dominique Frias-Sarmiento – Mixed Methods Analyst, PA Education Association

ePoster 5: The Intersection of Student Flourishing and Social Determinants of Health
This multi-institution, interprofessional mixed-methods study explores how perceptions of flourishing among students are influenced by social and economic needs and individual values. This study brings a strength-based approach to addressing the mental health crisis facing clinical health professions students centered on fostering inclusive and equity-minded learning environments, which may improve recruitment and retention efforts and help establish more personalized support for students.
Presenter: Stephanie L. Neary, PhD, MPA, PA-C – Assistant Professor Adjunct, Director of Didactic Education, Program Analyst, Yale University

Additional Authors:
Michelle Nichols, PhD, RN – Associate Professor, Medical University of South Carolina
Martina Mueller, PhD – Professor, Medical University of South Carolina
Benjamin Doolittle, MD, MDIV – Professor, Yale University

ePoster 6: What is an Effective Graduate Medical Remediation?
This presentation explores remediation in graduate medical education, highlighting its background, indications, and implementation challenges. It identifies research gaps, inconsistent guidelines, and a lack of standardized practices. Attendees will gain insights into managing underperformance, creating structured remediation plans, and strategies to improve retention and retraining. Participants will leave with actionable steps to develop effective, tailored remediation strategies.
Presenter: Roman Sereda, DMSc, PA-C – Assistant Professor, University of Tampa