PSPA 50th Annual CME Conference

Speakers
Tuesday, November 4 to Saturday, November 8, 2025

Justine Samanas, PhD, PA-C, CAQ-Psych

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Justine Samanas graduated from King's College in 2006 with her bachelor's degree in medical sciences and a minor in health care administration and biology. In 2007 she attained her master's degree from the same institution in physician assistant studies. In 2020, she graduated from Marywood University with her PhD in Strategic Leadership and Administration. Justine has been working at Marywood University since 2014 in the role of clinical coordinator and clinical assistant professor. Dr. Samanas has accrued a diverse history of experiences in outpatient and inpatient care, these experiences have allowed her to treat patients with substance use disorders; in forensic psychiatry in the prison setting; in crisis diversion units; and for providing psychiatric consults for inpatients along with halfway house residents. Her care has included pediatric, adolescent and adult patients.
Fanning the Flames: Why is Everyone So Angry and How to Keep it Cool?
November 5, 2025, 9:00 am

Nicole Mentzer, MSN, CRNP

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I completed my BSN degree in 2019 at York College. I then worked in the MICU at Hershey Medical Center for almost 5 years until completing MSN, FNP degree at Penn State in 2019. I have worked as a CRNP at the Penn State Sleep Research and Treatment Center since September 2021. I have 4+ years of experience in sleep medicine. I managed different PAP devices for sleep apnea and respiratory or neuromuscular diseases in addition to treating insomnia, narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, parasomnias, and RLS.
Sleep Medicine- Sleep Apnea and Beyond
November 5, 2025, 10:00 am

Alan Heckman, DMSc, PA-C

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Dr. Alan Heckman, DMSc, PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant with extensive clinical experience in emergency medicine, family medicine, cardiothoracic surgery, and critical care. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, specializing in Communications, from Kutztown University in 2004, followed by a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from DeSales University in 2011. In 2024, he further advanced his education by completing a Doctor of Medical Science degree from the University of Lynchburg, focusing on Emergency Management and Global Health. With over 20 years of academic experience, he is an Associate Professor in the Physician Assistant Program at DeSales University, where he serves as the Chair of the Medical Studies major. An active contributor to the medical field, Dr. Heckman has authored chapters in several textbooks, including those published by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. He also regularly presents at local, state, and national conferences.
WORKSHOP: Basic Laser EKG
November 5, 2025, 10:00 am
WORKSHOP: Disaster Operations Response for PAs
November 5, 2025, 1:30 pm

Ashlyn Smith, PA-C

Difficult-to-Control Diabetes: Consider Hypercortisolism
November 5, 2025, 11:00 am

Wesley Rish

Lunch Session - Licensing and Discipline Issues Affecting PAs at State Boards
November 5, 2025, 12:00 pm

Deanna Bridge Najera, MPAS, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA

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Deanna Bridge Najera attended the University of Maryland for her undergraduate degree and Chatham University for her PA education. She also obtained a masters in clinical mental health counseling from Shippensburg University. She is a regular speaker at state and national conferences and has served in multiple leadership roles. She is always happy to come back to Pennsylvania where she started her PA career.
Professional Development Forum: What Keeps Me Up at Night
November 5, 2025, 1:30 pm
Stopping the Shakes: Managing Alcohol Use Disorder
November 6, 2025, 1:30 pm
Substance Use Disorders Simplified
November 8, 2025, 8:00 am

Donald Wieder, PA-C

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I am currently an acute care hospitalist PA-C for Geisinger Health system serving in the role of regional chief PA-C for the central region. My career in health care started when I was 16 years old riding in the back of ambulances as an EMT for our local vounteen ambulance company. After high school I completed by training as a nationally registered paramedic. I worked in the prephospital setting for 15 years before making the decision to continue my training in health care by attending the Pennsylvania College of Technology Physician Assistant program. I am a 2015 graduate of the PCT program. After graduating I took my first full time position as a practicing PA-C with hospital medicine at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. I also spent 2 years moonlighting with Williamsport Hospital in the Emgergency department. I eventually accepted the position of Regional Chief PA-C for our Hospitalist program where I continue to practice. I have a passion for teaching which helps me to maintain a connection with PCT, where I also serve on the Advisory committee for the PA program, held the position of per-diem /substitute faculty with that program, and hold an appoitment to the Geisinger College of Health Sciences.
Getting Down with the Sickness - Sepsis Overview and Survival Guide
November 5, 2025, 1:45 pm

Tiffany Heikel

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Tiffany Heikel PA-C is the Advanced Practice Provider Manager of the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck surgery at Hershey Medical Center. She has been a physician assistant for eight years delivering care to patients from pediatric to adult populations requiring ear, nose and throat evaluation and interventions. She is active in research and enjoys presenting at conferences. Tiffany is a Director at Large for the Society of Physician Assistants in Otorhinolaryngology as well as CME Liaison for the society. She has been a member of PSPA for eight years previously serving as a member of the Health Disparities committee.
Bump on the Head- Top Ten Lumps and Bumps of the Head and Neck
November 5, 2025, 2:45 pm

Hoonani Cuadrado, MSPAS, PA-C

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Nani Cuadrado, MSPAS, PA-C is the Director of Education for HEAL Trafficking. She began working as an emergency medicine physician assistant (PA) for Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) 20 years ago. Despite exposure to the Spanish studies in high school and college, Nani found her work in the emergency department, on the street serving persons experiencing homelessness, as well as numerous medical mission trips to Central and South America required a better grasp of the Spanish language. With English as her first language, Nani found that when she stepped out of her comfort zone and engaged with patients and their families in Spanish, experiences for both she and her patients significantly improved (her patients were her greatest teachers). In 2020, she was the first physician assistant to be selected for the Pearl Birnbaum Hurwitz Humanism in Healthcare Award as a leader and change agent in Street Medicine and prevention of human trafficking. In 2021 she was awarded American Academy of Physician Assistants' (AAPA) Physician Assistant of the Year for demonstrating exemplary service to the community.
WORKSHOP: Medical Spanish
November 5, 2025, 3:30 pm

Brooke Olenowski, PA-C

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Brooke Olenowski PA-C graduated from Duquesne University in 2004 with a Master's Degree of Physician Assistant. After working in Pittsburgh and Charlotte NC, she moved back to her hometown and has been working at Penn State Hershey Medical Center since 2012. The first half of her career was caring for liver and kidney transplant patients. She has now been caring for nephrology patients since 2015 with a focus on hemodialysis and other forms of renal replacement therapy. She enjoys teaching and is involved with educating PA students, APP Fellows, and Nephrology Fellows at Penn State Health.
URINE Luck Today! You have A CUTE Kidney Injury!
November 5, 2025, 4:00 pm

Matt Wetherhold, MS, PA-C

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Mr Matthew Wetherhold is a dedicated Physician Assistant specializing in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. He graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine's Physician Assistant Program in 2002 and began his career at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, within the Department of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

Since 2006, he has practiced at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, PA, where he focuses on complex reconstructive procedures. He currently serves as the Lead Advanced Practice Provider (APP) for the Departments of Surgical Oncology and Urology, helping to guide clinical operations, APP development, and patient care initiatives.

Matt is also a frequent guest lecturer for several PA programs in the greater Philadelphia area, sharing his expertise in surgical techniques, suturing & knot tying, and related medical topics. He lives in Bucks County with his wife and four children and remains committed to professional excellence, mentorship, and community engagement. He can be reached at matthew.wetherhold@fccc.edu.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, and Reconstruction: What Every General Practitioner Needs to Know.
November 5, 2025, 5:00 pm
WORKSHOP: The Art of Suturing
November 7, 2025, 1:45 pm

TJ Berger, MS, PA-C, RPSGT

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TJ Berger MS, PA-C, RPSGT is a native of Long Island NY who received his undergraduate degree at Binghamton University. Before going on to complete a Masters Degree in the Physician Assistant Program at Philadelphia University, he worked as the Clinical Coordinator of the Sleep Disorders Center at Temple University Hospital where he published academic research as well as co-authored a book chapter on sleep related breathing disorders. Over the past 23 years as a physician assistant, he has worked in the fields of cardiovascular surgery, cardiology, pulmonology, and critical care. TJ frequently lectures at PA programs in the Philadelphia area. His hobbies include road biking, Boston Terriers, studying foreign languages, and, of course, reading medical journals.
WORKSHOP: Placement of Chest Tubes
November 6, 2025, 7:00 am

Katie Kugler, PA-C, MEd., DFAAPA

Katie Kugler, who has been a PA for over 25 years is currently practicing Otolaryngology at the Lebanon Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The majority of her practice, over 14 years, has been in the field of Otolaryngology. She has also practiced Interventional Radiology, Transplant Surgery, Urology and Psychiatry. She has been active in the PSPA and is a Past President, has served on the board of directors, and held many committee positions throughout the years. Katie regularly provides educational lectures for residents and PA students at various PA schools and speaks at state and national CME conferences. In addition to her clinical work, she teaches part time at a Masters of Biomedical Science program that aims to prepare students to succeed in PA school.
You Drip, I Drip, We Drip: Evaluation and Treatment of Rhinorrhea, Otorrhea, and Sialorrhea
November 6, 2025, 8:00 am

Thomas M Bozzuto, D.O.

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Thomas M. Bozzuto, D.O., is the Section NE Section Chair of Wound Care at Geisinger Health System. Dr. Bozzuto graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1980 and completed a residency in Emergency Medicine in 1983 from Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. After his residency, he served for 3 years at Wright-Patterson USAF Medical Center as associate chair of Emergency Services, where he separated with the rank of Major in 1986.

He is board certified in Emergency Medicine by the American Board of Emergency Medicine; sub-specialty certified in Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine by the American Board of Emergency Medicine and became certified in wound care by the American Professional Wound Care Association. He completed his training in hyperbaric medicine at the University of Maryland Shock/Trauma Center in Baltimore MD.

He is a Fellow of the College of Certified Wound Specialists, a Founding Fellow of the American Professional Wound Care Association, a Founding Fellow of the Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing, a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians and a Fellow in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine. Dr Bozzuto is a founding fellow of the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine and was its President from 1999-2004. He is a professor of Emergency Medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.

He has authored many papers on both emergency medicine and hyperbaric medicine and has also lectured extensively in hyperbaric medicine and wound care both in the United States and overseas.

His awards include the Jefferson C. Davis Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence in Hyperbaric Medicine in 1999 and 2009, and the Paul James Sheffield Award for Educational Excellence in Hyperbaric Medicine in 2018 from the Gulf Coast Chapter, Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, and the Eric P. Kindwall Award of Excellence in Clinical Hyperbaric Medicine from the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine in 2019.
The (Mis) Diagnosis and (In) Appropriate Treatment of Venous Disease and Ulcers
November 6, 2025, 9:00 am

Jordan Reed, MHS, PA-C

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After graduation from Quinnipiac University in 2015, I moved to Roanoke, Virginia where I worked in a Level 1 Trauma Center Emergency Department for 3 years before moving back up north to Pennsylvania. In the following six years, I worked in 4 additional emergency departments throughout Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, throughout a large local urgent care system, and served as a guest lecturer for the West Chester University Physician Assistant Program. I additionally served as the Clerkship Coordinator for PA students in the emergency department at Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital. In late 2024, I moved to Central New Jersey and have transitioned to a local private Interventional Radiology group and have provided adjunct instruction for the Monmouth University Physician Assistant Program.
WORKSHOP: Beyond the Surface: The Depth of POCUS is your gain!
November 6, 2025, 9:00 am

Patrick Heagey, MPAS, PA-C

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Pat has been a practicing Physician Assistant since graduation from King's College in 2009. He is an Assistant Professor at West Chester University's PA Program since 2021 and remains clinically active as a member of the Trauma Surgery and Critical Care team at Paoli Hospital for the last 12 years.
WORKSHOP: Beyond the Surface: The Depth of POCUS is your gain!
November 6, 2025, 9:00 am
Vein Vigilance: VTE prophylaxis Update in the Surgical Population
November 6, 2025, 3:30 pm

Michelle Fischer, MMS PA-C

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Michelle Fischer is a current assistant professor at the Salus at Drexel University physician assistant program in Elkins Park, PA. She graduated from the Salus PA program in 2009 and has been actively practicing medicine for more than 15 years. She has practiced in family and internal medicine, orthopedics and currently practices in urgent care. Prior to PA school Michelle worked at the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease where she researched animal models of Parkinson disease. Her areas of clinical interest include not only chronic respiratory illness and infectious diseases but also neurodegenerative disorders.
Tick Talk: An Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Tick-Borne Illnesses
November 6, 2025, 11:00 am
Clear the Air: Case-Based Approach to Tackling Pulmonary Conditions in Primary and Acute Care
November 7, 2025, 1:45 pm

Dimitrios Tsatiris, M.D.

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Dimitrios Tsatiris M.D. is a practicing board-certified psychiatrist, TEDx speaker, book author and writer for Psychology Today. He is a leading voice at the intersection of mental health and achievement whose mission is to help professionals live their best lives by developing a healthy relationship with achievement. His work has appeared in numerous outlets, including Psychology Today, Doximity, Health.com, The White Coat Investor, Thrive Global, Closler and NAMI among others.
Lunch Session - How to Make Healthy Habits Stick
November 6, 2025, 12:00 pm

Sarah Atkins, PA-C

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Sarah Atkins is a Physician Assistant specializing in orthopedics, with a strong background in musculoskeletal care. She graduated from the inaugural class of the Penn State PA Program in 2016, where she developed a deep passion for orthopedic medicine. Prior to PA school, Sarah served in the Army as a radiology technologist, where she gained valuable clinical experience that shaped her approach to patient care.

In addition to her orthopedic practice, Sarah moonlights in urgent care, broadening her skill set and experience in acute care settings. She is also heavily involved in the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants (PSPA), where she serves on the Board of Directors, co-chairs the Public Relations Committee, and is an active member of the Membership Committee.
WORKSHOP: Ortho - Splinting
November 6, 2025, 1:30 pm

Ian Sale, MPAS, PA-C

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Ian Sale is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine's Physician Assistant Program, class of 2008. He completed a Trauma and Critical Care Fellowship through the University of Pennsylvania Hospital at St. Luke's Level I Trauma Center.

Following his fellowship, he spent nearly three years at the Trauma Center at Lancaster General Hospital, where he played a key role in developing their Advanced Practice Provider model—integrating APPs into clinical care where they had previously been underutilized.

In 2011, Ian joined Main Line Health as part of the growing trauma program at Paoli Hospital. At the time, Paoli's Trauma Center was still in its early stages. Today, he continues to serve there as the APP Manager, overseeing APPs in Trauma, Surgical Critical Care, Medical Critical Care, and Orthopedics.

He is currently pursuing his MBA at West Chester University to further expand his leadership and healthcare administration skills.
Vein Vigilance: VTE prophylaxis Update in the Surgical Population
November 6, 2025, 3:30 pm

Tracy E Bingaman, MSPAS, PA-C

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Tracy Bingaman, MSPAS, PA-C is a dynamic national and international speaker who helps clinicians land the biggest raises of their careers, scale their income, and achieve financial independence. From the depths of healthcare burnout, Tracy now has a job she loves with abundant time, energy, and money. As a thought leader on burnout, boundaries, and negotiation, she hosts the popular podcast The PA Is In, which recently celebrated 150,000 downloads. Tracy's mission is to help clinicians redefine success in their lives and careers.
WORKSHOP: What I Wish I Knew: Building a Sustainable Career in Medicine
November 6, 2025, 3:30 pm
WORKSHOP: Know Your Numbers: Tracking Productivity for Career Growth and Burnout Prevention
November 7, 2025, 7:00 am
Student Forum 2025
November 7, 2025, 8:00 am

Caitlin Davenport, MS-PAS, PA-C

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Caitlin Davenport graduated with her Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Marywood University in 2012. Since then, she has spent her career in various aspects of the brain, starting in neurosurgery and eventually transitioning to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to start an inpatient advanced practice neurology team. Currently, she works as an advanced practice professional development specialist for CHOP, with a focus on the education and onboarding of new-to-practice advanced practice providers.
Localize the (Neuro) Lesion
November 6, 2025, 4:30 pm

Linda Sekhon, DHSc, PA-C

Dr. Linda Sekhon is the current Past- President of the PA Education Association. She has been a PA educator since 1996 and is the founding chair of the High Point University's Department of Medical Sciences and program director for the Doctor of Medical Science program. She serves on the Editorial Board for the North Carolina Medical Journal (NCMJ). She has presented and published numerous articles on clinical and professional topics with a focus on Rheumatology and was honored by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) in 2012 with a Paragon Publishing Award for her article on Rheumatoid Arthritis. She is an AAPA Distinguished Fellow and has received several state and national awards for professional leadership for her service to education and the PA profession.
Education Forum: A Panel Discussion on Leadership in PA Education
November 6, 2025, 5:00 pm

Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA

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Dr. Mike Roscoe is a seasoned physician assistant (PA) educator, clinician, and national leader currently serving as President-Elect of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). With over 25 years of clinical experience in emergency medicine, he brings a strong foundation in frontline patient care to his academic and leadership roles. Dr. Roscoe serves as Director of Simulation and faculty at the Indiana University School of Medicine-Evansville and teaches in the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program at the University of Lynchburg. He has held leadership roles as a founding PA program director and as director of an accredited continuing-status program.

A Colonel in the Army National Guard, Dr. Roscoe currently commands the Indiana Medical Readiness Detachment. He is a combat veteran with deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, and his contributions to the profession have been recognized with the AAPA Paragon Award for publishing. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and remains actively engaged in both clinical and academic aspects of the PA profession.
Education Forum: A Panel Discussion on Leadership in PA Education
November 6, 2025, 5:00 pm

Dipu Patel, DMSc, ABAIM, MPAS, PA-C

Dipu Patel is a board-certified, doctoral-trained PA passionate about medicine and education. She has over 23 years of clinical, operational, and leadership experience which has inspired her to lend her talent to the education of the next generation of PAs. Having worked in various settings, including emergency medicine, urgent care, and hematology/oncology, has allowed her to fully embrace her practice and skillset to provide patient-centered care. Her leadership extends beyond academia into healthcare tech startup space where she was the Director of Clinical Pathways. She led a team of global clinicians where she assured that each clinical pathway is provider-driven and patient-centered. Currently, as Vice Chair for Innovation and Professor at the University of Pittsburgh DPAS program, she brings her leadership skills to further the PA profession and its impact by teaching and developing skills in quality improvement, innovation, and digital health. She maintains a robust teaching schedule at various universities as an adjunct and consults on curriculum development and redesign, professional coaching and mentoring, and digital health. She has served on several gubernatorial-appointed positions including the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Physician Assistants since 2009 and has been Chair of the Board since 2012. She has previously served on the Governor's Advisory Council-Task Force on Foreign-Born Healthcare Professionals in Massachusetts and the Foreign-Trained Medical Professional Commission. Additionally, she was elected to serve as Director-at-Large for the Physician Assistant Education Association from 2016-2020, where she was actively involved in conversations about the implications of education and practice at the professional, clinical, and academic levels. And as of 2025, she is the PAEA President. Incorporating clinical skills and knowledge with new technology that enhances patient education and advocacy is what drives her work. While technology and education will be ever evolving, they will always need a human touch. She strongly believes that our work has to be rooted in both technology and humanity.
Education Forum: A Panel Discussion on Leadership in PA Education
November 6, 2025, 5:00 pm

Jacqi Kernaghan, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA

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Jacqi Kernaghan is a certified PA and the Associate Director of the Osteoporosis Center of Delaware County. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (summa cum laude) and her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Philadelphia University (now Jefferson University). Jacqi serves as the leader for multi-hospital Fracture Liaison Service for inpatient fracture patients and is responsible for outpatient care at all of the Prospect Crozer Health - Osteoporosis Center sites, as well as organizing research studies for the practice. She is active as a speaker at national and regional conferences on topics concerning osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases. Jacqi is a member of the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, of which she is on the Ambassadors Leadership Council, as well as the Pennsylvania Society of PAs and the American Academy of PAs, where she has been actively volunteering for the profession for over 18 years. She is a distinguished fellow of the AAPA and was honored with the America's Top PA in Bone Health award in October 2023.
No More Periods, YAY! But Now Everything Else is Falling Apart! - An Update on Menopause and Bone Health
November 7, 2025, 8:00 am

Kyle Richert

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Kyle Richert is a Wealth Management Advisor at McGovern Wealth Group. Kyle began his career at Lifetime Financial Growth after graduating from Grove City College in 2015. Kyle's passion is to help his clients bridge the gap between their todays and their tomorrows. His mission is to help his clients manage the ripple effects and consequences of today's financial decisions so that they can achieve their dreams in the most efficient and effective way possible. Kyle works with his clients to co-create plans built for a life of abundance. Kyle holds his securities licenses 7 and 66 as well as life, accident, and health insurance. He received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Grove City College. Outside of the office, Kyle is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys playing soccer and spending time outdoors with his wife, Stephanie.
Student Forum 2025
November 7, 2025, 8:00 am

Tara McSwigan, DPAS, PA-C

Tara McSwigan has been practicing clinically for over 22 years within emergency and urgent care medicine. She has shared her unique passion for ophthalmology in both lectures and work-shops at numerous state and national conferences. Her current role is as assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid program, where she continues to build upon her love of teaching and learning.
Student Forum 2025
November 7, 2025, 8:00 am

Samantha Burk, MPAS, PA-C

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Samantha graduated with her Master of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Salus University in 2017. She has her Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from Temple University. Samantha's clinical background is in Geriatric Medicine and Dermatology. She continues to work part-time as a PA in local skilled nursing facilities. Samantha has loved teaching students over the past several years through precepting and is excited to be a part of the Misericordia Physician Assistant Program. Samantha resides in Wyoming with her husband, Nicholas and son, Gavin. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, and spoiling her three pets, Boomer, Beesly, and Zooey.
Student Forum 2025
November 7, 2025, 8:00 am

Amy Flaherty, MPAS, PA-C

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Amy graduated with her Master of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from King's College in 2013. She has a minor in Neuroscience. She began her Physician Assistant career in the Emergency Department. More recently she has spent the past 9 years working outpatient in Pediatrics, where she continues to work clinically part time. Amy has been a preceptor for multiple PA students over the years and is thrilled to further expand her role in teaching as a member of the Misericordia Physician Assistant program.
Amy lives in Dallas with her husband, Brian, and her two children, Raegan and Adrian. There is nothing she enjoys more than spending time with her family and traveling. She will also never miss an opportunity to relax on a beach with a good book.
Student Forum 2025
November 7, 2025, 8:00 am

Jessica Frawley Woolfolk, MSPAS, PA-C

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Jessica is a graduate of King's College Physician Assistant Program, class of 2009, where she received both her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Bachelor of Science in Medical Studies. Her clinical background is in the specialty of Dermatology, where she has over 9 years' experience treating patients. She also has experience in PA education through lecturing, precepting, and working as both adjunct and faculty in Physician Assistant programs locally. She has been inducted into Pi Alpha National Honor Society, Alpha Epsilon Delta Medical Honor Society and Alpha Epsilon Lambda Graduate Honor Society. Jessica resides in Mountain Top with her husband Kyle.
Student Forum 2025
November 7, 2025, 8:00 am

Denise Vanacore, PhD, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

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Dr. Denise Vanacore has been a nurse practitioner for nearly 30 years.   Dr. Vanacore is the Vice Dean and a Professor at Holy Family University. She is also the Director of Hope Springs Health, providing integrated primary care and psychiatric mental health care, including medication-assisted treatment for addiction using Suboxone.   Dr. Vanacore holds certifications as an Adult, Family, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and brings expertise in many clinical aspects, including diagnosing and treating primary care and mental health disorders and measurement-based care.   In addition, she works at Quality Insights as a Clinician Champion for the Opioid Epidemic, presenting evidence-based opioid prescribing and management programs for health professionals in Pennsylvania. She has presented in excess of 150 educational sessions regarding evidence based opioid prescribing.
Strategies to Enhance Patient-Clinician Communication for Pain Management Care
November 7, 2025, 9:00 am
Pain Management Assessment and Informed Clinical Decision-Making for Opioid and Nonopioid Medications
November 7, 2025, 11:00 am

Danielle Collins, RN, BSN

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Danielle Collins is a dedicated Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and experience in acute care across a variety of clinical settings. With a strong foundation in patient care, Danielle has transitioned into leadership roles, serving as the Content Development Project Lead and a Practice Transformation Project Lead for the Comprehensive Approaches to Pain Management, Opioid Prescribing, and Substance Use project. In these roles, she works to drive quality improvement initiatives and enhance clinical practices through innovative strategies and evidence-based education.
Strategies to Enhance Patient-Clinician Communication for Pain Management Care
November 7, 2025, 9:00 am
Pain Management Assessment and Informed Clinical Decision-Making for Opioid and Nonopioid Medications
November 7, 2025, 11:00 am

Renee Hammoud

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Renee earned her Masters in Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2018 from Arcadia University, and her background clinical experience includes emergency medicine and cardiology. Currently, Renee is an assistant professor at West Chester University Physician Associate Program and continues to practice in cardiology at Bryn Mawr Medical Specialists Association with a specialized interest in culinary medicine and preventive care. While pursuing a certification in culinary medicine (CCMS), she has incorporated culinary medicine into her medical practice, as well as into the curriculum at West Chester's PA program. She is passionate about sharing her expertise with other providers and PA educators.
WORKSHOP: Integrating Lifestyle Medicine into Clinical Practice and PA Education
November 7, 2025, 9:00 am

Lisa Wetherhold, MS, PA-C

Ms Wetherhold has been a PA since 2002, and currently is a practicing PA-C in the Department of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at Fox Chase Cancer Center. She has been practicing in this field since 2007. Prior to that, she was working at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston TX, also in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.
WORKSHOP: The Art of Suturing
November 7, 2025, 1:45 pm

Roxana Arvanaghi, PA-C

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Roxana Arvanaghi, PA-C graduated from Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital NYC Physician Assistant Program in 2014. She worked in Hospital Medicine at New York Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical Center prior to joining the Noninvasive Cardiology team at NYU. She served as adjunct faculty to the Pace University PA program during her time in New York. She moved to Philadelphia in 2019 and since that time has worked at Penn Medicine in Cardiology. She has worked in inpatient Cardiology and has been a member of the Cardiology consult team. Her current role at Pennsylvania Hospital is primarily in Stress Testing as well as in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
Stress Testing: Which Test Should I Order?
November 7, 2025, 2:45 pm

Jesse A. Coale, DFAAPA, MDiv, PA-C

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Jesse A. Coale, DFAAPA, DMin, PA-C graduated from the Hahnemann PA Program in 1987. He is an adjunct professor at West Chester University's PA Program and was previously an associate professor at Philadelphia University. He has practiced clinically in internal medicine/primary care for the last 36 years at Primary Care Havertown in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
MASH (formerly NASH): A Burgeoning Epidemic
November 7, 2025, 4:15 pm

Christopher Tobias, MS, MHA, CHFP, PA-C

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Christopher T. Tobias is a benevolent, emerging, and zealous PA with experience in both primary care and community health. Prior to starting at Saint Joseph's University (previously the University of the Sciences) in October 2021, Christopher served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University East Falls, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of the Sciences. He was awarded the Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions' G. John DiGregorio MD, PhD Award for Distinguished Teaching by Adjunct Faculty in 2018. His strengths include experience in detailed primary care diagnostics and treatment, proficiency in patient education, and the ability to establish a safe and warm environment and rapport. He currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor & Director at Academic Education at the Saint Joseph's University PA Program in Philadelphia, PA. Outside of his academic work, Christopher is a doctoral candidate at Drexel University focusing his work on perceptions of safe injection facilities in Philadelphia as well as the PSPA Secretary.
Screening for Success: Navigating the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations
November 8, 2025, 7:00 am

Nicole Larson, MPAS, PA-C, FAPACVS

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Nicole Larson, MPAS, PA-C, FAPACVS has been practicing in general thoracic surgery since graduating from Saint Francis University in 2006. She has worked at the University of Chicago, UPMC and currently practices at Independence Health (formerly Excela Health) in Westmoreland County. Nicole is also a guest lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh's PA program and serves as a clinical preceptor. In addition to AAPA and PSPA, Nicole is an active member of the Association for PAs in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and has served as co-chair of the thoracic track for the annual conferences in 2023 and 2024.
More than GERD: A Surgical Approach to Hiatal Hernias
November 8, 2025, 9:00 am

Catherine Roden, MHS, PA-C

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Catherine Roden is a Physician Assistant practicing Adult Congenital Heart Disease for Penn State Health. She has a 20+ year career in cardiology, previously practicing adult general cardiology and pediatric cardiology. Her special interests include heart-smart nutrition and exercise, cardiac-neurodevelopment in congenital heart disease, pediatric to adult transitional care, and wilderness medicine. Outside of medicine she loves to travel, hike, ski, and bicycle.
Valve Disease and an Update on Transcatheter Replacements/Repairs
November 8, 2025, 10:00 am

Ilaina Moyer, MHS, PA-C

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Ilaina Moyer is a dedicated Physician Assistant with a remarkable 19 years of experience, 13 years in the field of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Her passion for excellence and commitment to patient care have earned her numerous accolades throughout her career.

One such recognition was receiving the APP leadership award given to one APP each year within the large multi-hospital health system.

Ilaina's role is full scope and serves every aspect of her specialty through pre and post op patient care, performing consults and OR assisting. She also serves as a concierge aesthetic provider throughout Pennsylvania and South Jersey.

She serves as an adjunct professor to local PA programs, an invited lecturer within her organization and a mentor to fellow PAs.
Aesthetic Medicine Past, Present and Future
November 8, 2025, 11:00 am