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08/07/2025

2025 OAPA Annual Conference - Educator Track

Friday, October 24, 2025 from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.


8-9 a.m. -- PA Program Townhall with OAPA Leaders

Oapa Exec Cmte 25 26

From L to R: President Clayton Rotuno, PA-C, President-Elect Madeline A. Meyers, PA-C, DMSc, Immediate Past President Nathan Hart, MS, MBA, PA-C, Vice President Emily A. Kohler, MSBS, PA-C, Secretary-Treasurer Kristin Homoki, DMSc, MSHS, PA-C


9-9:30 a.m. -- What to do When a Healthcare Professional Needs Help, presented by Richard N. Whitney, MD, DABAM, FASAM

Richard Whitney Md

Richard N. Whitney, MD, serves as the Medical Director of the Ohio Professionals Health Program (OhioPHP). This organization provides comprehensive assessment and referral services, as well as monitoring and advocacy, for healthcare professionals throughout Ohio who have been diagnosed with addictive disorders or other mental, emotional, behavioral and/or physical illnesses. Previously, Dr. Whitney practiced Addiction Medicine at Shepherd Hill, the Behavioral Health Department of Licking Memorial Hospital in Newark, Ohio and served as Medical Director of Addiction Services from 2001 until 2018. He is a frequent course instructor for the American Society of Addiction Medicine as well as a lecturer for a variety of professional and community organizations. Dr. Whitney graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas. He then completed a residency in Emergency Medicine at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. Following his of practice in Emergency Medicine, Dr. Whitney completed a fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Charter Hospital of Dallas in 1991 and has practiced Addiction Medicine since that time. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine and is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. 


9:30-10 a.m. -- The Power of Partnership: Advancing Pediatric Primary Care with a Collaborative PA Fellowship, presented by Katelyn McElhaney, APRN-CNP

Kaitlyn McElhaney headshotKatelyn McElhaney, APRN-CNP, is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner with 10 years of experience in primary care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from West Virginia University and currently practices at Akron Children’s Hospital in Lisbon. She also serves as the lead advanced practice provider (APP) for the Mahoning Valley, supporting APP leadership and collaboration across the region. Katelyn is passionate about mentoring and preparing providers for success as they start their journey in healthcare.


10-10:30 a.m. -- Coffee Break


10:30-11:30 a.m. -- What's New in Accreditation Standards?, presented by Melissa Coffman, EdD, MPA, PA-C, from ARC-PA

Melissa Coffman headshotMelissa Coffman is a seasoned Physician Assistant whose clinical career was primarily in Interventional Cardiology. She spent 16 years in PA education, holding multiple roles including principal faculty, clinical director, and program director. In 2016, she joined the ARC-PA, where she now serves as the Executive Accreditation Director. Melissa is a graduate of the Long Island University PA Program. She earned a Master’s in Public Administration from New York University in 2001 and went on to complete her Doctorate of Education at Nova Southeastern University in 2013, with a focus on curriculum design and healthcare education. Outside of her professional work, Melissa resides in Tallahassee with her husband and two children. She is an active volunteer in her church community and serves as a Committee Member for her daughter’s Scouting troop.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. -- Harnessing AI in PA Education: From Course Design to Learner Support, presented by Jaclyn M. Demeter, DMS, MPAS, PA-C, and Elizabeth Schmidt, DMS, PA-C, both of Butler University

Jaclyn DemeterJaclyn M. Demeter, DMS, MPAS, PA-C is an Assistant Professor at Butler University’s Department of PA Studies in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jaclyn earned her Doctor of Medical Science Degree from Butler University with a concentration in PA education. She is passionate about integrating emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), into PA education and has spoken regionally and nationally on this topic. By streamlining course design, fostering personalized learning, and supporting student success, she believes AI can enhance PA education. She is also a member of the Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum, where she contributes to examining AI’s use in higher education. Dedicated to advancing the PA profession, Jaclyn also serves as Director at Large for the Indiana Academy of PAs.
 
 
Betsy Schmidt Headshot 2024Betsy Schmidt, DMS, PA-C is an Associate Professor and the Program Director of Butler University’s PA Program in Indianapolis, Indiana. Betsy earned her Doctor of Medical Science degree from Butler University and is committed to cultivating a curriculum that supports student learning in a personalized, innovative way while balancing faculty responsibilities. She has spoken regionally and nationally on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in PA education, focusing on its potential to enrich course design, foster learner success, and promote sustainability for educators. Dedicated to advancing the PA profession, Betsy’s leadership emphasizes both academic excellence and innovation.
 

 


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