Purpose

A clinical instructor is an experienced practitioner who provides supervision during clinical practice and facilitates the application of theory to practice for students and staff learners. They assist the learner by setting expectations, providing effective feedback about their performance, and providing appropriate opportunities to meet their learning objectives.

Des Moines University is supportive of healthcare providers who choose to actively participate in the education of our students by offering excellent clinical training opportunities. Clinical instructors not only transmit skills but are mentors who convey the core values important to Des Moines University: accountability, collaboration, honesty, inclusiveness, and wellness. 

Clinical instructors do what no textbook or classroom can accomplish. As a result, the students benefit from the community-based experience, while preceptors benefit from integrating new ideas and techniques into their practices currently taught in academic health sciences institutions. Join us for a series of educational opportunities which provide precepting pearls to aid in shaping the next generation of clinicians.

Description

This session will provide an overview of Physician Assistant practice. The speakers will review current PA practice laws in Iowa and nationally. Ideal participants include physicians, PAs, ARNPs, clinic/hospital administrators, educators, etc. 

Key Topics

• State PA Practice Laws (Iowa)
• Documentation
• Prescribing
• AAPA
• Optimal Team Practice (OTP)
• Iowa PA Board
• Iowa Medical Board
• Supervisory Agreement
• PA Education
• NCCPA Certification and Licensing

Learning Objectives

1. Review the current landscape of PA practice. 
2. Interpret current PA practice laws. 
3. Discuss collaborative PA-physician relationships. 

Speakers

Laura Delaney, MPAS, PA-C, began her medical career as a registered nurse. She graduated from Des Moines University’s PA Program in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies.  She worked as a PA-C in the emergency room and general pediatrics before joining the faculty at Des Moines University in 2008. She completed her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2009. Laura is currently the Director of Clinical Education for the DMU PA program and continues to work in a pediatric clinic one day per week. Laura is active in the Iowa Physician Assistant Society (IPAS), volunteering on the CME committee and the legislative committee, and is an active Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Associates (DFAAPA). Full biography.

Holland Taylor, MSPAS, PA-C, has been a Physician Assistant for over 15 years (DMU Class of 2007). She has practiced clinically in family medicine and urgent care. Her academic experience includes several years of clinical precepting and seven years as full-time Physician Assistant program faculty. Since 2019, Holland has served as the Director and Department Chair of the Physician Assistant program at Des Moines University. Holland is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), and the Iowa Physician Assistant Society (IPAS). Full biography.