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

What happens when the role that once fit perfectly starts feeling a little too small?

In this episode, Tracy sits down with Beth Welch, a PA whose career journey has taken her from trauma and critical care medicine into executive healthcare leadership, innovation, and systems-level impact.

Together, they explore what it feels like to step away from traditional clinical practice, navigate the identity shifts that come with career growth, and embrace opportunities that don't always fit the expected path.

They discuss:

• Why careers are more like jungle gyms than ladders

• The hidden leadership skills clinicians develop every day

• Influence without authority

• Burnout and career evolution

• The transition from bedside clinician to executive leader

• Systems thinking and healthcare innovation

• Finding purpose beyond a job title

• How clinicians can create impact at scale

Whether you're considering a non-clinical role, exploring entrepreneurship, or simply feeling called toward something bigger, this conversation offers both practical insights and permission to evolve.

Key takeaways

1. Roles Are Static. People Are Dynamic. Many clinicians experience discomfort not because they're in the wrong profession, but because they've grown beyond the role they're currently occupying.

2. PAs Are Built for Leadership Adaptability, communication, systems thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving are skills clinicians practice every day—even when they don't recognize them as leadership skills.

3. Influence Doesn't Require Authority. Some of the most impactful leaders aren't the people with the highest title—they're the people who consistently move projects, people, and ideas forward.

4. Burnout can be a Positive Catalyst For many clinicians, burnout becomes the signal that something needs to change—not necessarily medicine itself, but how they engage with it.

5. Career Paths are Rarely Linear The most fulfilling careers often look more like a jungle gym than a ladder, with lateral moves, pivots, experiments, and unexpected opportunities along the way.

You've learned how to diagnose and treat patients.

But nobody taught you how to diagnose and treat a business.

You can be clinically bored and logistically burned out at the same time.

And honestly? That combination is brutal.

In this episode, Tracy sits down with Kathryn Werner, PA-C — practice owner, telepsychiatry provider, and consultant helping clinicians launch and grow their own practices through CPAC.

Together, they unpack:

• what it actually takes to start a medical practice

• the startup costs and timelines most clinicians don’t understand

• why flexibility matters more than ever for clinician parents

• the hidden emotional realities of entrepreneurship

• boundaries inside business ownership

• how to know when it’s time to hire help

• why small practices are often able to serve patients better

• and how entrepreneurship can become a path toward sustainability instead of burnout

Kathryn shares her experience building White Pine Mental Health & Wellness from the ground up — starting lean, staying flexible, and growing intentionally over time.

This conversation is honest, practical, encouraging, and deeply relevant for clinicians who are tired of trying to force themselves to fit inside systems that no longer work.

Because maybe the answer isn’t trying harder inside a broken system.

Maybe the answer is building something better.

Resources & Links:

Have a business idea scribbled in your Notes app?

A coaching offer you can't stop thinking about?

A course, consulting business, product, podcast, or creative project that keeps tugging at your heart?

If you've ever wondered how clinicians actually make the leap into entrepreneurship, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we break down the three most common paths clinicians take when building a business:

✔️ Keeping your full-time clinical job while building on the side

✔️ Transitioning to part-time clinical work while growing your business

✔️ Leaving medicine entirely and going all-in on entrepreneurship

You'll learn the pros, cons, risks, benefits, and realities of each path—including the financial, emotional, and practical considerations most people don't talk about.

Because despite what social media may suggest, there is no single "right" way to become an entrepreneur.

The best path is the one that aligns with your goals, finances, risk tolerance, and season of life.

Key Takeaways:

• Why entrepreneurship isn't all-or-nothing

• The benefits and drawbacks of building a side hustle while working full-time

• Why part-time clinical work can create valuable entrepreneurial runway

• The truth about quitting medicine and going all-in on a business

• How financial stability impacts business growth

• Understanding your personal risk tolerance

• The importance of creating optionality in your career

• Why clinicians already possess many entrepreneurial skills

• How to determine which path fits your current life circumstances

You do not have to burn down your clinical career to build something meaningful outside of medicine.

Entrepreneurship can be strategic, intentional, and sustainable.

The goal isn't necessarily to leave medicine.

The goal is to create options.

What happens when a successful surgeon realizes the system he dedicated his life to… is simply fundamentally broken?

Join Dr. Joe Pazona for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, entrepreneurship, healthcare innovation, and what it really looks like to walk away from traditional clinical medicine without leaving patient care.

What if the biggest mistake clinician entrepreneurs make… happens before they ever launch?

In this episode, Tracy sits down with entrepreneur, consultant, and former dermatology PA Kasey D'Amato for a masterclass in entrepreneurship, burnout, business strategy, and building something viable outside clinical medicine.

Kasey shares how she went from practicing dermatology in Los Angeles while managing celebrity patients and leading a medical practice to building and exiting a global skincare company after raising millions in capital! Now a consultant and advisor to companies managing $10-$100M a year, Kasey is an expert in how to focus your time, validate your ideas, and avoid the most common mistakes that kill businesses. 

Together, Tracy and Kasey unpack:

• Why most entrepreneurs build before validating demand

• The difference between owning a business and owning your job

• Why clinicians struggle with sales and marketing

• The myth of “freedom entrepreneurship”

• How to know if your idea actually has market potential

• The importance of building with the end in mind

• Why mentorship and community matter more than “doing it all yourself”

• The emotional intelligence entrepreneurship forces you to develop

This conversation is honest, strategic, and packed with practical advice for clinicians dreaming about creating income, impact, and flexibility beyond the exam room.

You'll learn:

• Why “if you build it, they will come” is terrible business advice

• The difference between a solopreneur and a scalable business

• How to validate an idea before wasting time and money

• Why your exit strategy matters from day one

• The hidden emotional cost of entrepreneurship

• How clinicians can leverage their skills outside medicine

• The role mentorship plays in entrepreneurial success

• Why failure is often the fastest path to growth

Links:

If your business feels chaotic, scattered, or like it’s draining more energy than it gives back… this episode is your diagnosis.

In Episode 370, Tracy breaks down one of the most common (and most overlooked) problems in small business: a lack of a clear, compelling treatment plan. Using clinical frameworks like SOAP notes and real patient examples, she shows you why your business might not be broken—it might just be lacking leadership direction.

You’ll walk away with a simple, actionable framework to create a business on a mission—one that drives revenue, aligns your decisions, and actually moves you forward.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why most businesses feel busy but don’t grow

• The 3 non-negotiable elements of a business “treatment plan”

• How to create narrative traction that drives action

• Why revenue and impact are not in conflict (and why income comes first)

• The exact formula to build your own mission-driven plan

Your action step: Write your Treatment Plan using this formula: 👉 We will accomplish A, B, and C by D because of E.

Resources & Next Steps:

If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be more than just working more shifts to make more money…” — this episode is going to open your eyes.

In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Christopher Cannell, PA-C, who shares how he transitioned from full-time clinical work into a flexible, high-income career combining academia, consulting, and entrepreneurship. What started as a single opportunity turned into a thriving medical legal consulting business—one that allows him to work less clinically, earn more, and take back control of his time.

We break down what medical legal consulting actually looks like, how to get started (even without a doctorate), and why this path might be one of the most aligned, ethical, and financially rewarding ways to use your clinical expertise outside traditional practice.

• What medical legal consulting actually is (and what you’d do)

• How expert witness work and case review really get paid

• Why you don’t need another degree to get started

• The balance between clinical work and consulting

• How to build income without burnout or overtime

• Why networking (not social media) is your biggest growth lever

• The mindset shift from employee → entrepreneur

• How this work can actually make you a better clinician

Keywords: medical legal consulting for PAs, expert witness physician assistant, PA side hustle ideas, healthcare consulting income, non clinical careers for physician assistants, medical expert witness jobs, PA entrepreneurship, healthcare side income ideas, physician assistant consulting business, legal nurse consultant alternative, make money as a PA outside clinic, clinician entrepreneurship, work from home healthcare jobs, PA career flexibility, burnout alternatives for clinicians, healthcare side gigs high income

SPONSORS:

Goals Aren’t Enough—Your Business Needs a Plan

You’ve been told to set goals—big ones. Write them down. Visualize them. Work harder toward them. But here’s the problem: most goals are too vague to actually drive action. “Help more people.” “Make a difference.” “Grow the business.” They sound good, but they don’t tell you what to do on a random Tuesday night when you finally sit down to work. And that’s exactly why so many businesses stall.

If your business feels busy but not profitable, scattered instead of strategic, or exhausting instead of energizing—it’s not a motivation problem. It’s a clarity problem. Inside this episode, I break down what’s actually missing: a clear, specific, and compelling treatment plan for your business. Because just like in medicine, “feel better soon” isn’t a plan—and it won’t get results.

A real business treatment plan creates direction, urgency, and momentum. It helps you stop guessing, stop spinning your wheels, and start making intentional moves that lead to revenue and impact. And the best part? You already know how to do this—you’ve just been applying it to patients instead of your business.

• Why vague goals quietly kill small businesses

• The difference between being busy and being profitable

• How clinicians accidentally “wing it” in business

• The concept of narrative traction (and why it drives action)

• Why your business feels scattered, reactive, and draining

• The 3-part framework for building a business treatment plan:

• ✔ Three specific economic outcomes

• ✔ A clear deadline

• ✔ A compelling reason why it matters

• Why “impact without revenue is a hobby”

• How to create urgency that actually moves your business forward

• A real-life example (yes… including a $430 baseball bat ⚾)

Inside the Clinician Entrepreneur Collective, we take your clinical brain and apply it to business—so you can build something that creates income, impact, and freedom.

If your business feels like a side hustle you squeeze into the cracks of your life… This is your invitation to do it differently.

Join the waitlist: www.tracybingaman.com/waitlistNext cohort starts June 1, 2026

SPONSORS:

What happens when you leave a stable, six-figure clinical career… to build something of your own?

In this episode I sit down with returning guest Kate Johnston—former PA turned full-time coach and entrepreneur—to talk about what it actually looks like to walk away from medicine and build a business from the ground up.

And spoiler: it’s not “build it and they will come.” 

We dive into the real, unfiltered lessons from Kate’s first years in business—from the identity crisis of no longer being “a PA” to the surprising skills no one tells you you’ll need (hello, marketing and sales).

We also talk about:

• Why changing jobs doesn’t fix burnout (and what actually does)

• The difference between treating symptoms vs solving root problems (in both healthcare and business)

• How niching down transformed her business (and why it feels scary but works)

• The biggest mistake she made when starting—and what she’d do differently

• Why “protecting your revenue” might be the smartest move you make

• The mindset shift that helped her reclaim her self-worth outside of medicine

Plus, Kate shares how she helps women in healthcare break free from emotional eating and build a healthier relationship with food—without relying on willpower or quick fixes.

This episode is for the clinician who’s thinking:  “There has to be another way.”

Because there is. But it’s not what Instagram told you.

Want Help Building Your Own Income Stream?

If you’re sitting there thinking:

“Okay… but what would my version of this look like?”

I’ve got you.

She didn’t have a business plan.She didn’t have a website.She didn’t even know what a virtual assistant was.

But one “yes” turned into a flexible side business bringing in $10–15K/year—while working part-time nights in the ICU and raising a family.

After going part-time, Sarah wanted a small income buffer.She tried a few ideas… and then an opportunity landed in her inbox:

“Want to be my VA?”

She said yes—and figured it out as she went.

Now she:

• Supports entrepreneurs behind the scenes

• Works ~10–15 hours/month per client

• Earns ~$10–15K/year

• Has almost zero overhead

• You don’t need a perfect plan—just a starting point

• Your clinical skills translate more than you think

• Relationships—not sales—build businesses

• Small side income can create massive flexibility

If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be another way…”

This episode shows you one.

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” matters

• How loan caps could limit access to PA school

• Who will be most affected — and why that matters for patient care

• The link between education access and clinician shortages

• How individual clinicians can influence policy (yes, you)

• Real steps you can take today to advocate for the profession

If 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:

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 says

• How changes to federal student loan eligibility could limit PA education access

• Why fewer PA students = fewer clinicians = longer wait times + more burnout

• What the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) is doing

• How YOU can take action in less than 10 minutes

This is advocacy in action. And it matters.

The Plan:

Insulin Resistance, Fertility, and Taking Your Health Back

Insulin 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 balance
• Why A1C can be normal — and problems still exist
• The “protein + fiber first” strategy
• How stress worsens blood sugar regulation
• When CGMs can be helpful (even without diabetes)
• Small, sustainable changes that actually work
• Why women must stop putting their health last

Timestamps:

[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 Her

Connect with Chelsea:

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 taught

• How your real legacy lives outside the hospital or clinic

• Why medicine is an Ironman, not a sprint

• Burnout as a chronic condition—not a personal failure

• The power of mentorship, sponsorship, and turning around to help others

• Negotiation as a skill we were never taught—but desperately need

• Why part-time practice still counts

• And 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.

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 strategies

• How to advocate for higher base pay, clearer bonus metrics, and better schedules

• When commission-based or productivity pay can work in your favor

• How to diversify income with side gigs that don’t require more shifts

• Real-world examples of paid surveys, advisory panels, remote work, and flexible clinical roles

• Why strategic job changes often lead to the biggest pay jumps — and how to negotiate them properly

• What to negotiate beyond salary (spoiler: it’s not just money)

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.

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 perfectionism

Annie 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 professionals

SPONSORS:

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:

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 anymore
• Why “just trust me” is not education — in medicine or money
• How using ChatGPT helped remove the emotional labor of writing a hard email
• The striking parallels between financial advising and clinical burnout
• What good financial advisory support should actually look like
• Why understanding fiduciary responsibility matters more than most people realize
• How reclaiming agency in your finances mirrors reclaiming agency in your career

Key takeaways:

• You deserve to understand how your advisor is paid
• Transparency is non-negotiable
• Your advisor should be a teacher and partner
• Your intuition is data — listen to it
• You are allowed to outgrow long-standing relationships

Alignment matters more than familiarity
SPONSORS:

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 now

• The shift from legislation-driven rules to practice-level determination of scope and competence

• Why “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 unnecessary

• What interstate compacts could unlock for telemedicine, specialty care, and access

• The professionalism pieces that matter: intros, signage, marketing, referrals, and perception

• Why advocacy can’t be “someone else’s job” anymoreSPONSORS: 

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 parent

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-LA

• What changed my mind as a practicing PA, parent of five, and business owner

• My real-time lessons learned after completing four quarters

• How to avoid unnecessary stress and set yourself up for success

• Why this exam format better reflects modern clinical practice

• Quarterly deadlines you need to know: March 10, June 10, Sept 10, Dec 10
  

I’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.

SPONSORS

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 awe

• The science behind awe and its effects on stress and inflammation

• How gratitude reshapes your brain for empathy and resilience

• Simple ways to cultivate awe and gratitude in everyday life
  

Resources Mentioned:

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 touchstones

• Simple ways to build morning momentum that lasts

• How to use handwashing, breathing, and movement as energy resets

• Systems for charting, batching, and time-blocking that reduce overwhelm

• Why boundaries are essential for focus and sustainability

• How 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.

“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. 

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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 data

Action Step:Write down three things — beyond pay — that would make your job more sustainable, fulfilling, or flexible.

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!

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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 income

• Easy entry points for clinicians looking to start small

• Creative ways to leverage your medical expertise

• Flexible 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 ideasSPONSORS

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?

Have you ever opened a CT scan, MRI, or X-ray… and felt that wave of uh-oh? That moment of self-doubt when you’re not 100% sure what you’re looking at? You’re not alone—and today’s episode is for you.

In this episode, Tracy introduces you to Guardian Lite, an interactive, case-based CME platform that helps clinicians build real imaging confidence. Whether you’re a new grad or stepping into a new specialty, Guardian Lite helps you see it, know it, and catch it before it matters most in real life.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• 🎯 How Guardian Lite makes imaging approachable, interactive, and actually fun

• 🧠 Why toggling CT, MRI, and ultrasound findings builds diagnostic confidence

• 🩻 The benefits of reviewing real-world imaging cases with context and teaching points

• 💡 How to earn CME while sharpening your clinical skills

• 💻 A behind-the-scenes look at what makes Guardian Lite different from other CME platforms

Whether you’re brushing up on your imaging skills or want to feel more confident interpreting studies on shift, Guardian Lite helps you learn smarter—not harder.

So many PAs reach out to me asking about how to transition from a clinical career to non-clinical. There are lots of options and pathways out there, and today I’m excited to have my dear friend, Courtney Titus, share her story of creating her own non-clinical career. 

Courtney is a Pediatric ER PA turned Director of a Pediatric Clinical Pathways program that she built herself! Tune into today’s episode as Courtney shares the nitty gritty on how she created a non-clinical career. She keeps it real by sharing both the good and the bad of building her current role. Stay tuned to the end of the episode where Courtney shares actionable tips on how other PAs can also move into non-clinical careers. 

My biggest takeaway from today’s conversation with Courtney - follow the path of joy. What brings you joy and fulfillment, both personally and professionally? Get crystal clear on that vision and then you can create your own pathway to achieve that joy.

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In this episode we cover the sneaky phenomenon of golden handcuffs in healthcare—those perks, paychecks, and benefits that look incredible on paper but can leave you feeling stuck in a job that no longer serves you.

Whether it’s a schedule you fought hard for, the lure of student loan forgiveness, or the prestige of working at a big-name institution, these “benefits” can sometimes act more like shackles than steppingstones. Tracy breaks down:

• What golden handcuffs are and how they show up in medicine.

• How to assess your situation—mild, moderate, or severe.

• The sustainability question: is it worth staying for loan forgiveness, or is the cost too high?

• Practical strategies to pad your safety net, identify what you truly value, and start building an escape plan.

• Real-life inspiration from clinicians who’ve made bold pivots toward more fulfilling careers.
  

If you’ve ever felt trapped by the very perks that were supposed to keep you happy, this episode is for you.

👉 Tune in and learn how to spot the shiny shackles, assess their hold, and start moving toward a career that feels like freedom.

Keywords: golden handcuffs healthcare, PA career advice, breaking free from golden handcuffs, student loan forgiveness PA, healthcare career sustainability, toxic work culture medicine, physician associate negotiation tips, PA burnout solutions, healthcare perks vs. traps, prestige in medicine careers, PA schedule benefits, PA salary trade-offs, healthcare provider career pivot, recognizing burnout in clinicians, thriving in medicine

Survey Side Hustle Showdown: Real Reviews of Sermo, ZoomRx & More

As we continue our Back to Basics Money series, Sarah and I discuss whether or not you really need a financial advisor. That’s one big difference between us - I have a financial advisor, and Sarah does not. 

What are the pros and cons of a financial advisor? How do you know if and when you need one? What should you look for when hiring a financial advisor? And what are red flags you need to be wary of?

We discuss all that and more on today’s episode! Press play and let me know what you think - will you be hiring an advisor or taking a more DIY approach?

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 🏆

TELEHEALTH RECRUITING WITH BRI REITZNER : 

This summer, I took on one of the biggest physical and mental challenges of my life: my very first Ironman 70.3. That’s 1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of biking, and a 13.1-mile run—all in a single day.

In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m sharing the full story—what training really looked like while balancing work, family, and life, how I approached fueling for endurance (and what I’d do differently), and what it felt like to stand on the starting line of an Ironman event for the first time.

There were high points, low points, lessons learned, and a finish line that I’ll never forget. Whether you’re a fellow endurance athlete, someone curious about triathlons, or just looking for inspiration to take on your own “big scary thing,” this episode is a real and honest look at what it takes to prepare for and complete a half Ironman.

We’ve all heard the saying, “The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is today.” And wow, do I feel that one deeply.

In this episode of The PA Is In, I’m sharing 10 things I wish I had started 10 years ago. Some are professional — like learning to negotiate and tracking my value from day one. Others are personal — like learning to rest as a practice instead of a reward, or seeing food as fuel.

From career missteps to life lessons, I’ll walk you through each of the 10 things, the cringe-worthy mistakes I made along the way, and the takeaways you can apply today.

👉 Whether you’re a new grad just starting out or a seasoned provider looking to reset, this episode will give you both inspiration and action steps to make your future self proud.

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TELEHEALTH RECRUITING WITH BRI REITZNER : 

EMAIL: ⁠BRIREITZNER@GMAIL.COM⁠

TEXT: 417-616-1972

It’s that time of year—fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, new shoes, and the bittersweet reality of sending little ones back to school. 🍎

In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what life looks like in our house as the school year kicks off. From navigating morning routines with multiple kids to the feeling of a clean slate September brings, I’m reflecting on both the challenges and the opportunities this season holds.

Back-to-school isn’t just for the kids—it’s an invitation for us as parents, professionals, and people to start fresh. It’s a chance to try again, to reset rhythms, and to take stock of what’s working (and what’s not).

If you’ve been craving a reminder that you can always begin again—and that even amidst the chaos of drop-offs, lunchboxes, and permission slips—there’s joy in the reset, this episode is for you.

Back to Basics is back! My recurring guest, Sarah Miller, is on the show today to discuss all things insurance. Throughout this series, we’ve talked about all the ways to grow your money through investing and saving. But how do you protect this money while you’re accumulating your wealth? The answer - insurance. 

In today’s episode, we talk about all types of insurance. From home & auto to health to life to umbrella and more. Have you wondered the difference between term life insurance and whole life insurance? Which one is right for you? We cover it all!

Sarah & I also discuss disability insurance and malpractice insurance, which are very important for healthcare providers to consider when looking at insurance coverage. 

Press play to learn everything you need to know about insurances so that you can protect your wealth and assets. 

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 🏆

TELEHEALTH RECRUITING WITH BRI REITZNER : 

In this episode of The PA Is In, Tracy Bingaman breaks down six surprising and game-changing features of Sermo, a clinician-only community designed specifically for APPs (PAs and NPs). From building real connections across the globe, to earning thousands through surveys, to engaging in raw and validating discussions with peers—you’ll hear exactly how Sermo is offering more than just another networking app. Tune in to find out how it supports collaboration, connection, learning, and even cash flow for busy clinicians like you.

As women, and especially as moms, we constantly have overwhelm, stress, and anxiety. In addition to the stress of being a modern mom, we also have monthly hormonal changes that add additional physical and emotional symptoms.

We’re told that our physical complaints, changing moods, feelings of overwhelm, and increasing stress are “normal.” We’re told to just learn to live with them. 

But what if there’s a different way? What if we can actually learn to live in tune with our bodies? What if there’s a way to reclaim your life and your energy?

My guest, Amy Dave, is here to teach us about that way! Amy has been a PA for over 24 years and is also a Women's Wellness Coach specializing in helping moms sync their daily habits with their monthly cycles so that they can have increased energy, efficiency, and empowerment.

In today’s episode, Amy explains the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle and how to incorporate cycle synching into your life. She explains that cycle synching is an intuitive way of living in connection with your body. By adjusting your diet and exercise to be in tune with each phase of your cycle, you can eliminate the stress, overwhelm, and frustration that sometimes control your life. 

Tune in to learn how small changes can have a big effect on creating a more empowered, energetic life. 

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TELEHEALTH RECRUITING WITH BRI REITZNER : 

You’ve said it. I’ve said it. “I just need a vacation.”

But here’s the hard truth: summer vacation isn’t going to cure your burnout. In this episode of The PA Is In, we break down why time off only hits pause—not reset—on deep systemic burnout. You’ll learn:

• The difference between being tired and being burned out

• Why boundaries matter more than beach chairs

• Restorative practices that actually work

• How to find clarity on your “enough” point

• Micro-changes that create sustainable recovery
  

As parents, we want to set our kids up for success. We want them to teach them how to be wonderful humans and responsible citizens with careers they enjoy and lives they love. We want to provide our children excellent educations, whether that involves college or trade school, and be able to successfully join the workforce as they become adults. But how do we do this? Saving for college can be an overwhelming thought. 

Beyond education, many parents also want to provide a nest egg for their children that can be used for weddings, mortgage down payments, starting a business or more. 

How do we set our children up for financial success? My financial guru, Sarah Miller, is back to answer all these questions and more. In today’s episode, Sarah and I discuss teaching your children about money and finances starting at a very early age. We also get into the details of investing vehicles, including 529s, UTMAs, UGMAs, and taxable brokerage accounts. 

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 🏆

TELEHEALTH RECRUITING WITH BRI REITZNER : 

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) was signed into law—and it's about to change everything for clinicians, patients, and healthcare systems across the country.

In this episode of The PA Is In, host Tracy Bingaman, PA-C and clinician career coach, breaks down the OBBB from a provider's perspective—not as a politician or policy analyst, but as someone living the reality of frontline care.

We’ll unpack:

• What the OBBB is and why it matters

• When major changes roll out (starting Jan 2026!)

• 5 key impacts on clinicians, from Medicaid cuts to Medicare drug price negotiations

• Why rural hospitals and safety-net systems are especially vulnerable

• What you can do—today—to stay informed and advocate for your patients and your profession
  

You deserve to understand the system you’re working in—and how it’s changing around you. Tune in now to get clear, stay equipped, and be part of the conversation.

Link to Advocacy Episode: 

Welcome to medicine, new graduate — and welcome to this powerful episode of The PA Is In. Tracy Bingaman shares an open letter filled with hard-earned wisdom, heartfelt encouragement, and truth-telling advice for those just beginning their journey in healthcare.

From learning to negotiate and setting boundaries, to avoiding burnout and defining your own version of success, this episode is a rallying cry for new grads to challenge the status quo. Whether you're starting your first job or mentoring someone who is, this message is a must-hear for anyone in healthcare today.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What she wishes someone told her when she started

• The real cost of buying into hustle culture

• How to redefine success on your terms

• Financial advice no one gave you in PA school

• Why negotiation isn’t optional — it’s essential

🎧 Tune in to feel seen, supported, and fired up to do healthcare differently.

So many PAs and NPs are ready to make the transition away from clinical medicine. Whether they are burned out, looking for a change or searching for more leadership roles with a greater impact, healthcare providers are moving to nonclinical roles. 

My guest today, Laura Sweatman, is a PA who did just that! In today’s episode, Laura explains just what exactly an MSL is and what she does on a day to day basis. Laura dives into the nitty gritty of how she made the transition into industry, including the hurdles she overcame to get her first MSL interview. She also lays out the specific skills PAs and NPs use daily in clinic that can be translated and leveraged into an MSL role. 

Tune in to hear the pros & cons of being an MSL and some tips & tricks on applying and interviewing. Could working in industry as an MSL be the right role for you? This episode will give you lots to contemplate as you consider making a career change. 

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TELEHEALTH RECRUITING WITH BRI REITZNER : 

This episode is for any healthcare provider who is currently burned out or who is struggling with the beginning stages of burnout. Are you feeling cynical about your job, exhausted, or feel a lack of purpose in your work?

Dr. Emma Jones is here to discuss how to recognize burnout and how to make changes so that you can create a fulfilling, healthy life with a career that feels sustainable and soul-aligned. 

In today’s episode, Dr. Jones discusses strategies and gives actionable tips on setting boundaries, harnessing your powers to work FOR you instead of against you, and designing a life you love. Dr. Jones helps healthcare professionals overcome burnout so they can stay in the careers they were meant to do. 

Tune in for an incredible discussion on how to protect your energy, reclaim your peace, and find a way to work that is sustainable.

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TELEHEALTH RECRUITING WITH BRI REITZNER : 

You can’t eliminate every stressor—but you can teach your body it’s safe.

In this episode of The PA Is In, Tracy Bingaman, PA-C and clinician career coach, breaks down the difference between stress and stressors—and walks you through science-backed ways to complete the stress cycle so it doesn’t wreck your body, your joy, or your career.

🔥 You’ll learn:

• What happens inside your body during the stress response
  

• Why finishing your charting doesn’t mean you’ve “processed” the stress
  

• 7+ practical ways to complete the stress cycle, from movement and breathwork to crying, laughing, and creativity
  

• How to shift from survival mode into true restoration
  

This isn’t fluff—it’s functional. And it’s a must-listen for any healthcare provider carrying stress like a second stethoscope.

🎧 Press play and start reclaiming your nervous system one breath, laugh, or dance party at a time.