The PA Is In | Tracy Bingaman | Physician Assistant/Physician Associate/PA-C/PA-S/PA Student

Once upon a time, there was a gold-star-collecting girl who believed hard work guaranteed fulfillment — so she chose medicine.In this deeply personal episode, Tracy Bingaman shares the story behind her burnout, her breaking point, and the decision that changed everything: she didn’t quit medicine — she quit martyrdom.After years of overwork, illness, exhaustion, and people-pleasing inside a system that never loved her back, she chose a different path. One where she practices clinically by choice, not obligation, and built a business that gives her autonomy, flexibility, and impact.If you’ve ever felt trapped in healthcare, questioned your path, or wondered whether there’s another way to serve without sacrificing yourself…This episode is your permission slip.Episode HighlightsWhy high achievers burn out fastest in healthcareThe hidden cost of people-pleasing in medicineThe difference between leaving medicine and leaving the systemEarly warning signs your body is burning outHow entrepreneurship creates freedom and impact for cliniciansKeywords: physician associate burnout, PA burnout recovery, healthcare burnout story, clinician entrepreneurship, entrepreneur for healthcare providers, how to leave corporate medicine, part time physician associate, women in medicine burnout, burnout and autoimmune disease, healthcare boundaries, RVU culture, doctor burnout, PA career transition, medical entrepreneurship, income streams for cliniciansWhat You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy high-achieving clinicians are especially vulnerable to burnout, How corporate medicine subtly reinforces people-pleasing behavior, The difference between quitting medicine and quitting martyrdom, The early warning signs of burnout that most providers ignore, How entrepreneurship can create autonomy, flexibility, and financial margin, Why practicing medicine is one way to serve — not your only way, The mindset shift from RVU-based worth to value-based impact, How to start building something outside the confines of corporate healthcareCore Themes & TopicsPhysician Associate burnout, Healthcare burnout recovery, Women in medicine, Clinician entrepreneurship, Physician Associate career transitions, Boundaries in medicine, Income diversification for clinicians, Part-time clinical practice, Corporate healthcare reform, Identity beyond medicine

A federal policy change could quietly reshape the future of the Physician Associate profession — and most clinicians don’t even know it’s happening.In this urgent advocacy episode, Tracy sits down with Jen Campbell, PA-C, cardiology PA, PA supervisor, and current president of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Associates (PSPA), to break down what a proposed Department of Education rule could mean for PA students, future clinicians, and patient access to care.At the center of the issue is a redefinition of what counts as a “professional program.” If PAs are excluded from that definition, graduate loan limits could drop to $25,000 each year and a lifetime cap of $100,000, making PA school financially inaccessible for many students — especially first-generation, rural, and lower-income applicants.This isn’t just a student issue. It’s a workforce issue. A patient care issue. A healthcare access issue.And the most important part?There is still time to act. **Comment period ends on March 2nd**What the proposed federal rule actually says (plain-English breakdown)Why the definition of “professional degree” mattersHow loan caps could limit access to PA schoolWho will be most affected — and why that matters for patient careThe link between education access and clinician shortagesHow individual clinicians can influence policy (yes, you)Real steps you can take today to advocate for the professionIf fewer students can afford PA school → fewer clinicians graduate → patient access declines.Policies like this don’t just affect training.They shape the future of healthcare delivery.If you only act on one advocacy issue this year — make it this one.Ways to help:Submit a public comment to federal regulators HERE: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/ED-2025-OPE-0944-0001  Contact your representative or senator using www.5Calls.org Educate colleagues who haven’t heard about this yet - SHARE this episode widely! Advocacy doesn’t require a title.It requires a voice.Jen Campbell, PA-CCardiology Physician AssociatePA Supervisor managing 25 APPs across four hospitalsPresident, Pennsylvania Society of Physician Associates (PSPA)Advocate for clinician workforce sustainability and education accessConnect with Jen on LinkedIn or through PSPA to learn more about current advocacy initiatives.Physician Associate advocacy, PA student loans, Department of Education rule, graduate loan limits, healthcare workforce shortage, PA school cost, federal loan policy, healthcare legislation, clinician advocacy, PA profession future, PSPA president interview, AAPA advocacy, healthcare access policy, student loan reform healthcare, federal rulemaking healthcare education.You don’t have to be a policy expert to change policy.You just have to speak.What You’ll LearnWhy This Matters📣 Call to Action👩‍⚕️ About Today’s GuestKeywords:Key Takeaways: TAKE ACTION:Head to www.tracybingaman.com/act Advocacy Central at the AAPA https://www.aapa.org/advocacy-central/federal-student-loan-changes/

A newly proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Education could significantly restrict access to federal student loans for Physician Associate (PA) students — threatening the future PA pipeline and patient access to care.In this rapid response episode, Tracy breaks down:What the Department of Education’s proposed rule actually saysHow changes to federal student loan eligibility could limit PA education accessWhy fewer PA students = fewer clinicians = longer wait times + more burnoutWhat the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) is doingHow YOU can take action in less than 10 minutesThis is advocacy in action. And it matters.The Plan:Read the proposed rule + AAPA’s statement: https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2026/01/aapa-statement-on-department-of-educations-proposed-rule-on-federal-student-loans/ AAPA Landing Page: https://www.aapa.org/advocacy-central/federal-student-loan-changes/ Submit a public comment before March 2, 2026: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/30/2026-01912/reimagining-and-improving-student-education Call your representatives (using the free 5 Calls.org) 5Calls.org Protecting PA education today protects patient care tomorrow.Keywords: Physician Associate advocacy, PA education pipeline, Department of Education rule 2026, federal student loans PA students, AAPA statement January 2026, healthcare workforce crisis, public comment federal register, clinician advocacy, protecting patient access, PA profession future

Insulin Resistance, Fertility, and Taking Your Health BackInsulin resistance doesn’t just affect blood sugar — it impacts hormones, fertility, energy, and long-term health.In this episode, Tracy sits down with PA and women’s health coach Chelsea Hayman to unpack how insulin resistance shows up in real life, why “normal labs” don’t always tell the full story, and what clinicians and patients can do to break the cycle of crashes, cravings, and burnout.They explore fertility struggles, continuous glucose monitors, stress physiology, and practical strategies for stabilizing hormones and blood sugar — without extreme diets or unsustainable routines.Whether you’re supporting patients with PCOS, infertility, fatigue, or metabolic dysfunction — or navigating this yourself — this conversation will change how you think about women’s health.How insulin resistance affects fertility and hormone balanceWhy A1C can be normal — and problems still existThe “protein + fiber first” strategyHow stress worsens blood sugar regulationWhen CGMs can be helpful (even without diabetes)Small, sustainable changes that actually workWhy women must stop putting their health lastTimestamps:[2:30] Meet Chelsea Hayman[3:30] Blood Sugar and Fertility [4:45] Chelsea’s Struggles with Infertility [9:00] Defining Insulin Resistance [11:00] Blood Sugar Control & Fertility Outcomes[13:00] Stress & Hormones[16:00] Implementing Lifestyle Changes [17:00] Choosing a Continuous Glucose Monitor [23:00] How to Plan Your Plate [25:00] Self Care & Meeting Your Own Basic Needs[29:00] Connect with Chelsea & Where to Find HerConnect with Chelsea: Website: www.empowerglucose.comLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/empoweredglucose Social: @empoweredglucose at https://www.instagram.com/empoweredglucose/ Keywords: insulin resistance, blood sugar, hormone imbalance, fertility, infertility, PCOS, continuous glucose monitor, CGM, women’s metabolic health, metabolic health, PA podcast, women’s health, wellness, clinician wellness, hormones, gestational diabetes, insulin resistanceSPONSORS:ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fiSIDE GIG GUIDE https://www.tracybingaman.com/gigCONNECT ⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠ ⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠CONNECT WITH TRACY⁠LINKEDIN ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠

After 13 years of practicing medicine, I’m not here to pretend I have it all figured out. I am here to share what experience has quietly, steadily taught me.In this episode, I’m reflecting on 13 lessons I’ve learned in my 13 years as a PA—from why people and schedules matter more than specialty, to how burnout isn’t something you beat but something you learn to monitor, to why there is absolutely no award for doing it the hard way.This isn’t a how-to episode or a deep clinical dive. It’s an honest, human reflection on what it takes to build a career in medicine that actually lasts. Consider this an invitation to pause, reflect, and ask yourself: what have I learned in my own years of practice?Inside this episode, we talk about:Why culture, autonomy, and respect matter more than we’re taughtHow your real legacy lives outside the hospital or clinicWhy medicine is an Ironman, not a sprintBurnout as a chronic condition—not a personal failureThe power of mentorship, sponsorship, and turning around to help othersNegotiation as a skill we were never taught—but desperately needWhy part-time practice still countsAnd the truth about martyrdom (spoiler: there’s no prize)Reflection isn’t indulgent. It’s how we make this work sustainable—for ourselves and for the clinicians coming behind us.SPONSORS:ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fiSERMO https://app.sermo.com:443/?sermoref=39d97a2c-f699-4f8b-b2f9-1eb131e18c75&utm_campaign=tell-a-friend CONNECT ⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠ ⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝⁠LINKEDIN ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gigKeywords: PA career longevity, lessons from practicing medicine, healthcare burnout recovery, physician associate career advice, sustainable medical careers, clinician burnout prevention, work life balance for PAs, part time medicine, negotiation in healthcare, PA mentorship, healthcare boundaries, career reflection medicine, avoiding burnout in healthcare, clinician identity, long term medical careers, PA professional development

Most clinicians don’t need to work harder to earn more — they need better strategy.In this episode of The PA Is In, Tracy breaks down three proven ways clinicians can increase their income without adding more clinic hours or sacrificing their sanity.Whether you’re stuck with tiny annual raises, feeling underpaid for your productivity, or craving more financial flexibility, this episode gives you practical steps you can take right now.Why negotiating where you already work is one of the most overlooked income strategiesHow to advocate for higher base pay, clearer bonus metrics, and better schedulesWhen commission-based or productivity pay can work in your favorHow to diversify income with side gigs that don’t require more shiftsReal-world examples of paid surveys, advisory panels, remote work, and flexible clinical rolesWhy strategic job changes often lead to the biggest pay jumps — and how to negotiate them properlyWhat to negotiate beyond salary (spoiler: it’s not just money)Free Side Gig Guide (48 ideas for clinicians): www.tracybingaman.com/gigNegotiation Consults: www.tracybingaman.com/negotiation-consultClinician Income Lab (self-paced negotiation course): www.tracybingaman.com/CILYou don’t have to pick just one strategy. Many clinicians combine all three — negotiating where they are, adding flexible income streams, and making intentional career moves — to build income that actually supports their life.If you found this episode helpful, leave a review and share it with a clinician who needs to hear it.SPONSORS: ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fiSERMO https://app.sermo.com:443/?sermoref=39d97a2c-f699-4f8b-b2f9-1eb131e18c75&utm_campaign=tell-a-friend CONNECT ⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠ ⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝⁠LINKEDIN ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gigIn this episode, you’ll learn:Resources mentioned:Keywords: clinician income strategies, how clinicians earn more money, physician assistant salary negotiation, PA pay raise, clinician negotiation tips, healthcare salary negotiation, side gigs for clinicians, paid medical surveys for clinicians, CERMO surveys, diversify clinician income, clinician side hustle ideas, remote work for healthcare providers, part time clinical work, job change salary increase healthcare, negotiate clinician salary, RVU bonus negotiation, commission based clinician pay, financial flexibility for clinicians, clinician burnout finances

Most PAs don’t wake up one day hating medicine.Instead, they wake up tired. Numb. Disconnected. Still competent. Still caring. Still showing up — but quietly wondering where the spark went.In this episode of The PA Is In, Tracy speaks directly to the clinician who didn’t fall out of love with medicine, but feels weighed down by how it’s practiced today. She reframes burnout as information — not failure — and explains why self-care, PTO, and vacations can help temporarily, but won’t fix a career that’s structurally misaligned with your life.Tracy walks through the invisible work that drains clinicians, how values drift over time, and why so many PAs internalize system-level problems as personal shortcomings. She then offers a grounded, realistic four-step process to help you begin redesigning your career without blowing up your life, quitting tomorrow, or burning bridges.This episode is a reminder that you’re not broken — and that you’re allowed to evolve. You can love medicine and love your life. And you can practice in a way that feels like you again.Mentioned in this episode:Find Your Why by Simon SinekSPONSORS: ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fiSERMO https://app.sermo.com:443/?sermoref=39d97a2c-f699-4f8b-b2f9-1eb131e18c75&utm_campaign=tell-a-friend CONNECT ⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠ ⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝⁠LINKEDIN ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gigKeywords: PA burnout recovery, physician associate burnout, loving medicine but burned out, healthcare burnout not personal failure, PA career redesign, values drift in medicine, portfolio career for clinicians, reigniting passion in medicine, sustainable PA careers, clinician burnout coaching

What if the problem isn’t medicine — but the way your career is structured right now?In this episode, Tracy sits down with Annie Wildermuth, PA, leadership consultant, and ICF-certified coach, for a thoughtful, grounded conversation about career pivots, burnout, and how clinicians can make intentional changes without blowing up their lives.Annie shares her own non-linear career journey — from emergency medicine to academia, medical education, leadership development, and coaching — and explains why so many clinicians feel stuck when the “traditional” career path no longer fits. Together, Tracy and Annie unpack why waiting until you’re in crisis to think about career strategy is so common — and how much easier it is to make aligned decisions when you plan ahead.They explore one of the biggest myths in medicine: that non-clinical work is automatically the solution to burnout. Annie offers a refreshingly honest take on whether the grass is really greener, what she misses about patient care, and why values — not job titles — should drive career decisions.You’ll also hear practical guidance on how to: • Identify whether your burnout is about workload, values misalignment, or lack of purpose • Decide if leadership opportunities are worth building where you are — or if it’s time to move on • Make smaller, sustainable changes inside your current role before pursuing a big pivot • Navigate the fear of learning something new (yes, even an entirely new specialty) • Take career transitions one manageable step at a time — without paralysis or perfectionismAnnie introduces a powerful framework from Drive — autonomy, mastery, and purpose — and explains how even small shifts in these areas can dramatically improve fulfillment at work. Tracy adds real-world examples from her own coaching clients and personal experience, including why “working less” alone rarely cures burnout.The episode closes with a reminder clinicians need to hear: you don’t need to have everything figured out. Careers evolve. Values change. And choosing a new direction doesn’t mean your previous path was wrong — just that you’ve grown.If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time for a change, this conversation will help you slow down, get clear, and move forward with intention — instead of panic.🎧 Listen in for reassurance, strategy, and permission to design a career that actually fits your life.Keywords: career pivot for clinicians, PA career change, clinical vs nonclinical jobs, burnout recovery for healthcare workers, physician assistant career strategy, leadership development in healthcare, values based career decisions, career coaching for clinicians, non clinical careers for PAs, healthcare burnout solutions, clinician leadership pathways, medical career transitions, feeling stuck in medicine, autonomy mastery purpose healthcare, career planning for healthcare professionalsSPONSORS:ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fiCM&F INSURANCE www.cmfgroup.com/ThePAIsIn SHOW NOTES: https://tracybingaman.com/pivot CONNECT ⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT⁠ ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠⁠CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝⁠LINKEDIN⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠⁠🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉⁠ ⁠⁠tracybingaman.com/gig⁠

January 1st can feel loud.Your social media feed fills up with highlight reels, perfect vacations, big announcements, ambitious income goals, and declarations about how this is the year everything changes. Even when it’s well-intentioned, that constant stream can quietly send the message that you need to be different — more disciplined, more productive, more transformed — to be worthy of the year ahead.In this New Year’s Day episode of The PA Is In, Tracy offers something kinder and steadier.This conversation is a reminder that a new year doesn’t require a new version of you. You can be both a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time — and that truth is especially important for clinicians who are already giving so much of themselves at work and at home.Tracy walks listeners through a simple reflection exercise designed to help you slow down, take stock, and give yourself credit for what you showed up for over the past year. Instead of focusing on what needs fixing, this episode invites you to recognize your strengths, acknowledge the progress you’ve already made, and notice the growth that may have happened quietly and imperfectly.From there, the focus shifts gently forward. Rather than setting massive resolutions or trying to overhaul your entire life, you’ll be encouraged to choose just one to three areas you want to work on in the coming year — without timelines, pressure, or all-or-nothing thinking. This is about intention, not urgency, and progress that’s sustainable rather than performative.This episode is a soft place to land if January feels overwhelming, competitive, or emotionally noisy. It’s a reminder that real change rarely happens on January 1st. It happens on random Tuesdays, after honest conversations, through small and often unglamorous decisions, and by offering yourself the same compassion you give to your patients and colleagues.If you’re craving a calmer, more grounded start to the year — one that honors who you already are while allowing space for growth — this episode is for you.New year. Same you. And that’s exactly where real change begins.SPONSORS:ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fiSERMO https://app.sermo.com:443/?sermoref=39d97a2c-f699-4f8b-b2f9-1eb131e18c75&utm_campaign=tell-a-friend Keywords: New Year for clinicians, healthcare burnout recovery, PA career coaching, physician assistant podcast, clinician mindset, strengths-based reflection, healthcare boundaries, work life balance for clinicians, intentional goal setting, burnout prevention, career clarity for PAs, healthcare self compassion, sustainable medical careers, New Year reflection exercise, clinician growth mindset CONNECT ⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠ ⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝⁠LINKEDIN ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig

Breaking up is hard — and breaking up with your financial advisor after 10+ years? Still hard.In this episode, Tracy shares a deeply personal (and wildly uncomfortable) story about ending a long-standing relationship with her financial advisor — why it stopped feeling right, how she navigated the guilt and fear, and what ultimately helped her reclaim agency over her money.What started as a financial decision quickly revealed powerful parallels to clinical medicine, career decisions, and the ways clinicians stay too long in professional relationships that quietly stop serving them.This episode is about trusting your gut, demanding transparency, and remembering that you get to decide who walks alongside you — in your finances, your career, and your life. In this episode, you’ll hear:What finally made Tracy realize her advisor relationship wasn’t working anymoreWhy “just trust me” is not education — in medicine or moneyHow using ChatGPT helped remove the emotional labor of writing a hard emailThe striking parallels between financial advising and clinical burnoutWhat good financial advisory support should actually look likeWhy understanding fiduciary responsibility matters more than most people realizeHow reclaiming agency in your finances mirrors reclaiming agency in your careerKey takeaways:You deserve to understand how your advisor is paidTransparency is non-negotiableYour advisor should be a teacher and partnerYour intuition is data — listen to itYou are allowed to outgrow long-standing relationshipsAlignment matters more than familiaritySPONSORS:ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fiCM&F INSURANCE www.cmfgroup.com/ThePAIsIn 🎧 Listen now and ask yourself: Where am I staying out of comfort instead of alignment?Keywords: financial advisor breakup, switching financial advisors, fiduciary financial advisor, how financial advisors get paid, fee only vs commission advisor, clinician finances, money for physician assistants, trusting your gut in finances, financial education for clinicians, reclaiming agency, burnout and finances, financial planning for PAs, advanced practice provider wealth building, transparency in investing, choosing a financial advisorCONNECT ⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠ ⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝⁠LINKEDIN ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig

Dave Mittman is back—and we’re talking about what’s next for the PA profession. After 50 years in advocacy and leadership (including serving as AAPA President), Dave breaks down why the “experiment worked,” why PA modernization is the real conversation (not “scope creep”), and what changes are already reshaping our day-to-day practice.We dig into full practice and practice-level decision-making, title change momentum, why self-governance matters (hello, PA boards), and how interstate compacts could transform telemedicine and multi-state work. We also get practical: how you introduce yourself, how your clinic markets you, why your referrals should come back to you, and why the white coat conversation isn’t about vanity—it’s about clarity and credibility.If you’ve ever felt like the profession is evolving faster than your workplace policies… this episode is your roadmap.Here’s what you’ll learn:Why PA “modernization” is bigger than one policy change—and why it’s happening nowThe shift from legislation-driven rules to practice-level determination of scope and competenceWhy “scope creep” is a distraction (and what PAs are actually asking for)How title change impacts public understanding—and why waiting for laws may be unnecessaryWhat interstate compacts could unlock for telemedicine, specialty care, and accessThe professionalism pieces that matter: intros, signage, marketing, referrals, and perceptionWhy advocacy can’t be “someone else’s job” anymoreSPONSORS: CM&F INSURANCE www.cmfgroup.com/ThePAIsIn Keywords: PA modernization, physician associate, physician assistant profession future, full practice authority PAs, PA title change, PA board of medicine, PA self-governance, practice-level scope of practice, interstate compact for PAs, PA licensure compact, PA telemedicine multi-state, scope creep AMA, administrative burden PAs, PA advocacy, professional identity in healthcare, PA white coat patient perception, DMSC for PAs, PA doctorate, PA specialty competency, CAQ, PA leadership

Work–life balance isn’t a destination — it’s a feeling.And according to executive life coach Rebecca Olson, that feeling is available to you even in the chaos of practicing medicine and parenting young kids. In this powerful, paradigm-shifting conversation, we unpack why so many clinicians feel overwhelmed, what’s actually happening inside your nervous system, and how to reclaim presence in the moments that matter most.Rebecca works with ambitious working parents — especially women — who want to go all in on their careers without sacrificing the relationships and values that matter most. Her approach blends mindset, emotional regulation, intentional decision-making, and practical tools you can implement immediately.Inside this episode, we dig into:✨ What “balance” really is (and why it’s not a time-management problem)✨ Why your nervous system is running the show (and how to calm it in 30–120 seconds)✨ The transition that makes or breaks your evenings as a working parent✨ How to build boundaries that actually hold (even when it feels uncomfortable)✨ Redefining success after becoming a parentREBECCA OLSON COACHING https://www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/ DAILY KICKSTART RESOURCE https://www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/daily-kickstart SPONSORS: CM&F INSURANCE www.cmfgroup.com/ThePAIsIn Keywords: work-life balance, clinician burnout, nervous system regulation, emotional regulation tools, boundaries for clinicians, working parent mindset, Rebecca Olson coaching, PA wellness, presence practices, redefining success

This week on The PA Is In, we’re going behind the scenes of my experience with the PANRE-LA, the NCCPA’s longitudinal recertification exam. After recertifying the “old-school” way eight years ago — one long test, one long day, one giant burst of stress — I decided to try something totally different this cycle.In this episode, I’m sharing why I chose the PANRE-LA, how the experience compares to the traditional PANRE, and what it’s actually like to be four quarters into the eight-quarter process. If you’re approaching your own recertification window — or just curious about how the PANRE-LA works — this is your honest, unfiltered look at the inside of the process.Inside this episode:The biggest differences between the PANRE and the PANRE-LA (and why the 10-year cycle matters)Why I originally said no way to the PANRE-LAWhat changed my mind as a practicing PA, parent of five, and business ownerMy real-time lessons learned after completing four quartersHow to avoid unnecessary stress and set yourself up for successWhy this exam format better reflects modern clinical practiceQuarterly deadlines you need to know: March 10, June 10, Sept 10, Dec 10I’m sharing exactly how I schedule my questions, how I use (and don’t overuse) reference materials, what I’ve learned from the questions I missed, and why pacing makes the biggest difference in this process.Whether you’re a fan of the all-at-once testing experience or you want something more flexible, I hope this episode gives you clarity, peace, and a sense of what’s possible for your own recertification season.If you’ve taken — or are considering — the PANRE-LA, come tell me about your experience on LinkedIn or Instagram. I’d genuinely love to hear.SPONSORS⁠CM&F INSURANCE ⁠⁠www.cmfgroup.com/ThePAIsIn⁠ PANRE-LA review, PANRE-LA vs PANRE, PA recertification, NCCPA longitudinal exam, physician associate recertification, PA boards update, PANRE study tips, PANRE-LA experience, PA career sustainability, PA exam schedule, PANRE-LA deadlines, PA learning assessment, PA board requirements, how to prepare for PANRE-LA, PA continuing certification, NCCPA PANRE-LA tips, PA exam strategies, longitudinal assessment for PAs

This Thanksgiving, take a deep breath with me. 🍂 In this reflective episode of The PA Is In, I’m sharing a story about a quiet morning, a warm cup of apple cinnamon tea, and a moment of awe that stopped me in my tracks.We’ll unpack what awe really is — how it helps us regulate stress, reduce inflammation, and reconnect to the world around us — and how awe naturally flows into gratitude.You’ll hear about the A.W.E. Method (Attention, Wait, Exhale) from the book The Power of Awe, and learn how gratitude literally rewires your brain to recognize joy faster than fear.If you’re feeling tired, busy, or stretched thin, this episode is your permission slip to pause. To notice something beautiful. To exhale. And to let awe lead you to gratitude this season.In this episode:A real-life story about slowing down and creating space for aweThe science behind awe and its effects on stress and inflammationHow gratitude reshapes your brain for empathy and resilienceSimple ways to cultivate awe and gratitude in everyday lifeResources Mentioned:The Power of Awe by Jake Eagle & Michael Amster https://amzn.to/47mUVe3 UC Berkeley (2018) Study on Awe & Inflammation https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25603133/USC (2017) Study on Gratitude & the Brain https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2017.00599/fullListen now and take one small, sacred moment for awe this Thanksgiving.SPONSORSCM&F INSURANCE www.cmfgroup.com/ThePAIsIn ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING⁠ ⁠https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/⁠ CONNECT ⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT⁠ ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠⁠CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝⁠LINKEDIN⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠⁠🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉⁠ ⁠⁠tracybingaman.com/gig⁠Keywords: awe and gratitude, awe method, power of awe, thanksgiving reflection, pa podcast, healthcare burnout recovery, stress relief for clinicians, gratitude and neuroscience, mindfulness for PAs, PA career sustainability, the PA Is In podcast

Even on the best days in medicine, it can feel like there just aren’t enough hours to get everything done. Between charting, follow-ups, messages, and the endless stream of “urgent” things… it’s easy to lose your rhythm.In this episode, Tracy shares her favorite touchstones—small, intentional habits and micro-moments that help clinicians stay grounded, focused, and calm even in the middle of chaos.You’ll hear about the origin of the term “touchstone” (yes, it comes from testing the purity of gold!) and learn how to apply that metaphor to your day as a way to test your focus, presence, and peace.From morning momentum to mid-day resets and evening recovery, Tracy walks through simple, actionable ways to bring rhythm back to your clinical days—so you can feel less scattered and more steady, even when the day goes sideways.✨ You’ll learn:The science and symbolism behind touchstonesSimple ways to build morning momentum that lastsHow to use handwashing, breathing, and movement as energy resetsSystems for charting, batching, and time-blocking that reduce overwhelmWhy boundaries are essential for focus and sustainabilityHow to create transition rituals to leave work at work🎯 Try this: Choose one new touchstone this week—something to help you re-center during your day—and notice how it changes your energy and focus.💡 Take the Clinician Career Sustainability Quiz: Feeling pulled in every direction? Take my free quiz to see where you land on the spectrum between burnout and sustainability. 👉 tracybingaman.com/sustainabilitySPONSORSCM&F INSURANCE www.cmfgroup.com/ThePAIsIn ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING⁠ ⁠https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/⁠ CONNECT ⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT⁠ ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠⁠CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝⁠LINKEDIN⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠⁠🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉⁠ ⁠⁠tracybingaman.com/gig⁠Keywords: PA burnout recovery, clinician touchstones, stay grounded at work, PA mindfulness habits, productivity tips for healthcare providers, sustainable medicine, clinician stress management, morning routine for PAs, charting efficiency tips, how to leave work on time as a PA, daily rhythm for healthcare workers, Tracy Bingaman podcast

“It’s not if you get sued; it’s when.” That’s what one of my preceptors told me when I was in PA school. I was floored. Now that I’ve been practicing as a PA for over a decade, I’ve seen colleagues be named in lawsuits and better understand the liabilities I face in my job. This is why it’s imperative for PAs to have medical malpractice insurance. As the PA profession is modernizing, PAs have more exposure to patients, which is excellent to be able to care for more people but also opens up a greater possibility of being sued. My guest today is Will Sullivan, the executive vice president of CM&F group, a leading malpractice insurance company that has been serving PAs and other healthcare professionals for decades. In today’s episode, Will explains the nuances of different types of malpractice policies and how your premium can be determined. We also discuss whether or not you can rely solely on your employer-sponsored malpractice policy or whether you should purchase your own. As Will says in today’s episode, your license is your biggest asset as a healthcare provider. Learn how you can best protect it. SPONSORS 🏆CM&F GROUP: www.cmfgroup.com/ThePAIsInADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fiCOACHING 🎓THE PART-TIME PATHWAY⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com/pathway⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠  ⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝⁠LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.comSUPPORT THIS PODCAST 👍https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepaisin/support

Think negotiation is just about salary? Think again.In this episode, Tracy shares real-world examples of creative things clinicians have successfully negotiated — from travel stipends and flex days to protected charting time and customized schedules.You’ll learn how to think outside the paycheck, advocate for your quality of life, and finally stop waiting for permission to ask for what you need.By the end, you’ll know: ✅ What’s possible to ask for (and how to do it) ✅ How to frame your negotiation so it benefits you and your employer ✅ Why “no” isn’t failure — it’s dataAction Step:Write down three things — beyond pay — that would make your job more sustainable, fulfilling, or flexible.Download the PA Negotiation Roadmap: tracybingaman.com/roadmapThis free guide walks you step-by-step through your next negotiation.Because once you realize what’s possible… you’ll never go back to settling for less.SPONSORSCM&F INSURANCE www.cmfgroup.com/ThePAIsIn ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING⁠ ⁠https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/⁠ CONNECT ⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT⁠ ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠⁠CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝⁠LINKEDIN⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠⁠🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉⁠ ⁠⁠tracybingaman.com/gig⁠Keywords: PA salary negotiation, physician associate compensation, healthcare negotiation tips, creative compensation packages, work-life balance for PAs, clinician burnout prevention, part-time PA jobs, negotiation roadmap, non-monetary benefits, flexible scheduling for PAs

This is the final episode in our Back to Basics Money series. We’re wrapping up the series with a Q&A covering the top questions sent in by listeners. Thank you for joining us in this Back to Basics series. Feel free to go back and relisten to any episodes that you want to dig a little deeper into or that might pertain to a new stage of life you’re in. If you have any more questions beyond the ones we discuss in this episode, please reach out to us at themoneypa [@] gmail.com. If you have any other money topics you’d like us to cover in the future, let us know those, too!Sarah is a personal finance nerd who learned about finances and investing from an early age from her father and grandfather, who both spent their careers in the corporate finance world. As an adult, Sarah immersed herself in the personal finance and FIRE spheres, learning from top experts. Sarah is my personal go-to for all financial questions, and she’s here to share her knowledge with all of you!SPONSORS 🏆ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fiCONNECT WITH SARAH 👫Email: sjmvirtualsolutions@gmail.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-miller-pa-va/RESOURCES 📚Previous episodes in Back to Basics Money Series: 283: Back to Basics: Meet Sarah287: Back to Basics: What Actually IS Investing?290: Back to Basics: Traditional versus Roth - What’s the Difference?293: Back to Basics: The Best Investments for Long-Term Success296: Back to Basics: How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?311: Back to Basics: Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Savings Goals335: Back to Basics: Investing for Your Kids339: Back to Basics: How to Protect Your Wealth341: Back to Basics: Do You Really Need a Financial Advisor?COACHING 🎓THE PART-TIME PATHWAY⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com/pathway⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠  ⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝⁠LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.comSUPPORT THIS PODCAST 👍https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepaisin/support

Feeling like your paycheck is your only safety net? It’s time to change that. In this episode, Tracy Bingaman—PA, career coach, and your go-to brainstorming buddy—shares practical and creative ways to diversify your income as a clinician.From investing beyond retirement to medical surveys, teaching, consulting, and creative work like medical writing or coaching PA applicants, Tracy walks you through both active and passive income ideas that can help you build security and freedom.💡 You’ll learn:Why diversification matters (and how millionaires do it)The difference between active and passive incomeEasy entry points for clinicians looking to start smallCreative ways to leverage your medical expertiseFlexible clinical options that fund your bigger goals🎧 Plus: Tracy shares insights from real clinicians and offers a free resource packed with 48 specific ideas to help you get started.Keywords: clinician side hustles, diversify clinician income, passive income ideas for PAs, active vs passive income, medical survey companies Sermo ZoomRx InCrowd, PA preceptor stipend, healthcare consulting, medical writing CME, investing beyond 401k, physician associate side gig guide, multiple streams of income for clinicians, financial independence for PAs, how to earn extra as a PA, PA part-time income ideas, Tracy Bingaman PA podcast, The PA Is In side gig ideasSPONSORSCM&F INSURANCE www.cmfgroup.com/ThePAIsIn ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING⁠ ⁠https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/⁠ CONNECT ⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT⁠ ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠⁠CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝⁠LINKEDIN⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠⁠🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉⁠ ⁠⁠tracybingaman.com/gig⁠

There is so much noise today when it comes to nutrition. How do we know which voices to listen to? How do we know what is truly evidence-based versus bogus fads? And most importantly, how do we address nutrition with patients?Do you know what to say when a patient asks you which diet is better - carnivore or paleo? How do you support a patient in their weight loss goals with appropriate language that encourages and educates, not demeans and defeats?My dear friend Colleen Sloan is back on the podcast today to answer all these questions and more. Colleen is a Registered Dietician turned Pediatric PA who recently launched the Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course. Her course is designed for clinicians and dieticians who treat obesity in patients of any age. The course is an all inclusive, comprehensive nutrition program that includes 13 self-paced modules taught by Colleen and 11 industry-leading experts. The course also includes a Resource Vault and online community. In addition to receiving a clear roadmap on how to successfully discuss and treat obesity, you also earn 10.5 CME credits!Tune into today’s episode to learn more about the Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course as well as actionable tips you can use in clinic today when discussing obesity and nutrition with your patients. Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course (use code TRACY10 for 10% off): https://www.examroomnutrition.com/a/2148137603/dcrdFWdoSPONSORS 🏆ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fiCONNECT WITH COLLEEN 👫Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course (use code TRACY10 for 10% off): https://www.examroomnutrition.com/a/2148137603/dcrdFWdoPodcast: Exam Room Nutrition Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/examroomnutritionLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/examroomnutritionWebsite https://www.examroomnutrition.comCOACHING 🎓THE PART-TIME PATHWAY⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com/pathway⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠  ⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝⁠LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.comSUPPORT THIS PODCAST 👍https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepaisin/support