PAs and medical podcasts: Utilization, perceptions, and impact on practice.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine medical podcast utilization among physician associates (PAs), including factors associated with use such as perceived barriers, motivations for engagement, and demographics.

Methods: An anonymous survey assessing medical podcast use was included as an optional module in the 2025 American Academy of Physician Associates PA Practice Survey during its May and June fielding periods.

Results: Of the 596 PAs who completed the survey, 359 (60.2%) reported listening to medical podcasts. Male PAs were more likely to listen than female PAs (68.8% vs 58.9%; p < .05). Greater years of clinical experience were associated with decreased likelihood to listen (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.97). Cost-related concerns were associated with lower use (OR 0.57; 95% CI, 0.36-0.92), though some barriers correlated with increased likelihood to report listening. Respondents identified staying current with medical advances, professional development, and support for clinical decision-making as key benefits of podcast use.

Conclusion: These findings are the first to describe medical podcast engagement within the PA profession, demonstrating that PAs, especially those who are earlier in their careers, commonly use this medium as a tool for professional development. Future research should examine the effects of podcast use on knowledge retention, certification performance, and clinical outcomes.