January 1st can feel loud.
Your social media feed fills up with highlight reels, perfect vacations, big announcements, ambitious income goals, and declarations about how this is the year everything changes. Even when it’s well-intentioned, that constant stream can quietly send the message that you need to be different — more disciplined, more productive, more transformed — to be worthy of the year ahead.
In this New Year’s Day episode of The PA Is In, Tracy offers something kinder and steadier.
This conversation is a reminder that a new year doesn’t require a new version of you. You can be both a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time — and that truth is especially important for clinicians who are already giving so much of themselves at work and at home.
Tracy walks listeners through a simple reflection exercise designed to help you slow down, take stock, and give yourself credit for what you showed up for over the past year. Instead of focusing on what needs fixing, this episode invites you to recognize your strengths, acknowledge the progress you’ve already made, and notice the growth that may have happened quietly and imperfectly.
From there, the focus shifts gently forward. Rather than setting massive resolutions or trying to overhaul your entire life, you’ll be encouraged to choose just one to three areas you want to work on in the coming year — without timelines, pressure, or all-or-nothing thinking. This is about intention, not urgency, and progress that’s sustainable rather than performative.
This episode is a soft place to land if January feels overwhelming, competitive, or emotionally noisy. It’s a reminder that real change rarely happens on January 1st. It happens on random Tuesdays, after honest conversations, through small and often unglamorous decisions, and by offering yourself the same compassion you give to your patients and colleagues.
If you’re craving a calmer, more grounded start to the year — one that honors who you already are while allowing space for growth — this episode is for you.
New year. Same you. And that’s exactly where real change begins.
SPONSORS:
ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fi
SERMO https://app.sermo.com:443/?sermoref=39d97a2c-f699-4f8b-b2f9-1eb131e18c75&utm_campaign=tell-a-friend
Keywords: New Year for clinicians, healthcare burnout recovery, PA career coaching, physician assistant podcast, clinician mindset, strengths-based reflection, healthcare boundaries, work life balance for clinicians, intentional goal setting, burnout prevention, career clarity for PAs, healthcare self compassion, sustainable medical careers, New Year reflection exercise, clinician growth mindset
CONNECT
FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call
1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate
CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/
WEBSITE https://www.tracybingaman.com
🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig
Breaking up is hard — and breaking up with your financial advisor after 10+ years? Still hard.
In this episode, Tracy shares a deeply personal (and wildly uncomfortable) story about ending a long-standing relationship with her financial advisor — why it stopped feeling right, how she navigated the guilt and fear, and what ultimately helped her reclaim agency over her money.
What started as a financial decision quickly revealed powerful parallels to clinical medicine, career decisions, and the ways clinicians stay too long in professional relationships that quietly stop serving them.
This episode is about trusting your gut, demanding transparency, and remembering that you get to decide who walks alongside you — in your finances, your career, and your life.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Key takeaways:
Alignment matters more than familiarity
SPONSORS:
ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fi
CM&F INSURANCE
www.cmfgroup.com/ThePAIsIn
🎧 Listen now and ask yourself: Where am I staying out of comfort instead of alignment?
Keywords: financial advisor breakup, switching financial advisors, fiduciary financial advisor, how financial advisors get paid, fee only vs commission advisor, clinician finances, money for physician assistants, trusting your gut in finances, financial education for clinicians, reclaiming agency, burnout and finances, financial planning for PAs, advanced practice provider wealth building, transparency in investing, choosing a financial advisor
CONNECT
FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call
1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate
CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/
WEBSITE https://www.tracybingaman.com
🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig
Dave Mittman is back—and we’re talking about what’s next for the PA profession. After 50 years in advocacy and leadership (including serving as AAPA President), Dave breaks down why the “experiment worked,” why PA modernization is the real conversation (not “scope creep”), and what changes are already reshaping our day-to-day practice.
We dig into full practice and practice-level decision-making, title change momentum, why self-governance matters (hello, PA boards), and how interstate compacts could transform telemedicine and multi-state work. We also get practical: how you introduce yourself, how your clinic markets you, why your referrals should come back to you, and why the white coat conversation isn’t about vanity—it’s about clarity and credibility.
If you’ve ever felt like the profession is evolving faster than your workplace policies… this episode is your roadmap.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why PA “modernization” is bigger than one policy change—and why it’s happening now
The shift from legislation-driven rules to practice-level determination of scope and competence
Why “scope creep” is a distraction (and what PAs are actually asking for)
How title change impacts public understanding—and why waiting for laws may be unnecessary
What interstate compacts could unlock for telemedicine, specialty care, and access
The professionalism pieces that matter: intros, signage, marketing, referrals, and perception
Why advocacy can’t be “someone else’s job” anymoreSPONSORS:
www.cmfgroup.com/ThePAIsIn Keywords: PA modernization, physician associate, physician assistant profession future, full practice authority PAs, PA title change, PA board of medicine, PA self-governance, practice-level scope of practice, interstate compact for PAs, PA licensure compact, PA telemedicine multi-state, scope creep AMA, administrative burden PAs, PA advocacy, professional identity in healthcare, PA white coat patient perception, DMSC for PAs, PA doctorate, PA specialty competency, CAQ, PA leadership
Work–life balance isn’t a destination — it’s a feeling.
And according to executive life coach Rebecca Olson, that feeling is available to you even in the chaos of practicing medicine and parenting young kids. In this powerful, paradigm-shifting conversation, we unpack why so many clinicians feel overwhelmed, what’s actually happening inside your nervous system, and how to reclaim presence in the moments that matter most.Rebecca works with ambitious working parents — especially women — who want to go all in on their careers without sacrificing the relationships and values that matter most. Her approach blends mindset, emotional regulation, intentional decision-making, and practical tools you can implement immediately.
Inside this episode, we dig into:
✨ What “balance” really is (and why it’s not a time-management problem)
✨ Why your nervous system is running the show (and how to calm it in 30–120 seconds)
✨ The transition that makes or breaks your evenings as a working parent
✨ How to build boundaries that actually hold (even when it feels uncomfortable)
✨ Redefining success after becoming a parent
REBECCA OLSON COACHING https://www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/
DAILY KICKSTART RESOURCE https://www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/daily-kickstart
SPONSORS:
Keywords: work-life balance, clinician burnout, nervous system regulation, emotional regulation tools, boundaries for clinicians, working parent mindset, Rebecca Olson coaching, PA wellness, presence practices, redefining success
This week on The PA Is In, we’re going behind the scenes of my experience with the PANRE-LA, the NCCPA’s longitudinal recertification exam. After recertifying the “old-school” way eight years ago — one long test, one long day, one giant burst of stress — I decided to try something totally different this cycle.
In this episode, I’m sharing why I chose the PANRE-LA, how the experience compares to the traditional PANRE, and what it’s actually like to be four quarters into the eight-quarter process. If you’re approaching your own recertification window — or just curious about how the PANRE-LA works — this is your honest, unfiltered look at the inside of the process.
Inside this episode:
The biggest differences between the PANRE and the PANRE-LA (and why the 10-year cycle matters)
Why I originally said no way to the PANRE-LA
What changed my mind as a practicing PA, parent of five, and business owner
My real-time lessons learned after completing four quarters
How to avoid unnecessary stress and set yourself up for success
Why this exam format better reflects modern clinical practice
Quarterly deadlines you need to know: March 10, June 10, Sept 10, Dec 10
I’m sharing exactly how I schedule my questions, how I use (and don’t overuse) reference materials, what I’ve learned from the questions I missed, and why pacing makes the biggest difference in this process.
Whether you’re a fan of the all-at-once testing experience or you want something more flexible, I hope this episode gives you clarity, peace, and a sense of what’s possible for your own recertification season.
If you’ve taken — or are considering — the PANRE-LA, come tell me about your experience on LinkedIn or Instagram. I’d genuinely love to hear.
SPONSORS
PANRE-LA review, PANRE-LA vs PANRE, PA recertification, NCCPA longitudinal exam, physician associate recertification, PA boards update, PANRE study tips, PANRE-LA experience, PA career sustainability, PA exam schedule, PANRE-LA deadlines, PA learning assessment, PA board requirements, how to prepare for PANRE-LA, PA continuing certification, NCCPA PANRE-LA tips, PA exam strategies, longitudinal assessment for PAs
This Thanksgiving, take a deep breath with me. 🍂 In this reflective episode of The PA Is In, I’m sharing a story about a quiet morning, a warm cup of apple cinnamon tea, and a moment of awe that stopped me in my tracks.
We’ll unpack what awe really is — how it helps us regulate stress, reduce inflammation, and reconnect to the world around us — and how awe naturally flows into gratitude.
You’ll hear about the A.W.E. Method (Attention, Wait, Exhale) from the book The Power of Awe, and learn how gratitude literally rewires your brain to recognize joy faster than fear.
If you’re feeling tired, busy, or stretched thin, this episode is your permission slip to pause. To notice something beautiful. To exhale. And to let awe lead you to gratitude this season.
In this episode:
A real-life story about slowing down and creating space for awe
The science behind awe and its effects on stress and inflammation
How gratitude reshapes your brain for empathy and resilience
Simple ways to cultivate awe and gratitude in everyday life
Resources Mentioned:
The Power of Awe by Jake Eagle & Michael Amster https://amzn.to/47mUVe3
UC Berkeley (2018) Study on Awe & Inflammation https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25603133/
Listen now and take one small, sacred moment for awe this Thanksgiving.
SPONSORS
ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/
CONNECT
FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call
1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate
CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/
WEBSITE https://www.tracybingaman.com
🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig
Keywords: awe and gratitude, awe method, power of awe, thanksgiving reflection, pa podcast, healthcare burnout recovery, stress relief for clinicians, gratitude and neuroscience, mindfulness for PAs, PA career sustainability, the PA Is In podcast
Even on the best days in medicine, it can feel like there just aren’t enough hours to get everything done. Between charting, follow-ups, messages, and the endless stream of “urgent” things… it’s easy to lose your rhythm.
In this episode, Tracy shares her favorite touchstones—small, intentional habits and micro-moments that help clinicians stay grounded, focused, and calm even in the middle of chaos.
You’ll hear about the origin of the term “touchstone” (yes, it comes from testing the purity of gold!) and learn how to apply that metaphor to your day as a way to test your focus, presence, and peace.
From morning momentum to mid-day resets and evening recovery, Tracy walks through simple, actionable ways to bring rhythm back to your clinical days—so you can feel less scattered and more steady, even when the day goes sideways.
✨ You’ll learn:
The science and symbolism behind touchstones
Simple ways to build morning momentum that lasts
How to use handwashing, breathing, and movement as energy resets
Systems for charting, batching, and time-blocking that reduce overwhelm
Why boundaries are essential for focus and sustainability
How to create transition rituals to leave work at work
🎯 Try this: Choose one new touchstone this week—something to help you re-center during your day—and notice how it changes your energy and focus.
💡 Take the Clinician Career Sustainability Quiz: Feeling pulled in every direction? Take my free quiz to see where you land on the spectrum between burnout and sustainability. 👉 tracybingaman.com/sustainability
SPONSORS
ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/
CONNECT
FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call
1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate
CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/
WEBSITE https://www.tracybingaman.com
🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig
Keywords: PA burnout recovery, clinician touchstones, stay grounded at work, PA mindfulness habits, productivity tips for healthcare providers, sustainable medicine, clinician stress management, morning routine for PAs, charting efficiency tips, how to leave work on time as a PA, daily rhythm for healthcare workers, Tracy Bingaman podcast
“It’s not if you get sued; it’s when.” That’s what one of my preceptors told me when I was in PA school. I was floored. Now that I’ve been practicing as a PA for over a decade, I’ve seen colleagues be named in lawsuits and better understand the liabilities I face in my job.
This is why it’s imperative for PAs to have medical malpractice insurance. As the PA profession is modernizing, PAs have more exposure to patients, which is excellent to be able to care for more people but also opens up a greater possibility of being sued.
My guest today is Will Sullivan, the executive vice president of CM&F group, a leading malpractice insurance company that has been serving PAs and other healthcare professionals for decades. In today’s episode, Will explains the nuances of different types of malpractice policies and how your premium can be determined. We also discuss whether or not you can rely solely on your employer-sponsored malpractice policy or whether you should purchase your own.
As Will says in today’s episode, your license is your biggest asset as a healthcare provider. Learn how you can best protect it.
SPONSORS 🏆
CM&F GROUP: www.cmfgroup.com/ThePAIsIn
ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fi
COACHING 🎓
THE PART-TIME PATHWAY
https://www.tracybingaman.com/pathway
FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call
1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate
CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/
WEBSITE https://www.tracybingaman.com
SUPPORT THIS PODCAST 👍
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepaisin/support
Think negotiation is just about salary? Think again.In this episode, Tracy shares real-world examples of creative things clinicians have successfully negotiated — from travel stipends and flex days to protected charting time and customized schedules.
You’ll learn how to think outside the paycheck, advocate for your quality of life, and finally stop waiting for permission to ask for what you need.
By the end, you’ll know: ✅ What’s possible to ask for (and how to do it) ✅ How to frame your negotiation so it benefits you and your employer ✅ Why “no” isn’t failure — it’s data
Action Step:Write down three things — beyond pay — that would make your job more sustainable, fulfilling, or flexible.
Download the PA Negotiation Roadmap: tracybingaman.com/roadmapThis free guide walks you step-by-step through your next negotiation.
Because once you realize what’s possible… you’ll never go back to settling for less.
SPONSORS
ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/
CONNECT
FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call
1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate
CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/
WEBSITE https://www.tracybingaman.com
🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig
Keywords: PA salary negotiation, physician associate compensation, healthcare negotiation tips, creative compensation packages, work-life balance for PAs, clinician burnout prevention, part-time PA jobs, negotiation roadmap, non-monetary benefits, flexible scheduling for PAs
This is the final episode in our Back to Basics Money series. We’re wrapping up the series with a Q&A covering the top questions sent in by listeners.
Thank you for joining us in this Back to Basics series. Feel free to go back and relisten to any episodes that you want to dig a little deeper into or that might pertain to a new stage of life you’re in.
If you have any more questions beyond the ones we discuss in this episode, please reach out to us at themoneypa [@] gmail.com. If you have any other money topics you’d like us to cover in the future, let us know those, too!
Sarah is a personal finance nerd who learned about finances and investing from an early age from her father and grandfather, who both spent their careers in the corporate finance world. As an adult, Sarah immersed herself in the personal finance and FIRE spheres, learning from top experts. Sarah is my personal go-to for all financial questions, and she’s here to share her knowledge with all of you!
SPONSORS 🏆
ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fi
CONNECT WITH SARAH 👫
Email: sjmvirtualsolutions@gmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-miller-pa-va/
RESOURCES 📚
Previous episodes in Back to Basics Money Series:
283: Back to Basics: Meet Sarah
287: Back to Basics: What Actually IS Investing?
290: Back to Basics: Traditional versus Roth - What’s the Difference?
293: Back to Basics: The Best Investments for Long-Term Success
296: Back to Basics: How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?
311: Back to Basics: Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Savings Goals
335: Back to Basics: Investing for Your Kids
339: Back to Basics: How to Protect Your Wealth
341: Back to Basics: Do You Really Need a Financial Advisor?
COACHING 🎓
THE PART-TIME PATHWAY
https://www.tracybingaman.com/pathway
FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call
1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate
CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/
WEBSITE https://www.tracybingaman.com
SUPPORT THIS PODCAST 👍
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepaisin/support
Feeling like your paycheck is your only safety net? It’s time to change that. In this episode, Tracy Bingaman—PA, career coach, and your go-to brainstorming buddy—shares practical and creative ways to diversify your income as a clinician.
From investing beyond retirement to medical surveys, teaching, consulting, and creative work like medical writing or coaching PA applicants, Tracy walks you through both active and passive income ideas that can help you build security and freedom.
💡 You’ll learn:
Why diversification matters (and how millionaires do it)
The difference between active and passive income
Easy entry points for clinicians looking to start small
Creative ways to leverage your medical expertise
Flexible clinical options that fund your bigger goals
🎧 Plus: Tracy shares insights from real clinicians and offers a free resource packed with 48 specific ideas to help you get started.
Keywords: clinician side hustles, diversify clinician income, passive income ideas for PAs, active vs passive income, medical survey companies Sermo ZoomRx InCrowd, PA preceptor stipend, healthcare consulting, medical writing CME, investing beyond 401k, physician associate side gig guide, multiple streams of income for clinicians, financial independence for PAs, how to earn extra as a PA, PA part-time income ideas, Tracy Bingaman PA podcast, The PA Is In side gig ideasSPONSORS
ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/
CONNECT
FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call
1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate
CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/
WEBSITE https://www.tracybingaman.com
🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig
There is so much noise today when it comes to nutrition. How do we know which voices to listen to? How do we know what is truly evidence-based versus bogus fads? And most importantly, how do we address nutrition with patients?
Do you know what to say when a patient asks you which diet is better - carnivore or paleo? How do you support a patient in their weight loss goals with appropriate language that encourages and educates, not demeans and defeats?
My dear friend Colleen Sloan is back on the podcast today to answer all these questions and more. Colleen is a Registered Dietician turned Pediatric PA who recently launched the Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course. Her course is designed for clinicians and dieticians who treat obesity in patients of any age.
The course is an all inclusive, comprehensive nutrition program that includes 13 self-paced modules taught by Colleen and 11 industry-leading experts. The course also includes a Resource Vault and online community. In addition to receiving a clear roadmap on how to successfully discuss and treat obesity, you also earn 10.5 CME credits!
Tune into today’s episode to learn more about the Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course as well as actionable tips you can use in clinic today when discussing obesity and nutrition with your patients.
Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course (use code TRACY10 for 10% off): https://www.examroomnutrition.com/a/2148137603/dcrdFWdo
SPONSORS 🏆
ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fi
CONNECT WITH COLLEEN 👫
Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course (use code TRACY10 for 10% off): https://www.examroomnutrition.com/a/2148137603/dcrdFWdo
Podcast: Exam Room Nutrition Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/examroomnutrition
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/examroomnutrition
Website https://www.examroomnutrition.com
COACHING 🎓
THE PART-TIME PATHWAY
https://www.tracybingaman.com/pathway
FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call
1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate
CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/
WEBSITE https://www.tracybingaman.com
SUPPORT THIS PODCAST 👍
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepaisin/support
Have you ever opened a CT scan, MRI, or X-ray… and felt that wave of uh-oh? That moment of self-doubt when you’re not 100% sure what you’re looking at? You’re not alone—and today’s episode is for you.
In this episode, Tracy introduces you to Guardian Lite, an interactive, case-based CME platform that helps clinicians build real imaging confidence. Whether you’re a new grad or stepping into a new specialty, Guardian Lite helps you see it, know it, and catch it before it matters most in real life.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
🎯 How Guardian Lite makes imaging approachable, interactive, and actually fun
🧠 Why toggling CT, MRI, and ultrasound findings builds diagnostic confidence
🩻 The benefits of reviewing real-world imaging cases with context and teaching points
💡 How to earn CME while sharpening your clinical skills
💻 A behind-the-scenes look at what makes Guardian Lite different from other CME platforms
Whether you’re brushing up on your imaging skills or want to feel more confident interpreting studies on shift, Guardian Lite helps you learn smarter—not harder.
👉 Start now at zauronlabs.com/guardianlite and use code TRACY10 for 10% off your subscription.
✅ Real imaging impressions and key takeaways
✅ One-click CME certificates
✅ Weekly new cases delivered straight to your inbox
✅ Interactive learning through real patient cases
✅ A powerful way to close your knowledge gaps with confidence
A PA, NP, or clinician who wants to feel confident reading imaging
A new grad stepping into a specialty where imaging is key
Someone who loves CME that’s actually useful and clinically relevant
👉 zauronlabs.com/guardianlite Use code TRACY10 for 10% off Guardian Lite CME
ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/
CONNECT
FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call
1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate
CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/
WEBSITE https://www.tracybingaman.com
💥 Episode Highlights🎧 Listen If You’re…📣 Resources Mentioned
🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig
Keywords Guardian Lite CME, CME imaging, case-based CME, PA CME credit, medical imaging CME, MRI CME, CT CME, ultrasound CME, radiology confidence, clinician learning, Zauron Labs, TRACY10 discount, PA education, medical learning tools
So many PAs reach out to me asking about how to transition from a clinical career to non-clinical. There are lots of options and pathways out there, and today I’m excited to have my dear friend, Courtney Titus, share her story of creating her own non-clinical career.
Courtney is a Pediatric ER PA turned Director of a Pediatric Clinical Pathways program that she built herself! Tune into today’s episode as Courtney shares the nitty gritty on how she created a non-clinical career. She keeps it real by sharing both the good and the bad of building her current role. Stay tuned to the end of the episode where Courtney shares actionable tips on how other PAs can also move into non-clinical careers.
My biggest takeaway from today’s conversation with Courtney - follow the path of joy. What brings you joy and fulfillment, both personally and professionally? Get crystal clear on that vision and then you can create your own pathway to achieve that joy.
SPONSORS 🏆
SIDE GIG GUIDE: https://www.tracybingaman.com/gig
ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fi
CONNECT WITH COURTNEY 👫
Website: EmpoweredPAs.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredpas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-titus
COACHING 🎓
THE PART-TIME PATHWAY
https://www.tracybingaman.com/pathway
FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call
1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate
CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/
WEBSITE https://www.tracybingaman.com
SUPPORT THIS PODCAST 👍
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepaisin/support
In this episode we cover the sneaky phenomenon of golden handcuffs in healthcare—those perks, paychecks, and benefits that look incredible on paper but can leave you feeling stuck in a job that no longer serves you.
Whether it’s a schedule you fought hard for, the lure of student loan forgiveness, or the prestige of working at a big-name institution, these “benefits” can sometimes act more like shackles than steppingstones. Tracy breaks down:
What golden handcuffs are and how they show up in medicine.
How to assess your situation—mild, moderate, or severe.
The sustainability question: is it worth staying for loan forgiveness, or is the cost too high?
Practical strategies to pad your safety net, identify what you truly value, and start building an escape plan.
Real-life inspiration from clinicians who’ve made bold pivots toward more fulfilling careers.
If you’ve ever felt trapped by the very perks that were supposed to keep you happy, this episode is for you.
👉 Tune in and learn how to spot the shiny shackles, assess their hold, and start moving toward a career that feels like freedom.
Keywords: golden handcuffs healthcare, PA career advice, breaking free from golden handcuffs, student loan forgiveness PA, healthcare career sustainability, toxic work culture medicine, physician associate negotiation tips, PA burnout solutions, healthcare perks vs. traps, prestige in medicine careers, PA schedule benefits, PA salary trade-offs, healthcare provider career pivot, recognizing burnout in clinicians, thriving in medicine
Survey Side Hustle Showdown: Real Reviews of Sermo, ZoomRx & More
Ever wondered if those emails about “quick clinical surveys for cash” are legit? In this episode of The PA Is In, I’m diving deep into the top survey platforms for medical professionals—breaking down the pros, cons, and real earning potential of sites like Sermo, ZoomRx, MD4Lives, InCrowd, and more.
This episode is your complete guide to turning survey invites into a little side income—and deciding which platforms are worth your time (and which ones to avoid).
What You’ll Learn:
My real earnings from survey platforms like Sermo & ZoomRx
Which sites pay in cash vs. points (and what that really means)
Why Sermo is more than just surveys—hello, community!
Transparency around MD4Lives payment
If Medscape ever sends actual surveys
How to stack small streams of income while you scroll
Links:
SERMO: https://app.sermo.com:443/?sermoref=39d97a2c-f699-4f8b-b2f9-1eb131e18c75&utm_campaign=tell-a-friend
ZOOMRX: https://refer.zoomrx.com/tracyb2
Keywords: medical surveys for clinicians, side hustle for PAs, survey income for doctors, Sermo survey review, ZoomRx for healthcare providers, MD4Lives payment delay, Medscape survey payout, InCrowd review, OpinionSite survey cashout, best medical survey sites 2025, clinician side income ideas, non-clinical income for NPs, paid medical surveys, survey platforms for physician associates, how to make money answering surveys
As we continue our Back to Basics Money series, Sarah and I discuss whether or not you really need a financial advisor. That’s one big difference between us - I have a financial advisor, and Sarah does not.
What are the pros and cons of a financial advisor? How do you know if and when you need one? What should you look for when hiring a financial advisor? And what are red flags you need to be wary of?
We discuss all that and more on today’s episode! Press play and let me know what you think - will you be hiring an advisor or taking a more DIY approach?
Sarah is a personal finance nerd who learned about finances and investing from an early age from her father and grandfather, who both spent their careers in the corporate finance world. As an adult, Sarah immersed herself in the personal finance and FIRE spheres, learning from top experts. Sarah is my personal go-to for all financial questions, and she’s here to share her knowledge with all of you!
SPONSORS 🏆
TELEHEALTH RECRUITING WITH BRI REITZNER :
EMAIL: BRIREITZNER@GMAIL.COM
TEXT: 417-616-1972
ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING, LLC: advancedpracticeplanning.com/fi
CONNECT WITH SARAH 👫
Email: sjmvirtualsolutions@gmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-miller-pa-va/
RESOURCES 📚
Previous episodes in Back to Basics Money Series:
283: Back to Basics: Meet Sarah
287: Back to Basics: What Actually IS Investing?
290: Back to Basics: Traditional versus Roth - What’s the Difference?
293: Back to Basics: The Best Investments for Long-Term Success
296: Back to Basics: How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?
311: Back to Basics: Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Savings Goals
335: Back to Basics: Investing for Your Kids
339: Back to Basics: How to Protect Your Wealth
Fee-Only Fiduciary Financial Advisors:
Nectarine: https://hellonectarine.com
Garrett Planning Network: https://garrettplanningnetwork.com
XY Planning Network: https://connect.xyplanningnetwork.com/find-an-advisor
COACHING 🎓
THE PART-TIME PATHWAY
https://www.tracybingaman.com/pathway
FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call
1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate
CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/
WEBSITE https://www.tracybingaman.com
SUPPORT THIS PODCAST 👍
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepaisin/support
This summer, I took on one of the biggest physical and mental challenges of my life: my very first Ironman 70.3. That’s 1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of biking, and a 13.1-mile run—all in a single day.
In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m sharing the full story—what training really looked like while balancing work, family, and life, how I approached fueling for endurance (and what I’d do differently), and what it felt like to stand on the starting line of an Ironman event for the first time.
There were high points, low points, lessons learned, and a finish line that I’ll never forget. Whether you’re a fellow endurance athlete, someone curious about triathlons, or just looking for inspiration to take on your own “big scary thing,” this episode is a real and honest look at what it takes to prepare for and complete a half Ironman.
FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call
1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate
CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/
WEBSITE https://www.tracybingaman.com
🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig
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We’ve all heard the saying, “The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is today.” And wow, do I feel that one deeply.
In this episode of The PA Is In, I’m sharing 10 things I wish I had started 10 years ago. Some are professional — like learning to negotiate and tracking my value from day one. Others are personal — like learning to rest as a practice instead of a reward, or seeing food as fuel.
From career missteps to life lessons, I’ll walk you through each of the 10 things, the cringe-worthy mistakes I made along the way, and the takeaways you can apply today.
👉 Whether you’re a new grad just starting out or a seasoned provider looking to reset, this episode will give you both inspiration and action steps to make your future self proud.
SPONSORS 🏆
TELEHEALTH RECRUITING WITH BRI REITZNER :
EMAIL: BRIREITZNER@GMAIL.COM
TEXT: 417-616-1972
ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/
CONNECT
FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call
1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate
CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/
WEBSITE https://www.tracybingaman.com
🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig
Keywords: 10 things I wish I started 10 years ago, career lessons for physician associates, PA career growth, avoiding burnout in healthcare, negotiation tips for clinicians, tracking your value PA, side income for PAs, boundaries in medicine, work-life balance healthcare, personal growth lessons 2025, intuition in career decisions, rest as a practice not a reward, PA coaching podcast, clinician career sustainability, thriving in healthcare, mindset shifts for PAs, side hustles for clinicians
It’s that time of year—fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, new shoes, and the bittersweet reality of sending little ones back to school. 🍎
In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what life looks like in our house as the school year kicks off. From navigating morning routines with multiple kids to the feeling of a clean slate September brings, I’m reflecting on both the challenges and the opportunities this season holds.
Back-to-school isn’t just for the kids—it’s an invitation for us as parents, professionals, and people to start fresh. It’s a chance to try again, to reset rhythms, and to take stock of what’s working (and what’s not).
If you’ve been craving a reminder that you can always begin again—and that even amidst the chaos of drop-offs, lunchboxes, and permission slips—there’s joy in the reset, this episode is for you.
FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call
1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate
CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/
WEBSITE https://www.tracybingaman.com
🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig
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