Become a Volunteer

2 Member Positions Available

The FDMAC is seeking 2 volunteers to join the commission to advance faculty development in alignment with the 2022 PAEA strategic goals.

Members play an active and vital role in the success of the commission. By working collaboratively, members are asked to contribute their skills and expertise to successfully execute planned initiatives. Members work closely with the chair and PAEA staff partner to provide insights and recommendations for current and future work of the commission.

FDMAC Current Work: 

The FDMAC is working to advance PAEA as the primary source of educational resources and professional development for PA educators by discussing strategies around the “three-legged stool” for academic success (promotion and tenure). With the goal of promoting a wide range of faculty development initiatives, the FDMAC members are focusing their efforts on these main topic areas: service and leadership, mentorship, teaching, and scholarship. MAC members produce articles for the Networker around curricular innovations and faculty stories of challenges and success. The FDMAC also designs a unique presentation for the annual Education forum.

5 Member Positions Available

The Leadership Mission Advancement Commission (LMAC) is seeking 5 volunteers to join the commission to advance leadership among PA educators in alignment with the 2023 PAEA strategic goals.

Members play an active and vital role in the success of the commission. By working collaboratively, members are asked to contribute their skills and expertise to successfully execute planned initiatives and play an active role in the success of the commission. Members work closely with the chair and PAEA staff partners to provide insights and recommendations for current and future work of the commission.

LMAC Current Work: 

The LMAC has designed a unique presentation for the 2023 Education Forum, created a Leadership Book Club, and is working on a leadership toolkit that can be shared with PA programs through the Digital Learning Hub. Additionally, the LMAC is identifying “everyday leaders” that can be showcased as part of the PAEA Podcast series. The LMAC looks for ways to collaborate with other MACs and has engaged with the FDMAC this year in support of both MAC’s interest in mentorship.

2 Member Positions Available

The Research Mission Advancement Commission (RMAC) is seeking 2 individuals to join the commission to advance Association research initiatives in alignment with PAEA strategic goals.

RMAC Current Work: 

One of the primary goals of the RMAC is to provide information, training, and resources for those interested in PA research. In 2023 the RMAC and DIMAC held a webinar designed to equip PA educators with the knowledge, tools, and evidence-based practices that successfully promote diversity among PA students. Stemming from this presentation, the RMAC has been collaborating on a publication looking at differing admission practices and cohort diversity in PA programs.

The topic of mentorship has been another focus of the RMAC to increase opportunities for those interested in research but need more support, time, or knowledge of where to begin. With plans to begin a mentoring webinar series on the topic, the group is excited to see where they can expand and continue to grow in this area.

Members of the RMAC also pursue original research opportunities that incorporate several members’ interests and contribute to assisting the PAEA Research Team in revising and updating our main member surveys as needed for 2024.

Experience and Qualifications Requested: 

• • Research track record, including a demonstrated history of publishing

4 Member Positions Available

The Diversity and Inclusion Mission Advancement Commission (DIMAC) is seeking 4 individuals to join the commission to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across PA education in alignment with the 2022 PAEA strategic goals.

DIMAC Current Work: 

In 2023 the DIMAC engaged PAEA’s member base through multiple touch points.

This past year the DIMAC has continued its successful book club, Reading Between the Lines. This unique book club allows PAEA members to participate in conversations about differing cultures and backgrounds, current events, and sociopolitical drivers that directly impact students, colleagues, patients, and our communities through the lens of best-selling books.

Every fall, the DIMAC invites PA students, faculty, and staff to share their stories, experiences, and feelings on the racism that continues to pervade the fabric of the country at the Anti-Racism Town Halls. In past years, participants offered important solutions for creating a more inclusive culture and safer learning environments for minoritized PA educators and students.

At PAEA’s 2023 Education Forum, several DIMAC members will present “Our Duty to Protect: Addressing PA Student Discrimination and Harassment” which will detail how recent studies show marginalized learners report being harassed and discriminated against, which can negatively impact one’s sense of belonging and academic success. Presenters will discuss how eliminating bias and racism in PA education is necessary to ensure equitable healthcare for all.

Additionally, DIMAC members will be working with PAEA’s EDI team to facilitate the upcoming EDI Virtual Workshop Series. This webinar series will provide attendees with guidance on tailoring their mission, vision, and values to meet the ARC-PA Standard A1.11. Facilitators will use the PAEA DEI Toolkit to help programs navigate the process of creating practical policies, strategies, and goals that will attract and retain PA faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds.

2 Member Positions Available

The Association is seeking a diverse group of volunteers to join the newly created CASPA Advisory Steering Committee for a two-year term, commencing on January 1, 2024, until December 31, 2026, with the option for reappointment for a second two-year term. This role is ideal for faculty at any stage of their career with admissions and recruitment experience. Members with limited PAEA volunteer experience are encouraged to apply. Candidates must demonstrate familiarity with PA Admissions and recruitment or an understanding of admissions processes and recruitment within the health professions. All Candidates must submit a blinded interest statement and a blinded CV that reflects the ability to understand Graduate Medical Education Admissions. Failure to provide blinded information will result in an invalid application.

Experience and Qualifications

• • At least two years of Recruitment or Admissions experience is required

• • Basic understanding of the WebAdMIT platform or Various Student Information Systems (SIS)

Responsibilities/Expectations of CASPA Advisory Steering Committee Members

The CASPA Advisory Steering Committee will help ensure the CASPA application meets the needs of PA programs and applicants. Members of this Committee will serve as the voice of the PA admissions community, act as an admissions resource for PA programs, and provide suggestions for the maintenance and enhancement of the Centralized Application for the Physician Assistants (CASPA) and the corresponding policies for both applicants and PA programs. This includes:

• • Collaborating with the PAEA and Liaison International to prioritize system enhancements

• • Participating in annual User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

• • Reviewing existing applicant and CASPA participating program policies and providing suggestions for revisions

• • Helping with the facilitation and promotion of virtual fairs

• • Assisting with the creation of educational materials for both PA programs and Pre-PA applicants

Additional Information

• • Applicants will be notified of decisions by December 21, 2023

• • The Committee term will begin on January 1, 2024, and end on December 31, 2026

• • The Committee is supported for travel, lodging, and meals at any required in-person meetings.

Questions about the CASPA member position or the application process may be directed to Erika Brooks at Ebrooks@paeaonline.org

1 Chair Position Available, 5 Member Positions Available

The Educational Programming Steering Committee (EPSC) supports key association initiatives, including the Education Forum and assists in the selection of programming and educational content for PAEA. Members often serve as Forum moderators, retreat facilitators, workshop facilitator reviewers, and subject matter experts for educational events and when feedback or input is needed on educational programming.

EPSC Current Work 

IN 2023, the EPSC members supported the Education Forum by reviewing call for proposal nominations and making selections for education session topics. Additionally, members served as facilitators for PAEA virtual retreats, reviewed workshop facilitator applications, and worked on reviewing the Forum education proposal scoring criteria. On the horizon for 2024, EPSC members will continue to support the Education Forum and Learning team at PAEA with special projects and input on new programming.

1 Member Position Available

The Awards and Honors Committee (AHRC) is responsible for promoting and recognizing outstanding contributions to PA education by developing PAEA’s national awards and recognitions. The AHRC is seeking three individuals to join the committee to advance the work of PAEA awards and honors in alignment with the 2022 PAEA strategic goals A & D.

AHRC Current Work: 

The AHRC works as a collaborative team to establish criteria for PAEA awards, to consider opportunities for future recognition, and to carefully evaluate submitted nominations for award recipients. The AHRC also oversees the Phi Alpha Honor Society and often collaborates with other PAEA groups.

*All committee members must maintain confidentiality of the awards process and nominations.    

2 Member Positions Available

The Future Educator Development Steering Committee (FEDSC) serves as the voice of PA students and early career PAs. This committee oversees, initiates, and strategizes student engagement projects within PAEA. The FEDSC is responsible for the strategic planning of the Future Educator Fellowship, which is designed to explore foundations in teaching, expose students to the current educational environment, and expand professional development and leadership opportunities for students.

FEDSC Current Work: 

FEDSC has finalized a brand new curriculum for the Future Educator Fellowship that was put in place for the 2022-23 cohort. The group has been:

• • Defining goals and objectives for the fellowship that are aligned with the PA Educator Competencies

• • Creating a module structure that is flexible enough for PA student life yet structured enough to still allow for measuring outcomes

• • Creating activities and potential content or identifying subject matter experts to deliver content for each module

In the future, the group will continue to enhance this curriculum and look for ways to nurture a larger audience interested in PA education, which may include micro-learning opportunities for others while continuing to offer the fellowship’s concentrated learning experience.

Time and Meeting Expectations

In order to maintain the quality of the fellowship, each committee member is expected to: 

• • Attend all virtual and in-person committee meetings, including PAEA’s Education Forum

• • The committee faculty and staff will also have mandatory monthy meetings via Zoom and calendar invites will be sent out in advance for planning purposes.

• • Design and lead at least two virtual modules during the Fellowship year

• • Serve as supplemental (backup) faculty for at least two virtual modules during the Fellowship year

• • There are between 10-15 modules during each Fellowship year; faculty are only asked to attend four of these (two as primary faculty, two as backup faculty)

• • Judge student applications for the fellowship

• • Additional responsibilities may be assigned at the discretion of the chair

Experience and Qualifications Requested: 

• • Commitment to leadership, teaching, and education, and the ability to provide a new educator perspective

• • Experience with mentorship, volunteer leadership, and innovation in early educator training

• • Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.

1 Member Position Available

The Government Relations Steering Committee (GRSC) plays a crucial role in developing PAEA’s advocacy priorities and supporting the organization’s advocacy initiatives on key issues ranging from clinical site availability to student loan and loan repayment policy. Committee members contribute meaningfully to the development and execution of PAEA’s advocacy agenda through monthly meetings and ongoing engagement with the legislative and executive branches.

GRSC Current Work:  

The GRSC is currently working on preparations for the committee’s session at the 2023 Education Forum and on efforts to promote the integration of PAEA’s Advocacy Curriculum at programs throughout the country. Earlier this year, GRSC members participated in the planning and execution of our annual congressional briefing which focused on the need to reauthorize the National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment programs this year. Committee members also assisted in the review of Student Health Policy Fellowship (SHPF) applicants.

Upcoming priorities include revising and updating the Association’s advocacy agenda and developing advocacy plans for 2024.

Specific responsibilities for the member position include:    

• • Attend advocacy meetings with your elected representatives and congressional staff

• • Evaluate applications for the annual Student Health Policy Fellowship

• • Provide input on PAEA’s advocacy agenda and policy priorities

• • Advise other PA educators on federal and state policy issues

Skills and Abilities Requested: Applicants must demonstrate awareness and understanding of federal policies, legislation, regulatory activities, and political issues.

2 Member Positions Available

The Grants and Scholarship Review Committee (GSRC) evaluates grant applications from PAEA faculty members for three research grant solicitations each year. Volunteer reviewers are asked to rate the core criteria and provide detailed feedback to applicants on methodology, analysis, and research design. PAEA also periodically facilitates mentorship requests from applicants who have specific questions pertaining to their research projects.

GSRC Current Work:

The GSRC annually reviews applications for PAEA’s research grants, which include the Don Pedersen Research Grant, the Faculty-Generated Research Grant, and the Support to Advance Research (STAR) Program.

Who should apply for the GSRC?   

Someone who is proficient in:

• qualitative and quantitative analysis
• research design
• survey design
• statistical analysis
• topical issues (i.e., workforce studies, wage gap issues)

Someone who:

• shows an interest in mentoring and guiding newer PA researchers
• possesses extensive experience as a PA educator
• has a strong research track record, including a demonstrated history of publishing and reviewing research

6- 8 Member Positions Available

Meeting Commitments:

Exam Development Board members are expected to attend the Exam Development Summit in March of each year for a four-day in-person peer-review meeting. The next Summit is scheduled for March 21-24, 2024, in St. Louis, MO. All applicants should reserve these dates on their calendars; travel booking information, including the explanation of participant support, will be sent shortly after appointment confirmation.

Other virtual meetings may be held periodically.

Terms of Service:

EDB members are eligible to serve unlimited three-year terms that begin April 1st and end following the Exam Development Summit of their final year of service.

• • For members selected during this recruitment cycle, terms will begin March 1, 2024, and end March 31, 2027. Any subsequent terms will begin on April 1, 2027.

Experience and Qualifications:

• • All candidates must be a current faculty or staff member at a PAEA member program or institutional colleague member at the time of appointment 

• • Should demonstrate skill in multiple-choice and vignette-style item writing

• • Must have a commitment to service and collaboration

• • Must be able to engage in a rigorous item development and review process

• • Members may not hold other item writing or review responsibilities outside the requirements of their faculty role (e.g., NCCPA, NBME, and other test and test-preparation services and publications).

Members will be asked to sign an EDB-specific volunteer agreement if appointed.

How to Apply:

Your application will request a brief letter of interest (500 words or less) that highlights:

• • Why you are interested in exam development work

• • Skills and strengths that you would bring to this role

• • Experience you have working as part of a team

• • How you would advance diversity and inclusion in this role

Candidates will also be asked to submit three sample exam questions. The questions should address the following content and task areas:

• • Cardiology, Scientific Concepts

• • Endocrinology, Clinical Therapeutics

• • Urology/Renal, Diagnostic Studies

You may refer to the PAEA Assessment website for more information related to content and task areas. Questions may be written for any exam that the applicant deems appropriate

2 Chair Positions Available

• PACKRAT EDB Chair
• Emergency Medicine-Surgery EDB Chair

Meeting Commitments:

The successful candidate will be expected to attend the Exam Development Summit in person in March of each year. The next Summit will take place March 21-24, 2024, in St. Louis, MO. All applicants should consider holding these dates on their calendars.

Each chair may also convene virtual calls as needed to discuss challenges and opportunities among the EDBs.

Terms of Service:

EDB chairs serve two three-year terms from March 1st to February 28. Members must have Assessment Editor in Chief and Exam Development Board support to continue into their second term.

Experience and Qualifications:

• • All candidates must be a current faculty or staff member at a PAEA member program or institutional colleague member at the time of appointment 

• • Must have served on a PAEA Exam Development Board

• • Must possess strong leadership skills, communication skills, and the ability to guide and mentor a group of item writers

• • Should have an extensive background in quality item writing, peer review practice, and editorial work

• • Should have an interest in the critical evaluation of exam forms, including familiarity with item statistics, key validation, and form review

• • Should have PA educational and clinical experience

How to Apply:

Your application will request a brief letter of interest (500 words or less) that highlights:

• • Why you are interested in exam development board work

• • Skills and strengths that you would bring to the role

• • Experience you have leading a team

• • How you would help to advance diversity and inclusion in this role.

1 Feature Editor Position Available

The Journal of Physician Assistant Education (JPAE) is seeking feature editors for one feature category.

Feature Description: Book Review

• The Book Review Editor would select titles to be reviewed and identify individuals from the PA education community to write 500–750-word reviews. The reviewers would be people familiar with and/or an expert in the topic covered by the book that would also possess outstanding writing skills. Reviews would be crisp, lively, and informed overviews/summaries of the structure and content of the book that would also offer commentary on the value of the book to the field of PA education and the JPAE readership.

Responsibilities: 

Feature editors are responsible for contributing two articles per year relevant to their feature subject, written by either the feature editor or another author. If the article is written by another author, then the feature editor is expected to work with that author to ensure that the article submitted is of interest to members, well-written, and basically ready for publishing with only minimal additional editing required.

Who should apply to be a feature editor? 

Someone who:

• Has an established publishing record, including publication in JPAE.
• Has demonstrated a history of achievement in scholarly work, particularly in the topic area of the feature.
• Is prepared to devote the necessary time to either writing or soliciting quality, relevant feature articles to be submitted — by the deadline — for publication in the journal.
• Is willing to work with the editor in chief and editorial staff to uphold the high standards and practices of the journal.
• Possesses unique skills, qualities, or contributions that they could bring to the feature and to the journal in general.

Terms of Service and Travel: 

The two-year term for each feature editor position will begin January 1, 2024, and end December 31, 2025. Feature editors are eligible for a one-term reappointment at the discretion of the journal’s editor in chief. Feature editors are required to participate in 1 virtual meeting, and they are encouraged to attend the PAEA Education Forum and the journal’s Editorial Advisory Board meeting held during the Forum.

JPAE’s Current Work: 

• Working to publish more articles in each issue of JPAE to cut down on time from submission to publication
• Planning to step up promotion of JPAE; this could include video interviews with authors, Twitter chats about specific articles, podcasts with authors discussing their article, etc.
• Increased push to get an impact factor
• Soliciting more international authors and those from other health professions to write articles

1 Member Position Available

PAEA is seeking applications for 1 open position on the Editorial Advisory Board for the Journal of Physician Assistant Education (JPAE), PAEA’s scholarly, peer-reviewed, indexed journal. Successful applicants will have a strong publishing record and a history of achievement in scholarly work.

Responsibilities:  

Each member of the editorial board performs critical work and offers leadership to advance the journal’s core mission to publish ethically produced, scholarly manuscripts that enhance PA education and foster innovation. Editorial board members engage in content acquisition, peer review, fact-checking, writing, editing, and promoting journal content. The editorial board convenes regularly to support journal operations and meets, generally twice a year, to set strategy and collaborate with the journal’s publishing partners. Specific expectations of editorial board members include:

The journal’s editorial board is a “working board” and is tasked with providing input on a variety of issues related to the journal, including content, peer review, and distribution. The editorial board meets twice a year, either in-person or virtually, and communicates the rest of the year via conference calls and email as needed. Specific responsibilities of editorial board members are as follows:

• Write and solicit manuscripts. This activity could include encouraging submissions from authors, accepting commissions to write editorials, reviews, and commentaries, and mentoring authors.
• Peer-review manuscript submissions regularly throughout the year, providing timely and comprehensive critical appraisals and substantive feedback to authors.
• Promote journal content and be a brand ambassador for JPAE at professional meetings (within and outside of the PA profession), in presentations, and/or on social media.
• Attend and actively participate in editorial board meetings and on committees.
• Advise the editors on journal strategy and engage in discussions that inform the future direction of the JPAE and ensure it meets the evolving needs of the PA education community.
• Declare and comply with journal management plans for any conflicts of interest, which will be publicly available.
• Collaborate with the editors as a guest editor for a journal supplement or for a special issue.
• Comply with standards and best practices for journal editors adopted by JPAE (i.e., ICMJE)

Qualifications:

• Have an established publishing record, including publication in JPAE.
• Demonstrate a history of achievement in research and scholarly work.
• Be willing to work with the editor in chief and editorial staff to uphold the high standards and practices of the journal.
• Demonstrate a capacity for editing with an attention to detail, quality, consistency, and readability.
• Possess unique skills, perspectives, or contributions that you could bring to the journal.

Terms and Funding:

Terms run for three years beginning January 1, 2024, with annual reappointment reviews by the editor in chief.  There is also the possibility of one 3-year term reappointment. Board members will attend one virtual meeting per year.   They also are asked to attend, if possible, the editorial board meeting at the Education Forum each fall, although funding for this meeting is not provided.

To Apply: 

Interested individuals are asked to submit the following by October 20, 2023

Letter of interest explaining why you would like to serve on JPAE’s Editorial Advisory Board and what unique skills and perspective you could bring to the journal.

• Biosketch or 2-page CV
• At least one paper that has been published within peer-reviewed journals or other scholarly media.