Podcast by Eileen Ravella & Troy Bender
The PA Playbook
Practical Advice for Physician Associates. We discuss smart strategies for PA practice, legislative updates, leadership and advocacy and making the most of your career.
The PA Playbook
Latest episodes
03 August 2026
Sarcopenia: The Silent Epidemic of Muscle Loss and Aging, What Every PA Should Know.
Sarcopenia is one of the most common—and least recognized—conditions affecting older adults. Beginning as early as our 30s, we gradually lose muscle mass and strength, increasing the risk of falls, fractures, frailty, hospitalization, disability, and loss of independence.
In this episode of PA Playbook, host Eileen Ravella, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA I sit down with Dr. Stephanie Frentzel PA-C to discuss why sarcopenia has become one of the most important yet under-diagnosed conditions facing today’s healthcare providers.
Together we explore the latest evidence on screening, diagnosis, nutrition, resistance training, and emerging therapies that can help patients preserve strength and maintain independence throughout life.
Whether you practice primary care, emergency medicine, orthopedics, geriatrics, palliative care, or another specialty, you’ll leave this episode with practical, evidence-based strategies you can begin using with your patients immediately.
Host: Eileen Ravella, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA
Guest: PA Dr Stephanie Frentzel, DMSc
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52:07
23 July 2026
Health Equity in Focus: Endometriosis, Preeclampsia, & Black Maternal Outcomes
Emerging research suggests that endometriosis is more than a chronic gynecologic condition—it may also increase the risk of serious pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and eclampsia. In this episode of PA Playbook, we examine the intersection of endometriosis, maternal health, and racial disparities, with a focus on the disproportionate impact on Black women. We discuss why endometriosis is often under-diagnosed and under-treated in Black patients, how delayed diagnosis may contribute to poorer pregnancy outcomes, and what clinicians can do to recognize risk earlier. Join us for an evidence-based conversation on improving awareness, advancing equitable care, and reducing preventable maternal morbidity and mortality.
Host: Eileen Ravella
Guest: Calbeth Alaribe
Research:
Alaribe, C. C., & Sapre, K. D. (2026). Association between preeclampsia and eclampsia in Black women with endometriosis: A scoping review. BMC Public Health, 26, Article 1953.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-27739-w
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54:44
23 July 2026
Leadership Through Advocacy: A Conversation With Dr. David Mittman
Join PA Playbook hosts Eileen Ravella, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, and Troy Bender, DMSc, PA-C, as they welcome Dr. David Mittman, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, one of the profession's most respected leaders in physician associate advocacy and leadership.
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Mittman shares lessons from decades of advancing the PA profession, discussing leadership, legislative advocacy, professional identity, and the importance of shaping the future of healthcare. From navigating challenges in scope of practice to mentoring the next generation of PAs, this episode provides practical insights and inspiration for clinicians at every stage of their careers.
Whether you're an experienced PA, a new graduate, or a PA student, you'll come away with strategies to become a stronger advocate, more effective leader, and influential voice for the profession.
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56:45
17 July 2026
Palliative Care PAs: Heros In Medicine
What does it really mean to provide compassionate care when a cure is no longer possible? In this episode of PA Playbook, hosts Eileen Ravella, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, and Troy Bender, DMSc, PA-C, welcome Tracey Piparo, PA-C, an experienced palliative care physician associate, for an insightful conversation about the vital role PAs play in improving quality of life for patients with serious illness.
Together, they explore the principles of palliative care, dispel common misconceptions, discuss symptom management, communication with patients and families, and the growing need for palliative care providers in today's healthcare system. Whether you practice in primary care, emergency medicine, hospital medicine, or a specialty setting, this episode offers practical insights to help clinicians recognize when palliative care can make a meaningful difference.
Join us as we highlight the compassion, expertise, and leadership of PAs who help patients live as well as possible at every stage of serious illness.
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53:50
29 June 2026
A Good Death: Lessons From a Palliative Care Chaplain
How does a palliative care Hospice chaplain bridge End Of Life discussion between family patient and providers?
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49:46
26 June 2026
Developing Leadership Skills: Are We Ever Done?
From perception to practice, another dive into leadership strategies for growth minded PAs and more!
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55:42