Event Details
Date
May 14, 2025
Time
2:00-3:15 p.m. ET
Start and end times are subject to change
Location
Virtual via Zoom
Join the Veteran Educators and Allies in PA Education (VEAP) Special Interest Group (SIG) for a webinar focused on strategies to recruit and retain veteran PA students. Participants will also have an opportunity to share how their programs currently support veteran applicants and students. Whether you’re an admissions officer, PA educator, or advocate for veteran learners, this session will offer practical insights to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for military-affiliated students.
- Describe the unique strengths and contributions that veterans bring to PA programs.
- Identify common challenges veteran PA students face and how to address them through effective program practices.
- Explore strategies to support and enhance the success of veteran PA students.
Meet the Speakers
Brandon R. Beattie, MMSc, PA-C
Brandon R. Beattie, MMSc, PA-C, is an assistant professor and the director of didactic education at the George Washington University PA program. Prior to his career as a PA and PA educator, Beattie served with honor as a decorated U.S. Army Medic with multiple combat deployments. His clinical experience spans various domains, including Neurology, Urgent Care, and outpatient Interventional Radiology, reflecting his versatility and expertise in diverse medical settings.
Currently pursuing a PhD in Human and Organizational Learning at George Washington University, Beattie is dedicated to advancing his knowledge and expertise, exploring the intricate dynamics of human behavior and organizational development within the context of graduate medical education. He is the co-founder and lead facilitator for Veteran Educators and Allies in PA Education (VEAP), a PAEA Special Interest Group.
Malwina A. Huzarska, MS, MMS, PA-C
Malwina A. Huzarska, MS, MMS, CAQ-EM, PA-C, is an assistant professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. A veteran and an educator, she integrates her military background into her teaching and mentoring within the PA program. Her dedication to veteran support is evident through her service on the Board of Directors for the Veteran Educators and Allies in PA Education (VEAP). She also serves as a volunteer ARC-PA Site Visitor, contributing to the maintenance of accreditation standards.
Additionally, her prior service on the PAEA Emergency Medicine and Surgery Exam Board demonstrates her commitment to maintaining high standards of education for all students. Her research interests and efforts focus on behavioral health, wellness, and medical education, with projects aimed at enhancing mental health awareness and promoting student wellness.
Amanda S. Lois, MSPAS, PA-C
Amanda S. Lois, MSPAS, PA-C, is a clinical assistant professor at SUNY Upstate Medical University’s PA Program and a Major in the New York State Air National Guard. Her academic interests include simulation, interprofessional education, program assessment, and PA advocacy. Clinically, she is passionate about caring for Veterans and military families, as well as women’s and children’s health and geriatric medicine. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Veteran Educators and Allies in PA Education (VEAP).
Tracy Velez, MAHE
Tracy Velez, MAHE, is a senior program coordinator for the didactic curriculum at the Duke University PA Program. She has worked in the educational health care environment for 20 years and with PA educators for over 8. Her roles within PA education have included administrative management, admissions, and all things student affairs. She has a strong personal connection to the military community as a veteran spouse and is committed to providing the highest quality of support to students and the community. She received her Master of Arts in Higher Education – Community College and University Leadership from Appalachian State University.