PAs Go Beyond

PA Bryan Wogen founded Lycos Medical in Colorado to provide mobile primary care services to residents of senior living communities. About 50 percent of his patients have Alzheimer’s disease or some form of dementia. For these patients, Wogen and his team provide thorough, frequent care that is centered on maintaining their patients’ humanity and dignity.

Improving quality of care for patients and advocating for equity among health professionals are seemingly two different objectives. For Jona Tanguay, MMSc, PA-C, AAHIVS, medical program lead for substance use disorder treatment at Whitman-Walker Health, the two goals go hand in hand—especially when they pertain to people who identify as LGBTQ+.

Melanie Shojinaga was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer after her first quarter in Stanford University’s PA program. After eight months of treatment, she talks about why she chose to share her journey with humor on TikTok, how her goals as a student and a future PA have changed, and her advice for other PAs that she gained from her patient experience.

Richard Dehn, MPA, PA-C, DFAAPA, is the 2024 recipient of the Eugene A. Stead Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award. As a primary care provider, educator, mentor, and prolific researcher, Dehn has made significant contributions to the PA profession.

Jasmin E. Charles, MPAS, PA-C , is the 2024 recipient of the PA of the Year Award. Dedicated to providing care in addiction and maternal fetal medicine, Charles is the co-founder and clinical director for the Substance Use and Pregnancy – Recovery, Addiction, and Dependence clinic in Utah.

Jade O. Norman, MHS, is the 2024 recipient of the PA Student of the Year Award. A PA student at Meharry Medical College, Norman is passionate about health equity and is Director of Community Engagement for the nation’s first medical concierge service for lower socioeconomic families

Leticia Bland, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C , is the 2024 recipient of the Military Service Award. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Bland volunteers her time to care for underserved communities. In her role as an educator, she helps her students learn to treat diverse populations.

Paola Gonzalez, MPAS, PA-C, is the 2024 recipient of the Diversity Award. A PA for more than 20 years, Gonzalez is passionate about helping communities who face diminished resources and healthcare disparities. She is the current president of PAs for Latino Health.