PA
BUTLER UNIVERSITY
ALUMNI CONNECTION
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT MAGAZINE
PROGRAM DIRECTOR’S WELCOME
Dear Butler PA Alumni,
What an exciting year it has been for the Butler University Physician Assistant Program! I’m thrilled to share a few highlights that reflect the continued excellence and growth of our program.
Starting with some big news—the University recently announced that beginning in the 2026–27 academic year, our college will take on a new name: the College of Health Professions. This change better captures the wide range of disciplines within our college and our shared focus on preparing future healthcare leaders.
We’re also celebrating our highest national ranking ever: 14th in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report! This recognition speaks to the quality of our program, the dedication of our faculty, and the outstanding reputation our graduates have built in the profession.
Adding to the excitement, two of our faculty received national awards from the Physician Assistant Education Association this year. Earning even one is a tremendous honor—but two in the same year truly showcases the innovation and excellence happening here at Butler (more details on p. 8).
And, as always, I want to thank you, our alumni. You make a difference every day as preceptors, volunteers, mentors, and leaders. You represent Butler with professionalism, compassion, and pride, inspiring the next generation of PAs to follow in your footsteps.
With gratitude,
Betsy Schmidt, DMS, PA-C ’99
Associate Professor Department of PA Studies, Chair PA Program Director
BUTLER UNIVERSITY
CONNECTION
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT MAGAZINE
page 4
CONGRATULATIONS MPAS CLASS of 2025
page 5
DOCTOR of MEDICAL SCIENCE GRADUATES
page 11
CLASS of 2005 GRADUATE HIGHLIGHTS
pages 12-15
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS
page 17
WELCOME CLASS of 2027
page 25
BUTLER LAUNCHES BSN PROGRAM
pages 26-27
FACULTY, ALUMNI, and STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
We would also like to congratulate the graduates of the Doctor of Medical Science Program (DMS) and DMS-Bridge Program!
DMS Graduates (since 2024 publication)
Mari Adams
Samantha Arcediano
Rebecca Arnold
Jessica Azcarate
Julia Behr
Khanu Julie Kimpel Kasandra Kister
Butler University Indianapolis, Indiana
Master of Physician Assistant Studies 2025
Ben Aleckson
Alyssa Anderson
Will Andre
Daniel Antis
Gillian Athey
Franklin Baker
Tyisha Barrett
Tiffany Bell
Hillary Birago
Nicholas Blakely
Bond Brewster
Peyton Bruce
Samantha Buragas
Kline Lauren Koehring
Kossey Jessica LaVoise Alexandria Lawson
Kayla Brown
Bradley Burkhart
Stefanie Carone
Timothy Cheves
Colette Marie Clayton
Ally Doxey
Marshae Cappaninee
Emily Carroll
Bianca Chihuahua
Sarah Christensen
Annika Chryssos
Kendra Clingerman
Magistre-Legend
Stacy Edgar
Rachael Ferguson
Kelley Fliehler
Molly Frankum
Albert Gambino
Annie Geary
Stacie Gopal
Georgia Coffman
Andrew Cohn
Michael Collings
Whitney Cooley
Amanda Coy
Hannah Cvelbar
Prisma Davalos
Malek Samantha Masyr William McCall Leah Meuter Corrine Miller Natalie Miller
Ming Ashley Moyo Madison Murphy
Muscatello
Tiffany Heywood
Sara Hughes
Janelle Kalle
Caitlin Kamplain
Lisa Kieser
Michael Lewis
Payton Davis
Emily Eaton
Payton Eberling
Danna Emile
Amanda Enzensperger
Alison Erman
Alison Fancher
Nelson Molly Nixon Omar Núñez Nataly Osorio
Paquet William Platt Tylie Polatis
Rangel
Joseph Mascenik
Matthew Morrow
Kerri Murphy
Leslie Ogilvy
Bryan Parkinson
Greg Petty
Amanda Pimentel
Muhamed Faour
Patrice Farquharson
Juliana Feeney
Marily Flores
Gianna Florez
Kyle Fowler
Ritchie
Robinson
Ruether
Scarnewman
Siegle
Jeannie Piparo
Danielle Richards
Leslie Rohaidy
Michelle Ros
Reno Russell
Elizabeth “Liz” Sherman
Brandon Sue
Lauren Frank
Tyson Frantz
Siman
Smith
Sohn Lauren Spangler
Sweed Tara Tallon
GRADUATES CONGRATULATIONS
Michael Thompson
Marcus Wheeler
Corey Whitlock
Trish Wozniak
Ashley Yoder
Andie Young
Nadia Younus
DMS Bridge Graduates (since 2024 publication)
Lauren Accor
Nolan Ahearn
Madeline Aldrich
Francisco Arabia
Ava (Carlie) Fugate Rachel Geller Heather Gerrish Natalie Graf Kurt Hardy Megan Harms Adrienne Hearrell
Hicks Tori Hildebranski Nina (Nicole) Hilt Heather Hoffmeyer
Hollister Matthew Huff
Iyoha Michelle Jakoby
Jenkins
Jenkins
Judd
Kawahara
Tama Bailey Thompson
Tuley
Vazquez Allyson Vermette
Eliana Ward-Lev
Abigail Watts Shanita Whetstone Candice Wyatt
Annalyn Ynostroza Kaleigh Zehr Mark Ziegler
Pi Alpha is the national PA honor society organized for the promotion and recognition of PA students, faculty, alumni, and honorary members. Membership signifies the significant academic achievements of inductees and honors them for their leadership, research, community/ professional service, and other related activities. The society also encourages a high standard of character and conduct among students, faculty, alumni, and honorary members.
Congratulations to this year’s inductees into the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for PAs:
Class of 2025 Inductees:
Isabelle Altieri
Dillon Canter
Madeline Clements
Sierra Ford
Allison Myers
Kayla Thompson
Honorary Inductee: Lori Vasquez, DMS, PA-C
Faculty Inductee:
Andrew Chastain, DMS, PA-C
CLASS of 2025
Dawgs of Distinction
During the clinical year, the following MPAS2 students were recognized for exemplifying a wide range of qualities that define outstanding performance. Acknowledged by their preceptors, these students consistently upheld the highest standards, distinguishing themselves as leaders within their cohort and earning the honor of being named a Dawg of Distinction.
Emily Anderson
Jacey Cornett
Callie Haertle
Anisha Mahenthiran
Courtney McIntyre
Rachel Neeley
Anjali Patel
Kaitlyn Tobe
iSCAN Ultrasound Team
Our students recently competed in a student ultrasound competition called iSCAN at AAPA in Denver. There were 40 PA schools who competed. Throughout the event, participants rotated through five stations, performing ultrasound scans on various body systems and answering related questions. The competition provided a unique blend of education and hands-on skill, allowing students to learn directly from
Challenge Bowl Team
medical professionals who use bedside ultrasound in their daily practice. It was an engaging and rewarding experience that deepened their clinical knowledge and practical expertise.
Students: Averie Baker, Katlynn McGivney, Dillon Canter, Megan Collins, and Sarinna Brueckner.
Led by Professor Dan Sturm
This year, we celebrated the accomplishments of an outstanding group of MPAS2 students who excelled on both national and state stages. In May, Gigi Alvarez, Sarah Bergman, Katlynn McGivney, and Adrianne Vance represented Butler University at the National Medical Challenge Bowl during the AAPA Conference in Denver. Competing against 90 teams from across the country in a fast-paced, buzzer-style event, accompanied by faculty advisor Carol Sitzman ’96. Their experience in Denver set the tone for the IAPA Challenge Bowl on November 7, where the same team earned first place! Facing seven other Indiana schools across three rounds of competition, they demonstrated strong medical knowledge and exceptional teamwork. Faculty advisors Carol Sitzman ’96 and Andy Chastain, along with day-of-competition coaching from Professor Jaclyn Demeter, supported their success.
PAEA CONFERENCE 2025
This year, the PAEA Education Forum and Workshops were held in San Diego from October 6-11. A number of our faculty represented Butler’s PA Program at this conference, where Professor Jenn Guthrie and Professor Jaclyn Demeter were recognized on the national stage with two of the most prestigious awards in the PA education community.
The Clinical Education Award, given to Professor Guthrie, is reserved for those who have demonstrated top-tier leadership and innovation in guiding students through their clinical experiences. The New Faculty Award, given to Professor Demeter, celebrates outstanding contributions within the first few years of PA academia.
During the conference, many of our professors were busy teaching one or more workshops, again demonstrating their commitment to being at the cutting edge of research and teaching.
Congratulations to Professor Jaclyn Demeter and Professor Jenn Guthrie and to our entire faculty and staff for their commitment to providing excellence in teaching, scholarship, leadership, and clinical instruction. Please join us in celebrating their success and the honor they bring to our Butler PA program!
Class
Katie Beaudoin
After graduating from Butler in 2005 and completing an ER fellowship at UT Health San Antonio, I earned my master’s from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and later returned to Butler for my Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) degree in 2021.
Since my fellowship, I’ve spent the remainder of my career in academic medicine and critical care, practicing across neurosurgery, oncology, pulmonary, and trauma specialties. Over the years, I’ve held multiple faculty positions, including at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, Butler University, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, and Baylor College of Medicine. In 2024, I transitioned into a full-time remote educator role as Director of Research for the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program at High Point University, while continuing to practice part-time in critical care at UTHealth in Houston. I LOVE taking care of people!
Outside of work, I serve on the legislative action committee for the Texas Academy of PAs, sit on the board of Global Health ImPAct (GHI) as Director of Research and Scholarship, and run Advanced Practice Pulse a newsletter for NPs and PAs focused on professional growth and healthcare innovation.
Personally, my husband and I are celebrating our 10th anniversary this fall with a trip to Thailand and Malaysia. We love traveling and flying (he’s a pilot) and enjoy life in Houston—aside from a few years back in Indianapolis during the pandemic.
Jenny (Blase) Bradley
Since starting as a PA in 2005, I have been working in general and Bariatric surgery. I began my career in Springfield, Illinois, before returning to Carmel, Indiana, where I have been with Ascension St Vincent Carmel for the past 15 years.
I’ve been married to a fellow Butler Bulldog since 2007 and have a son, Jameson, who is 11, and a daughter, Harper, who is 8. We have a crazy golden doodle/retriever, Lily, who is almost 2. While I enjoy exercising and completed three full Ironmans before having kids, I now enjoy staying active with my Peloton and coaching my children’s soccer teams.
I love being a PA and truly feel valued in my OR and hospital.
It is always exciting to learn what our PA alumni have accomplished since graduation. We are pleased to highlight a few graduates of the Class of 2005 and where they are now.
Kristen (Pyszka) Gilkison
I spent most of my PA career in Pediatrics and Interventional Radiology. I am now married with 2 girls, and live in Zionsville, IN. I still love to run, bike, and stay active with my kiddos, and the beach is my happy place!
I am now the founder and CEO of timbar, which is a protein bar company that is passionate about creating healthier protein bars made with real, clean plant ingredients that don’t compromise on taste! We sell online, on Amazon, on Vitacost, and at local retailers including Meijer, Leo’s Market & Eatery, Safeway, Fresh Thyme, and more.
Diving into the business world to build a brand in consumer packaged goods is wildly different from my career as a PA. I’ve found that my foundation of hard work, determination, and a love for helping people has successfully carried me through.
Alumni Spotlights
Alumna Builds a Financial Movement for Medical Professionals
Kristin (Musick) Burton ’16
Kristin (Musick) Burton, turned a personal financial victory into a mission to help others. Upon graduating from PA school, Kristen had to learn how to earn and work her way through paying off her education debt.
After successfully eliminating $161,000 in student loan debt in just 16 months, she founded Millionaires in Medicine (formerly Strive Coaching) in 2018.
Her journey began when she struggled to find relevant financial guidance.
Kristin recalls, “After seeing that most personal finance information out there was geared toward physicians who have higher salaries and a residency and fellowship structure, I wondered why no one was talking about how PAs should handle debt and build wealth.”
She identified a critical gap: PAs, NPs, and pharmacists were often left out of the financial education space. She set out to build a platform specifically designed for their unique needs.
Today, Millionaires In Medicine helps medical professionals strategically clear debt, build wealth, and use money as a tool to design their dream lives.
The organization offers a free community with more than 6,000 medical professionals, paid courses, e-books starting at $7, live webinars with professionals in the financial industry, and more.
“I am most proud of the fact that there is now a resource for PAs who, like me, needed a strategy built for them,” Kristin says.
Her company has recently grown to a five-member team, all passionate about helping others achieve financial freedom.
You can find more information about Millionaires in Medicine at www.millionairesinmedicine.com
Kristin Burton lives in Brownsburg, Indiana, with her husband Mitchell and two children. She is employed in critical care medicine by Indiana Internal Medicine Consultants.
Journey to Entrepreneurship
Kristen (Pyszka) Gilkison ’05
In 2009, after years of suffering with severe digestive issues, Kristen Gilkison was finally diagnosed with Celiac Disease and other food allergies. Finally having answers was a relief, but it also meant Kristen had to dive deep into learning about nutrition to give her body the chance to heal.
Following her diagnosis, Kristen found a crucial creative outlet.
“I started experimenting in the kitchen, making gluten-free, dairy-free, and eggfree desserts and would bring them to my co-workers to try,” Kristen says.
Always passionate about baking, Kristen found it both healing and empowering, especially during a time when great gluten-free options were hard to find.
After years of perfecting these delicious allergen-friendly treats, Kristen launched her first business, The Sweetery (2016).
“While I was working full time (as a PA), planning a wedding, and getting married, I rented a commercial kitchen… no crew, just me, making gluten-free muffins, cookies, cupcakes, and cakes,” she says. “It was hard work, but I loved it.”
The business took off quickly, and following the birth of her first daughter, Kristen made the decision not to return to clinical practice. It was during this time that she began working on an idea inspired by her husband, Tim.
When asked why he had been passing on The Sweetery’s baked goods, he told her that he was interested in a healthy snack. She immediately had the idea for a protein bar because there wasn’t a decent one that existed.
“Most were unhealthy or tasted horrible, and so many contained whey, which can be hard on people’s digestive systems,” Kristen says.
She knew she had to try and begin perfecting a protein-rich mixture she would press into pans and cut into bars.
It was then that timbar was born.
“My work colleagues were my first very good customers!” Kristen says. “After bringing the bars to them, word spread fast.”
The public’s first exposure to timbar was via social media and through tastings at local farmer’s markets. As demand for her product grew, Kristen reached a turning point and made the decision to hire a manufacturer to produce the bars en masse. To do so, she had to dive deep into food science, learning how to create a shelf-stable product that still had the same great texture and delicious flavor while remaining incredibly healthy.
“This learning process lit me up in a way I had never felt before, like when I earned my MPAS,” Kristen says.
“This fuels my passion to help families have better, convenient nutrition so they can continue enjoying life’s adventures.”
Today, timbars can be found on the shelves of select Indiana grocery stores or purchased on thetimbar.com or Amazon. timbars are not only gluten-free, egg-free, and dairy-free, but they are also preservative-free, additivefree, and certified Non-GMO.
Kristen’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to how one can turn a personal challenge into a successful business, built on the simple but powerful idea that no one should have to compromise between what tastes good and what makes them feel great.
BEYOND THE MEDICINE: Sewing Strength and Self-Discovery
Anne Gerard ’15
Recently, Butler’s PA Program reached out to Anne Gerard to ask her how and when she became such a talented bag and purse creator.
“I hadn’t really sewn before,” Anne admits. “My mother and grandmother both had the talent, so I was exposed to it growing up, but I never really explored it myself until the pandemic hit.”
Like many others, Anne initially dusted off an old sewing machine to make face masks.
“But, once I started following others in this creative space, I got inspired,” she recalls. “Soon, I was making zippered pouches in all sizes, backpacks for my boys, quilts, and eventually, all-purpose bags and purses. That’s when I really fell in love with it.”
Anne found herself drawn to the work of fabric designers like Tula Pink, whose bold colors and whimsical animal prints gave her an emotional and creative spark.
“Sewing became my outlet,” she says. “As someone who works in oncology, and at a time when a global health crisis added even more emotional weight, creating something beautiful and functional became a form of therapy.”
While Anne often used patterns for her work, her creativity had taken on a life of its own. She went from designing and stitching her own purse from scratch, happily crafting original creations for friends and family, to producing colorful, intricate quilts.
In 2023, her creative journey took her to Sisters, Oregon, for Quilter’s Affair, a weeklong sewing and quilting event. There, she met two other healthcare professionals who, like her, had found a passion for quilting.
“We were randomly placed in the same small group and connected instantly,” she says.
The trio continues to stay in touch, scheduling regular FaceTime crafting sessions to share projects and encouragement—not just bonding over their love of sewing, but also their shared experiences as caregivers.
“We all carried the emotional weight of our profession and found something that could bring us joy and balance,” she says.
For Anne, what began as a spontaneous pandemic project blossomed into an enduring creative outlet and has now become a lasting part of her life.
Anne lives with her husband Jeff, their two sons, and two dogs in Puyallup, WA, working in Medical Oncology.
A PAs Layered Life
Emily Yarman ’17
A few years ago, Emily Yarman added a cake cookbook to her Christmas list. She received it, cracked it open, and started baking her way through the pages—immediately falling in love with the process.
“It’s both science and art,” she says. “It became a really fun hobby for me, so I just leaned into it.”
Before 2021, Emily considered herself a home cook, not much of a baker. But as she looked for ways to explore other parts of herself, especially something creative and unrelated to her medical profession, she found cake baking to be the perfect outlet.
Now, she’s not just a Physician Assistant. She’s a PA who bakes.
“Burnout is a huge issue in the PA profession,” Emily says. “What I do is meaningful and important to me, but it’s not all that I am. Developing other skills helps me bring my whole self to work, and that ultimately helps my patients.”
Since then, she’s baked 60 cakes for birthdays, Valentine’s Days, baby and wedding showers, and more. Each is a classic, round layer cake, what Emily fondly calls her “8-inch round symbols of happiness.”
“These cakes are celebratory pieces of art you can eat,” she says.
Her go-to creation? A towering three-layer masterpiece, filled with fresh fruit compote and frosted with nearly twelve pounds of American buttercream. From start to finish, each one can take anywhere from four to eight hours to make.
“I often hear, ‘Your cakes are too beautiful to eat,’” she says, laughing. “To me, it’s the temporary nature that makes them special. You want people to enjoy them.”
When asked whether she gets overwhelmed with cake requests, she smiles knowingly.
“You don’t do every cake for everyone,” she says. “After all, this is a hobby. I want to keep enjoying it—because it enriches my life.”
Emily Yarman lives in Indianapolis with her husband Joel, their dog Violet, and is employed by Community Health Network - Infectious Disease.
Butler University’s Physician Assistant Program Ranked 14th Nationally
Butler University’s Master’s of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program is ranked 14th in the nation, according to the 2025 list released by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings include more than 200 physician assistant programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
The U.S. News & World Report rankings are determined through a comprehensive peer assessment process, in which deans, faculty, and program administrators at accredited PA programs evaluate the academic quality and preparedness of graduates across the country.
A physician assistant (PA) is a licensed healthcare professional who works collaboratively with physicians to provide a wide range of medical services. PAs are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and assist in surgeries. They practice in various clinical settings—including hospitals, primary care offices, and specialty clinics—and play an essential role in increasing access to quality healthcare.
“This top 15 national ranking reflects the hard work of Butler’s faculty, staff, and students, and highlights the University’s role as a leader in physician assistant education,” said Dr. Robert Soltis, Dean of Butler’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
“While everyone involved in the program should be proud of this honor, I take even greater pride in knowing that our graduates are making significant contributions to the healthcare community, both regionally and nationally.”
Butler’s MPAS program was the first of its kind in Indiana and has continued to set the standard for
by U.S. News & World Report
excellence in PA education. The rigorous 24-month curriculum combines academic coursework with hands-on clinical experiences to prepare students for the evolving demands of modern healthcare. Graduates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to become licensed, and in 2024, 94 percent of Butler graduates passed the PANCE on their first attempt— surpassing the national average of 92 percent. Over the past decade, more than 90 percent of Butler MPAS graduates have secured employment within six months of graduation, with 2020 as the only exception due to pandemic-related impacts on the job market.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the median annual salary for PAs in 2023 was $130,020, with the top 25 percent earning $151,720 or more. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the PA profession will grow by 27 percent from 2022 to 2032—adding nearly 40,000 jobs and reflecting the critical demand for highly trained healthcare professionals.
“This national recognition affirms Butler’s ongoing commitment to student success, clinical excellence, and community impact,” Elizabeth Schmidt, Associate Professor, MPAS Program Director, and Department Chair, PA Studies, said. “As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Butler’s MPAS program remains steadfast in preparing graduates who are not only academically and clinically exceptional, but also compassionate providers ready to lead and serve in a rapidly changing world.”
https://stories.butler.edu/butler-universitysphysician-assistant-program-ranked-14thnationally-by-u-s-news-world-report/
WELCOME CLASS OF 2O27 2O27 2O27
It was with great excitement that we welcomed the class of 2027 at our May 12-14, 2025 Orientation. Those three days were filled with many activities including meeting the professors and staff, picking up medical equipment, eating taco bowls for lunch, and of course participating in the Medical Olympics on the lawn in front of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
2025 WHITE COAT
The PA Program’s White Coat Ceremony took place on September 5 as part of the larger Welcome to the Professions Ceremony organized by the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and held in Hinkle Fieldhouse. Congratulations to our Class of 2027 on receiving their white coats!
PA LAB SPACE
The fall semester brought an exciting move from our old PA lab to a brand new space on the third floor of the Holcomb building. The PA Program has a beautiful, dedicated lab space and shares a skills classroom, kitchen/lounge, and storage area with Butler’s new nursing program.
THIRD ANNUAL TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
MEDICAL MISSION
During spring break in March, students from Butler’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences completed their third annual medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic. A dedicated team of practicing APPs, pharmacists, and COPHS PA, Pharmacy, and BSHS students partnered with the faith-based organization Casa Misionera. Together, they executed a Christian Leadership Program that provided crucial, free medical care to several local communities.
The mission was intensive and impactful. Over seven days, they manned free clinics in the Consuelito and El Batey communities and served 508 patients. This vital work included 319 blood pressure screenings, 46 patient referrals, and 1,771 prescriptions filled. Faculty advisors and professional providers offered mentorship throughout the week, allowing these future medical professionals to put their skills and faith into practice. This provided a unique opportunity for students to build upon their medical knowledge while experiencing significant personal and spiritual growth. The Butler team plans to embark on its next mission trip March 7–15, 2026. If you would like to join them, please reach out to Emeritus Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Trish Devine, at tdevine@butler.edu. We also gratefully accept donations of supplies or monetary offerings to support this vital work.
SUPPORT THE POWER CLUB!
The PA Official Wellness and Exercise Regiment (POWER) Club is dedicated to empowering Physician Assistant students to prioritize their own health and wellness while adjusting to the demands of the rigorous PA program and profession.
By focusing on personal wellness, resilience, education, holistic health, and nutrition, our club fosters a supportive community that encourages accountability, physical strength, mental well-being, and the adoption of sustainable, healthy habits.
Your support helps us provide resources, host wellnessfocused events, and cultivate a culture of health that extends beyond our campus and into our professional lives. With your contributions, we can better equip PA students to teach and motivate their future patients and peers to embrace sustainable, healthy practices, ensuring these principles are adopted widely in patient care.
WAYS TO DONATE:
› Credit Card
› Check/Cash: Payable to Butler University, memo: POWER Club
› Drop off or send to: Office of Student Activities, Atherton Union 101 4600 Sunset Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46208
Every donation makes a difference in fostering a healthier future for PA students and the communities they serve. Thank you for supporting our mission!
BECOME A PRECEPTOR
PRECEPTING is a WAY of:
Contributing to the development of a future professional colleague
Attaining personal satisfaction and professional growth
Earning CME credits
Joining the ranks of Butler University’s Affiliate Faculty
Supporting your Alma Mater
Interested in becoming a Butler University PA Preceptor?
Complete this Preceptor Form or email Jennifer Guthrie, at jrguthri@butler.edu
PA for a Day
On Monday, February 17, 2025, our students ran our annual PA For a Day event. Children ages 4-7 were invited to come for an ear, nose, and throat exam and then explore the hands-on learning activities in the basement. We can’t wait for our next event on Monday, February February 16, 2026. Email paprogram@butler.edu if you’d like to know when our sign-up for this event opens..
Recipients of the Outstanding Clinical Instructor Award
KARINA WHITE ’22, DMS, PA-C
Pike Medical Consultants – PrimaryCare Indy
“Karina does an excellent job providing learning opportunities for students to grow in their clinical knowledge and skills. She is passionate about teaching and ensuring that students understand the steps that are to be taken to care for the patient.”
“Karina is a great preceptor who always fosters an environment of growth and learning. She takes the time to get to know her students, makes the effort to really focus on areas of improvement, and pushes us to think as providers.”
KEVIN HENDERZAHS, MD
Community Physician Network OB/GYN Care
“He taught me not only about women’s health, but about how to be the type of provider that makes patients feel heard and understood.”
“I had not considered OB-GYN as a specialty prior to this rotation, but he made me love it. He is such a great doctor to his patients and by far the best preceptor I have had.”
Recipient of the Outstanding Preceptor Award
PHILLIP BUDZENSKI, MD
Major Health Partners – Hospitalist Medicine
“Dr. Budzenski is a great preceptor who is clearly passionate about helping students grow in the field of medicine. He creates an environment that encourages us to think critically about disease processes and pushes us to investigate the root cause of a patient’s health issue. He is a great example of what it means to genuinely care for patients, and I have learned so much from him.”
“Dr. Budzenski’s mid-point evaluation and advice through to the end of my rotation has helped me grow as a provider.”
Recipient of the IAPA PA Educator of the Year
CHRIS ROMAN, DMS, PA-C
Congratulations to Professor Chris Roman on being named the 2025 IAPA PA Educator of the Year! Nominated by students and chosen by the board, this prestigious honor recognizes his dedication to shaping the next generation of physician assistants through innovative teaching, mentorship, and a deep commitment to student success.
Professor Roman’s passion for medical education and his deep investment in fostering a dynamic, supportive learning environment have made a lasting impact on his students.
BUTLER launches BSN Program
The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences enthusiastically welcomed the inaugural cohort of 48 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students this fall. This marks an exciting milestone in Butler’s continued commitment to advancing health professions education. This inaugural class draws from eight states and represents a dynamic and high-achieving group of students with an average weighted GPA of 4.06.
The program offers hands-on learning in a new skills and assessment lab, interprofessional collaboration opportunities, high-fidelity simulation experiences, and more to prepare practice-ready nurses who provide safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care.
Under the leadership of Dr. Seth Carey, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN, CNE, Program Director and Assistant Professor of Nursing, the program emphasizes inclusive excellence, professional identity formation, and holistic patient care. Butler’s BSN graduates will be prepared to make an immediate impact in clinical practice and leadership roles across a wide range of healthcare settings. Learn more about Butler’s Nursing Program HERE.
PUBLICATIONS
Faculty Work
Bogenschutz K, Chastain A, Demeter J, et al. Assessing the assessments: Do preceptor evaluations predict Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam and End of Rotation Performance? J Physician Assist Educ. Published online October 14, 2025:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000716. doi:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000716
Chastain AP, Roman C, Bogenschutz KM. Student perceptions of a custom artificial intelligence clinical case companion. J Physician Assist Educ. Published online September 10, 2025:10.1097/ JPA.0000000000000697. doi:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000697
Chastain A, Schempp A. How artificial intelligence can affect physician assistant student self-efficacy when preparing for objective structured clinical examinations. J Physician Assist Educ. Published online September 24, 2025:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000692. doi:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000692
Demeter JM. Recertification through longitudinal assessment for PAs. JAAPA. 2025;38(4):41-44. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000099
Demeter JM, Bogenschutz K, Chastain A. Diagnosis and management of axial spondyloarthritis. JAAPA. 2025;38(11):22-28. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000263
Ermol A, Banning AS, Snyder J. PA program and sponsoring institutions’ qualifications for principal and instructional faculty. J Physician Assist Educ. Accepted October 2025.
Geary A. Screening and management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly NAFLD…an update for the primary care PA. JAAPA. Accepted August 2025 JAAPA-D-25-00109R1.
Hussein AN, Sasek CA, Danielsen RD, et al. Exploring the landscape of physician assistant/associate–specific doctoral education in the United States: A national program survey. J Physician Assist Educ. 2025;36(3):e233-e239. doi:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000675
McQuillan MA, Asprey D, Brown D, Quincy B, Snyder JA, Sivahop J. Do physician assistant professional doctorate missions and learning outcomes align with the physician assistant professional competencies? J Physician Assist Educ. 2025;36(1):e34-e41. doi:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000642
Sasek CA, Knox T, Li W. What is causing this patient’s worsening rash after topical corticosteroid use? JAAPA. 2025;38(8):47-49. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000231
Snyder JA, Miller A. What if…The impact of institutional accreditation on PA programs transitioning to an entry-level professional doctorate degree. J Physician Assist Educ. 2025;36(2):149-154. doi:10.1097/ JPA.0000000000000646
White RD, Coplan B, Quincy B, et al. Association between physician assistant program characteristics and student diversity J Physician Assist Educ. 2025;36(3):e253-e261. doi:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000673
Alumni Work
Ma C, Strelow B. Recognition and management of treatment-resistant depression. JAAPA. 2025;38(1):2026. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000163
Musunuru K, Grandinette SA, Wang X, et al. Patient-specific in vivo gene editing to treat a rare genetic disease. N Engl J Med. 2025;392(22):2235-2243. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2504747
DMS graduate, Weilong Li, was included in the acknowledgements section for his contribution to this groundbreaking study.
Souza LT, Geiser CP, Ryan SN, Pitchford KD, Azel MA, Miller P. Assessing student-reported perceptions of prerequisite usefulness in preparation for didactic physician assistant education J Physician Assist Educ. 2024;35(4):338-345. doi:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000589
Ward-Lev E, Kuriakose C, Navoa JJ, Halley M. Career flexibility for PAs: What makes switching specialties successful? JAAPA. 2024;37(5):29-34. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000004
Work with Butler Alumni/Alumni Scholarship
Banning AS Heagey P, Bruza-Augatis M, Puckett K, Arabia F, Hallman K, Kozikowski A. Analysis of factors related to Pennsylvania physician associate salaries. Poster presented at: The Pennsylvania Society of Physician Associates Annual Conference; October 25, 2024. Erie, PA.
Bechtle M. Support That Heals: Doula Impact on Postpartum Depression in Underserved Black Communities: Bonus episode with PA-C Kennedy Lewis. The APAOG Podcast. Published online September 15, 2025. Accessed October 28, 2025.
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