{"title":"Breast cancer screening for patients at higher-than-average risk.","authors":"Vanessa B Mitchell","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000213","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000213","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women, excluding skin cancer. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths and premature deaths in the United States. Given the latest data on breast cancer prevalence, most clinical practice guidelines recommend yearly screening with mammography for women age 40 years and older. However, some women's lifetime risk of breast cancer may be higher than average, requiring additional testing and more intensive screening. Currently, no standard approach to office-based risk assessment has been established in the United States. A woman's unidentified heightened risk can lead to missed opportunities and insufficient screening recommendations. Breast cancer risk assessment is thus critical for identifying women who are at higher-than-average risk for breast cancer and in need of a modified screening plan. This article aims to guide clinicians through assessing a woman's lifetime risk of breast cancer, identifying women at higher-than-average risk, determining which women need to be referred for genetic testing, and managing screening and counseling for patients with nonhereditary higher-than-average risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144023529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The expatriate PA.","authors":"Roderick S Hooker","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000214","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000214","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144062912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marcia Bouton, Robert McKenna, Yolanda Freeman-Hildreth, Theresa Johnson, Ryann Piotrowski, Laura Chenevert
{"title":"A pilot study of PAs in leadership: Exploring pathways, barriers, and support systems.","authors":"Marcia Bouton, Robert McKenna, Yolanda Freeman-Hildreth, Theresa Johnson, Ryann Piotrowski, Laura Chenevert","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000109","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The objectives of this study were to determine pathways, barriers, and support systems experienced by physician associates (PAs) in leadership.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Focus group interviews were conducted with 20 PA leaders. Thematic evaluation revealed inductive themes. Moderate interrater agreement was achieved.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most participants were female, White, and non-Hispanic, with 13 to 23 years of experience as a PA. Participants obtained leadership positions via training, dedication to service, and networking. Participants were motivated to pursue leadership roles by issues related to compensation, time, and autonomy. Biased perception of PA roles and corporate and legal issues were the most common barriers to achieving leadership positions. Participants recommended that PAs interested in leadership self-promote and that they embrace both altruism and a growth mindset.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PA leaders achieved leadership positions via dedication, networking, and training. Corporate, legal, and perceptual barriers exist. Employers and PA organizations can support PA leaders with training, compensation, protected time, and autonomy. Celebration of the value of PA leadership is needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144020301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluating lymphadenopathy.","authors":"Clay W Walker, Brittney Hulsey, Manuel Pompa","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000212","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000212","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Lymphadenopathy (LAD), characterized by abnormal enlargement of lymph nodes, is frequently encountered in clinical practice. Despite its prevalence, the condition's evaluation and management pose significant challenges due to its diverse etiologies, which range from benign conditions to serious malignancies. This article provides a comprehensive overview of LAD, including its etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic evaluation to aid providers, particularly physician associates (PAs), in care of these patients. Through detailed discussions and practical guidance, the article equips PAs with the necessary tools to effectively navigate the complexities of LAD.</p>","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144002330","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Year in review.","authors":"Jason Prevelige","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000217","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000217","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144003933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The PA postprofessional doctorate.","authors":"Robert E McKenna, Roderick S Hooker","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000201","DOIUrl":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000201","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>The American physician associate (PA) profession is evolving and now includes the potential for postgraduate doctorates that align with other healthcare disciplines. This educational trend is expanding: The number of PA doctoral degree programs doubled between 2022 and 2024. A census assessment of postgraduate doctoral degrees was conducted to document this movement. In 2024, we identified 28 postprofessional PA doctoral degree programs, most conferring a Doctor of Medical Science. Tuition for an online PA doctorate ranges from $15,240 to $47,880, and most programs require at least 12 months to complete. Nearly all are online and designed for working PAs. Within these 28 doctoral programs for PAs, the most common areas of study include PA education, healthcare administration, leadership, management, and several clinical and administrative concentrations. All programs are accredited by one of six federally recognized agencies. The social, professional, economic, and financial factors pertinent to a PA considering a clinical doctorate are of interest to PA graduates, educators, and social scientists.</p>","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":" ","pages":"35-41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143804596","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"CME POST-TEST.","authors":"","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000210","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000210","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":"38 5","pages":"31"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144057795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brittany Strelow, Hanna Dorff, Cole Gunneson, Wade Katula, Jeffrey Pokuta, Kao Vang, Rachel Olson, Danielle O'Laughlin
{"title":"Reducing barriers to colorectal cancer screening via at-home multitarget stool DNA tests.","authors":"Brittany Strelow, Hanna Dorff, Cole Gunneson, Wade Katula, Jeffrey Pokuta, Kao Vang, Rachel Olson, Danielle O'Laughlin","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the US, with screening rates at 65% to 70%. This quality improvement project in a Southeast Minnesota health system (SMHS) aimed to enhance CRC screening using multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA) test kit delivery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Of 13,561 eligible patients ages 45 to 75 years in the SMHS, 12,032 were offered home delivery of mt-sDNA kits through the electronic patient portal.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Within 90 days, 1,953 kits (16.2%) were returned, with 158 (8.1%) showing abnormal results, leading to colonoscopy referrals. Communication channels included the electronic portal, postal mail messages, and phone calls.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Implementing mt-sDNA screening resulted in a 4.13% adherence increase, compared with a 0.04% adherence increase without intervention. However, disparities in return rates revealed unexpected challenges in addressing racial and ethnic disparities, as White patients and native English speakers showed higher return rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":"38 5","pages":"42-43"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144057796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bloom and grow.","authors":"Ethan Stonerook","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000199","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000199","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":"38 5","pages":"50"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"What is causing continued groin pain in this basic military trainee?","authors":"Timothy J Bonjour","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000107","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000107","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":"38 5","pages":"46-48"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144033075","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}