A PODCAST
FOR MEDICAL
Professionals
The PA Playbook is a podcast for PAs, by PAs. We focus on your great work daily by discussing relevant topics that influence how you practice medicine in the real world.
We post monthly topics that will inspire, advocate for, and educate you. From the challenges of rural healthcare to international PAs to legislative actions, this podcast is for all PAs, no matter where you practice.
PROFESSIONALS WORKING TOGETHER
More Than a Podcast
The PA Playbook is more than a podcast; it is a platform for leadership, advocacy, and collaboration across healthcare.
Our purpose is to elevate the Physician Associate profession through meaningful conversations, practical strategies, and real-world insights that empower PAs to lead confidently in clinical practice, healthcare systems, and policy.
We believe progress happens when healthcare professionals work together. That is why we are committed not only to advancing the PA profession but also to collaborating with physicians, ARNPs, CRNAs, administrators, educators, and other healthcare leaders to strengthen teams, improve patient outcomes, and shape the future of medicine.
Through education, professional advocacy, and cross-disciplinary partnerships, we aim to build stronger careers, stronger healthcare systems, and a stronger future for the patients we serve.
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE
Our Partnership with Clinical Advisor
We’re excited to partner with Clinical Advisor, a nationally respected leader in clinical education and a trusted resource for advanced practice providers.
Their commitment to evidence-based practice, clinical excellence, and the advancement of the healthcare profession aligns perfectly with the mission of The PA Playbook.
Together, we’re creating stronger conversations, greater opportunities, and more impactful content for Physician Associates and healthcare leaders shaping the future of medicine.
Meet Our Team
Eileen Ravella, DFAAPA, DMS
Advocacy is at the core of Eileen’s mission. A proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma in 1984, she brings over 44 years of diverse medical experience, including rural family medicine, emergency care, and end-of-life services. Her advanced degrees— a master’s in end-of-life care from George Washington University and a doctoral degree from Shenandoah University—highlight her commitment to compassionate patient care. Eileen has held influential roles, including mayor, county medical examiner, assistant hospital administrator, assistant chief at Kaiser Urgent Care, and assistant medical director at Providence Immediate Care. As a dedicated advocate, she served as president of the Washington Academy of Physician Associates and contributed to various WAPA committees, including as CME chair. Her leadership and unwavering dedication make her a powerful voice in healthcare advocacy.
She currently serves as the board president of End of Life Washington, advocating for patient autonomy in end-of-life decision-making. A primary objective is to educate the public on how to engage in conversations regarding mortality. She has delivered speeches nationwide on creating a sacred space for these vital discussions that honor patient choices. Additionally, she established the Coalition of Professionals for Patient Access (CUPPPA), through which members support legislative initiatives to advance practice in Washington. In 2023, Eileen initiated PA Playbook with Joshua Lumsden to further advocate for legislation pertinent to PA practice and to address common issues faced by PAs. Troy Bender became a co-host in 2025. Currently, PA Playbook is affiliated with Clinical Advisor.
Troy Bender, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA
Nationally recognized healthcare executive, educator, and Physician Associate with more than 32 years of experience spanning emergency medicine, academic leadership, healthcare administration, and professional advocacy.
Dr. Bender is a proven builder of programs, systems, and leaders. As the Founding Dean of Northwest University’s School of PA Medicine and former Founding Program Director at Northeastern State University, he successfully led the development, accreditation, and launch of two new PA programs, transforming vision into fully operational academic institutions and helping shape the next generation of healthcare professionals. His expertise includes ARC-PA accreditation, curriculum design, faculty development, strategic planning, budget oversight, and workforce pipeline development.
Clinically, his background spans flight paramedicine, rural critical access emergency medicine, hospital medicine, orthopedic spine surgery, trauma care, and high-volume emergency department practice. He continues to actively practice emergency medicine, bringing real-world relevance and a frontline perspective to every leadership role.
A passionate advocate for advancing the PA profession and improving healthcare delivery, Dr. Bender serves on the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Judicial Affairs Commission and contributes nationally as an NCCPA Emergency Medicine CAQ Item Writer and Content Expert. His leadership experience includes service on state medical boards, advisory councils, criminal justice disciplinary panels, and national professional commissions.
Known for his dynamic communication style, executive leadership, and forward-thinking approach, Dr. Bender is a sought-after speaker, educator, and content expert in PA leadership, healthcare policy, advanced practice workforce development, medical education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Bender holds a Doctor of Medical Science in Education and Leadership from the University of Lynchburg, a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Missouri State University, and is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Associates (DFAAPA).
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