8-8:45 a.m. -- Excelling in PA Education: Study & Time Management Strategies for Every Phase, presented by Anu Mathur, MS, PA-C

Anu Mathur joined Touro University California's MSPAS/MPH program in April 2023 and currently serves as the Director of Curriculum Redesign, Assessment, and Remediation. She began her career in PA education in 2018 and has since held a variety of roles, including Academic Director, Principal Faculty, Admissions Chair, and Simulation Coordinator. A graduate of Baylor College of Medicine’s PA Program in Houston, TX, she has practiced in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Sleep Medicine, and Urgent Care, and continues to work clinically in an urgent care setting. She resides in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio. Anu also serves as the Region 7 Director for the Ohio Physician Assistant Association and is the founder of the Greater Cincinnati Physician Associates, a local professional group.

8:45-9 a.m. -- The Power of Partnership: Advancing Pediatric Primary Care with a Collaborative PA Fellowship, presented by Katelyn McElhaney, APRN-CNP

Katelyn 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.

9-10 a.m. -- Next-Level Learning – PA Post-Graduate Opportunities, presented by Ryan Hunton, DHSc, PA-C

Ryan Hunton, DHSc, PA-C, is an Assistant Professor in the University of Kentucky (UK) Department of PA Studies. He received his Doctor of Health Sciences degree from A.T. Still University and completed a residency in the UK Department of Emergency Medicine. Clinically, he has worked in emergency, military, and primary care settings. As an Army PA, he spent two years as the sole Medical Provider at Camp Kosciuszko Aid Station in Poznan, Poland, for V Corps and 1st Infantry Division. He currently teaches in the UK PA Master’s Degree Program and is Program Director for the UK PA Residency Program.

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

10:30-11 a.m. -- Careers in Field Medical Affairs, presented by Regina Gurley, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ- Psychiatry, Neurocrine

Regina Gurley, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry, is a board-certified PA with a certificate of added qualification in psychiatry. Before joining Neurocrine in 2022 as a Medical Science Liaison, Regina worked for a rural community hospital supporting both inpatient psychiatric consultation and liaison services as well as the hospital’s adjoining outpatient psychiatry clinic. Over the years, she has also practiced clinically as an ACT  Team provider, psychiatry PA for long-term care facilities, and has additional training and practice experience in perinatal psychiatry. Regina is passionate about patient advocacy and promoting access to mental health services in rural and underserved areas. Regina also served on the North Carolina Domestic Violence Commission and has enjoyed precepting PA students over the years as well as lecturing at several PA  programs across NC. Based in eastern North Carolina, Regina serves the states of North Carolina, Kentucky, and the eastern Tennessee region.

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. -- OAPA Leadership Panel & Small Group Discussion