Catalysts & Conduits: Understanding the Increase in Black PA Applicants

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

3:00 PM – 3:50 PM East Coast USA Time

Location: Scarlet Oak (Mezzanine Level)

CMEs: 0.75

Co-Authors: Donna Murray, DMSc, MS, PA-C – Adjunct Assistant Professor, Morehouse School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program

Primary Speaker(s)

MY

Menerva Yole-Lobe, MPAS, PA-C (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor
University of Utah PA Program
Salt Lake City, Utah

Slides

Co-Speaker(s)

JC

Jasmine Cofield, MS, PA-C (she/her/hers)

Executive Director
Physician Assistants of Color
Flint, Michigan
SL

Samora C. Lungu, MPAS, PA-C

Director of Planning and Development
Physician Assistants of Color
Kathryn Reed, MS, PA-C (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor and Vice Chair for Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement
University of Pittsburgh Department of PA Studies
Charleston, South Carolina

Disclosure(s):

Menerva Yole-Lobe, MPAS, PA-C: No financial relationships to disclose

Jasmine Cofield, MS, PA-C: No financial relationships to disclose

Samora C. Lungu, MPAS, PA-C: No financial relationships to disclose

Kathryn Reed, MS, PA-C: No financial relationships to disclose

Description: A 69 percent increase in the number of Black PA applicants is a noteworthy achievement. However, In this session, we identify catalysts and conduits of Black PA applicant growth, including online mentorship, outreach initiatives, and decreasing financial barriers. We explore how these benefits can be extrapolated other underrepresented groups.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss the longitudinal data around the increase of Black PA school applicants. Examine Social Media/Online platforms as a tool for connecting Black applicants with mentors and PA programs
Identify drivers, catalysts, and conduits for the increased number of Black PA applicants through online platforms
Explore the next steps in converting the number of applicants to matriculants and PA professionals