Become a Volunteer

1 Chair Position and 1 Member Position Available 

The Faculty Development Mission Advancement Commission (FDMAC) is seeking two volunteers to join the commission to advance faculty development in alignment with the 2022 PAEA strategic goals. 

The FDMAC chair position will serve as the volunteer leader for the MAC. The chair will be the main point of contact for the MAC, work closely with the PAEA staff partners, and liaise with the Board of Directors as needed to advance the initiatives of the MAC. The chair position is an opportunity to expand upon your leadership skills as you will be asked to guide the members, assist with decision-making, and make recommendations to PAEA and the Board of Directors as well as actively participate in the work of the commission. 

The FDMAC member position will serve as a volunteer member of the MAC. 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 three main topic areas: service and leadership, teaching, and scholarship. MAC members produce articles in the Networker and Priority Access newsletter centered around faculty stories, identification of challenges and solutions and/or ways those challenges were overcome. The FDMAC also designs a unique presentation for the annual Education forum.  

APPLY NOW 

2 Member Positions Available  

The Leadership Mission Advancement Commission (LMAC) is seeking two volunteers to join the commission to advance leadership among PA educators in alignment with the 2022 PAEA strategic goals. 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 Leadership Mission Advancement commission (LMAC) is working to advance PAEA as the primary source of educational resources and professional development for PA educators by focusing their projects and initiatives on designing resources for PAEA members that are grounded in the Leadership Enhancement Framework. This framework, designed many years ago by the LMAC, discusses Leading Self first, then Leading Others, and lastly, Leading Organizations. The commission is leveraging the skills and expertise of its members to collaborate on several short- and long-term initiatives. 

The LMAC has designed a unique presentation for the 2022 Education Forum titled “Creating PA Leaders in Your Program — Building the Toolkit.” The presentation will look to gain insight from members to build the most effective and comprehensive toolkit possible to help PA programs incorporate leadership into the curriculum. Topics include self-assessment and awareness, project management, teamwork and communication, professionalism, and leadership opportunities in programs and careers. 

The LMAC is also developing an “Everyday Leadership” project to lift uncommonly heard voices, recognize others, and develop new ways to highlight members through PAEA communication channels. 

APPLY NOW 

1 Member Position Available   

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

RMAC Current Work: 

One of the major goals of the RMAC is to provide information, training, and resources for those interested in PA research. This year the RMAC has developed an extended presentation for the 2022 Education Forum targeted at new researchers and those with intermediate research experience. This session will include didactic presentations, a panel discussion, and small group discussions. Attendees will leave the session with the basic knowledge of how to start a research project through manuscript submission. 

The RMAC is also collaborating with the DIMAC on a webinar that will focus on underrepresented minority (URM) students to help programs think beyond admission practices and about how to support these students throughout the entirety of the program. 

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 2023. 

Experience and Qualifications Requested:   

• Research track record, including a demonstrated history of publishing   

APPLY NOW

4 Member Positions Available    

The Diversity and Inclusion Mission Advancement Commission (DIMAC) is seeking four 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 2022, the DIMAC initiated several projects and initiatives, to include launching a book club for all PAEA members called “Reading Between the Lines,” which presents a unique opportunity for our members to participate in crucial conversations regarding differing cultures and backgrounds, current event issues, and sociopolitical drivers that directly impact students, colleagues, patients, and our communities.  

The DIMAC has also prepared a dynamic presentation titled “The Lasting Effects of COVID-19: Remote Learning, Inclusion, and Academic Performance among URiM and LGBTQIA+ Students” that will highlight disparities in rates of burnout, perceptions of inclusion, mental health, and academic performance among URiM and/or LGBTQIA+ students. In addition, presenters will discuss how remote learning exacerbates these inequities and discuss strategies to overcome them. 

Along with these newer initiatives, the DIMAC has helped PAEA take steps toward providing a safe space for students, faculty, and staff to share their stories, experiences, and feelings on the racism that has continued to pervade the fabric of the country over the last couple of years. The DIMAC hosts Antiracism Town Halls for PA students, faculty, and staff  

In the winter of 2022, the DIMAC will be collaborating with the RMAC on a webinar, “Recruiting URiM Students onto a Leaky Ship,” which will include evidenced-based DEI programming to increase retention rates of underrepresented in medicine (URiM) PA students.   

APPLY NOW 

3 Member Positions Available  

The Awards and Honors Review 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.    

APPLY NOW

1 Member Position Available 

The Educational Programming Steering Committee (EPSC) supports key association initiatives, including the Education Forum. The EPSC assists in the selection of programming and educational content. The steering committee also is involved in the review of workshop facilitator recruitment and selection annually. The EPSC members serve as Forum moderators, retreat facilitators, and subject matter experts for educational events and when feedback or input is needed on educational programming. 

 EPSC Current Work 

The EPSC members support the Education Forum annually by reviewing call for proposal nominations and making selections for education session topics. EPSC members often serve as facilitators for PAEA virtual retreats and as subject matter experts for educational events and when feedback or input is needed on educational programming. Additionally, the EPSC members are instrumental in reviewing and recommending workshop facilitators for PAEA core workshops. 

Experience and Qualifications Requested: 

• Previous experience in peer review of conference presentation proposals 
• Previous experience in leading or facilitating faculty development events or workshops 

APPLY NOW 

2 Member Positions Available   

The Finance Steering Committee (FSC) monitors PAEA’s finances, strategically reviews PAEA’s annual budget, and makes recommendations to PAEA’s Board of Directors to ensure growth and stability of PAEA’s revenue base. The FSC is seeking two individuals to join the committee to advance the Association’s financial position in alignment with the 2022 PAEA strategic goals.  

FSC Current Work: 

The FSC works as a collaborative team to advance the Association’s financial goals. Since PAEA’s budget is driven by its strategy, we have become well-versed in the goals and direction of the Association. The FSC is also intimately aware of the fabric of the Association, including its products and services, and are among the first to know of any new initiatives with financial implications.  

Experience and Qualifications Requested: 

• Experience with creating budgets and the ability to understand financial statements. (Members are not expected to create financial statements or PAEA’s detailed line-by-line budget but will participate in a strategic review at the committee’s annual meeting.)  

*Members should maintain confidentiality of all committee materials.  

Additional Meeting Commitments: FSC members are expected to attend one annual day-long committee meeting in March. This meeting is currently virtual. Additionally, ad-hoc virtual meetings or conference calls will be held as needed. Meetings most likely will not occur more than one per quarter each year.   

APPLY NOW 

2 position 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 is currently working on finalizing the new curriculum for the Future Educator Fellowship that will be 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 as well as look for ways to nurture those interested in PA education. The goal will be to engage others in micro-learning opportunities online to reach a larger audience of interested future educators while continuing to offer the concentrated learning experience that the fellowship provides. 

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 quarterly 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. 

APPLY NOW 

3 Member Positions Available 

The GEB is charged with ensuring that PAEA’s governing processes and procedures are appropriate and effective in meeting the needs of the Association and its members. It works with other advisory bodies to incorporate relevant procedures into the PAEA Policy and Procedures Manual. The GEB also has primary responsibility for upholding the Association’s Code of Ethics; developing resources to educate members, leaders, and PAEA staff about the Code; and making recommendations to the PAEA Board of Directors regarding conflict-of-interest disclosures submitted by candidates for the Board and other volunteer positions. 

GEB Current Work: 

The GEB routinely reviews conflict of interest disclosures to determine participation eligibility for many PAEA initiatives including volunteering, workshop facilitators, and other projects as needed. The GEB recently advised the Board of Directors on motions for the upcoming business meeting as well as conducted a review of the Association’s bylaws and policies and procedures manual to ensure alignment and compliance with regulations. 

APPLY NOW

1 Chair and 3 Member Positions 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 2022 Education Forum and a Networker article on a recent program visit conducted by Rep. French Hill’s staff to one of our committee member’s programs. Recently, we held our annual Hill Day where GRSC members advocated on behalf of the PA Higher Education Modernization Act, PA Education Public Health Initiatives Act, and Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act. Members also assisted in the review of Student Health Policy Fellowship (SHPF) applicants.

The GRSC we will be tweaking our traditional SHPF curriculum to accommodate an expansion to faculty and preparing for our inaugural policy summit in 2023. Members will also review candidates for federal advisory committee nominations as opportunities arise. 

Specific responsibilities for the member position include:    

• Attend advocacy meetings with your elected representatives and congressional staff    
• Review potential PAEA nominees to federal advisory committees    
• 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.    

APPLY NOW 

3 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)  
• 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    

APPLY NOW 

6-7 member positions available 

The Exam Development Board (EDB) members write and review items for the maintenance and enhancement of PAEA’s suite of exams: PACKRAT®, End of Rotation™, and End of Curriculum™ examinations. Exam Development Board work follows a challenging but rewarding production schedule that involves:   

• Writing 20–30 exam questions each year following specific blueprint guidelines   
• Reviewing colleagues’ questions in small groups   
• Reviewing comments provided by colleagues and editors to revise your work    
• Participating in a large group peer-review meeting to approve content for exams administered to PA students more than 100,000 times in programs nationwide each year  

Successful applicants will be assigned to an Exam Development Board in accordance with the need of the boards.   

Application Requirements 

Letters of interest must address three specific areas:  

• Why you are interested in exam development work specifically  
• Experience you have working as part of a team  
• How you would advance diversity and inclusion in this role  

Candidates must also 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  

Please 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.   

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 23-26, 2023, in Chicago. All applicants should reserve these dates on their calendar; travel booking information, including the explanation of participant support, will be sent shortly after appointment confirmation.   

Terms of Service: EDB members are eligible to serve unlimited three-year terms that begin March 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, 2023, and end March 31, 2025. 

Skills and Abilities: Applicants must demonstrate skill in multiple-choice and vignette-style item writing, a commitment to service and collaboration, and the ability to engage in a rigorous item development and review process. Members may not hold 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 additional volunteer agreement if appointed.  

APPLY NOW 

1 Chair Position Available  

The End of CurriculumTM EDB is seeking a chair to lead a group of 13 volunteers in their charge to provide oversight for the maintenance and enhancement of PAEA’s exam products. They also guide the development and implementation of assessment services at PAEA and ensure that products and resources align with program, faculty, and student needs. 

The chair works with their EDB members to hone their test item-writing skills, become better peer reviewers, and learn about the process of developing national exams. The specific work of the EDB is described in the EDB member vacancy information above. The chair supports their members through regular check-ins, mentoring, and coordinating peer review under the guidance of PAEA Assessment staff. They are also responsible for facilitating the annual item review meeting, the Exam Development Summit, and assisting in the recruitment and evaluation of new EDB members. Support is given to the chair through regular consultation with staff and an annual planning meeting of the chairs and the Assessment Editor in Chief. 

Meeting Commitments: The successful candidate will be expected to attend and facilitate the Exam Development Summit in March of each year for a three-day in-person peer review meeting. The next Summit will take place March 23-26, 2023, in Chicago. All applicants should reserve these dates on their calendars as travel booking information, including the explanation of participant support, will be sent shortly after appointment confirmation.  

Chairs must also participate in the annual planning meeting. Each chair may convene conference 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: 

• Must have served on a PAEA Exam Development Board, preferably the End of Curriculum EDB 
• 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 

Letter of Interest 

Upload a brief statement (500 words or less) highlighting the skills and strengths that you would bring to PAEA and to the specific leadership group for which you are applying. Explain how you would advance diversity and inclusion in this role. 

APPLY NOW 

1 Social Media Member Position Available 

Editorial board members are expected to work with the editor in chief and editorial staff to uphold the high standards and practices of the journal. They also will be called upon to regularly review manuscripts as a peer reviewer, identify new peer reviewers for the journal, and provide editorial feedback. An applicant must be a member of a PAEA member program. 

Work and Position Description 

PAEA is seeking applications to fill the important position of Social Media Member on the Journal of Physician Assistant Education (JPAE) Editorial Advisory Board. The role of this particular board member is to help promote the journal via all forms of social media. 

The Social Media Member position is designed to focus on promoting the journal via social media outlets and to take advantage of some of the “bells and whistles” available to JPAE through the Wolters Kluwer website. Successful candidates should possess the following qualifications: 

• Well-versed in using social media platforms (primarily Twitter, but also Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn) 
• Willing to experiment with different platforms and modalities to increase the reach and readership of the journal 
• Ability to synthesize research articles and present them in easily understandable ways 
• Ability to develop unique avenues for dissemination of journal articles using technology 

 JPAE’s Current Work 

Since January 2015, the journal has been published by Wolters Kluwer, part of Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. This move has allowed us to increase our online presence, boost our article search capability, and track the most viewed articles, along with numerous other capabilities. Currently, the journal has a robust pipeline of research and special articles and has increased the number of articles that it publishes in each issue.
 

Time/Travel Commitments 

This JPAE Editorial Advisory Board member appointment is for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2023, and ending December 31, 2025. Members are eligible for a one-term reappointment at the discretion of the journal’s editor in chief. 

Editorial board members are expected to participate in an annual planning meeting.  Members are also encouraged, but not supported, to attend the editorial board meeting held during the Education Forum. Editorial board members will also be asked to participate in periodic conference calls. 

To Apply 

Applicants should submit: 

• Letter of interest stating reasons why they are interested in this position 
• Current and complete curriculum vitae (CV) 
• A 3-minute podcast or video summarizing an article from a recent JPAE issue 

APPLY NOW 

2 Feature Editor Positions Open 

The Journal of Physician Assistant Education (JPAE) is seeking feature editors for two feature categories, with terms to begin January 1, 2023: 

• Compliance Strategies 
• Technology & Education 

Feature Descriptions 

• Compliance Strategies — Brief descriptions of a specific practice, strategy, or technique that programs have used to ensure they are operating an effective PA education program. This includes descriptions of unique or non-traditional methods for operating the program in compliance with national standards relevant to PA education. Some examples include how to effectively assess program function, and how to ensure that all students meet program expectations. 
• Technology & Education — All aspects of technology as it relates to PA education 

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, 2023, and end December 31, 2024. Feature editors are eligible for a one-term reappointment at the discretion of the journal’s editor in chief. Feature editors are not required to participate in any meetings, but 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 

APPLY NOW