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Federal Action Threatens PA Student Loan Access

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 19:35:28 GMT

A critical development threatens the financial viability of PA education and could significantly impact the future PA workforce in Iowa and across the nation.

What Happened?

On November 7, 2025, the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) released a statement in response to a concerning decision by the Department of Education's RISE committee. The committee has proposed regulatory text for implementing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that excludes PA programs from the definition of "professional programs" for student loan purposes, despite PA education clearly meeting all congressional criteria.

Why This Matters

Under the proposed loan limits for new borrowers after July 1, 2026, PA students would face borrowing caps that fall well below the actual cost of completing their required education. This change would:

Create significant financial barriers for students entering PA programs
Potentially reduce the pipeline of future PAs during a critical healthcare workforce shortage
Undermine the accessibility of PA education for qualified candidates
Contradicts clear congressional intent in defining professional programs

PA Programs Meet All Federal Criteria

As PAEA CEO Sara Fletcher, PhD, emphasized: "PA programs are accredited graduate-level professional programs designed explicitly to meet the academic requirements necessary for clinical practice."

PA programs unequivocally meet all three requirements established in H.R. 1 for "professional programs":

Prepare students to complete academic requirements for professional practice
Provide education and training beyond the bachelor's degree level
Lead directly to professional licensure

PA students complete intensive full-time graduate coursework, participate in year-long supervised clinical rotations, and must pass rigorous national certification and state licensure requirements, all of which prevent outside employment and necessitate reliable access to federal financial aid.

PAEA's Response

PAEA is urging the Department of Education to revise its proposal before the final rule is released to align with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's clear statutory criteria. The organization has committed to pursuing every available avenue to protect students' ability to finance their education and maintain the strength and accessibility of PA programs nationwide.

What Can You Do?

This issue affects not only future PA students but also the sustainability of our profession and our ability to meet growing healthcare demands. We encourage all Iowa PA Society members to:

Stay informed: Visit the PAEA News page for updates
Watch: PAEA's video message on this issue
Advocate: Contact your federal representatives to express concern about this regulatory interpretation. Template Message to Your Legislator
Share: Help raise awareness within your practice and professional networks

The Bottom Line

As healthcare demand continues to accelerate, federal policy must recognize the nature and rigor of PA education. Excluding PA programs from professional student loan access contradicts both the letter of the law and the urgent needs of America's health workforce.

The Iowa PA Society will continue monitoring this situation closely and will provide updates as they become available. Together, we must ensure that future generations of PAs have the financial support necessary to complete their education and join our profession.

2025 PA of the year

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:55:17 GMT

Marc Doobay, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, Honored as Iowa Physician Assistant of the Year

Des Moines, IA – The Iowa Physician Assistant Society (IPAS) is proud to announce Marc Doobay MPAS,PA-C, DFAAPA as the prestigious PA of the Year award recipient.

For over 14 years, Marc has exemplified the highest standards of clinical excellence, compassionate care, and evidence-based medicine at the University of Iowa Health Care. Known for his diagnostic skill and empathetic communication, Marc has improved patient outcomes through innovations like point-of-care Hemoglobin A1c testing, especially in chronic disease management.

As President of the Iowa PA Society, Marc has led transformative change which included supporting key legislative victories including HF424 and HF300 (the PA Compact), obtaining a $20,000 AAPA advocacy grant, and being a fierce advocate for student members. He revitalized student engagement by launching the first PA Student Symposium and the Heartland Knowledge Bowl, strengthening the profession’s future leadership.

Marc serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Didactic Education at the University of Iowa PA Program. He practices innovative, inclusive teaching that empowers students to lead with compassion and integrity. His mentorship and advocacy extend statewide and nationally through service on PAEA and AAPA boards. His commitment to health equity shines through his community outreach and volunteer work.

Marc Doobay’s exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact across clinical care, education, advocacy, and community service make him a truly deserving recipient of the 2025 PA of the Year Award.

IPAS congratulates Marc Doobay on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to seeing the continued positive impact he will have on healthcare in Iowa and beyond

About the Iowa Physician Assistant Society

The Iowa Physician Assistant Society (IPAS) is committed to advancing the PA profession and improving healthcare in Iowa by supporting professional growth, advocacy, and public awareness of the PA role. For more information, visit Iowa Physician Assistant Society Website.

2025 Lifetime Achievement Award

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:54:05 GMT

Anthony Brenneman, MPAS, PA-C, Honored with IPAS Lifetime Achievement Award

Des Moines, IA – Anthony Brenneman was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the IPAS 2025 Fall Conference in recognition of his outstanding contributions to clinical practice, interdisciplinary education, PA advocacy, and service. Beyond his professional accomplishments, PA Brenneman is known for his kind-hearted, supportive, and genuinely empathetic nature—qualities that embody the very spirit of the Physician Assistant profession.

Anthony Brenneman started his educational journey completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and piano performance from Linfield College in McMinnville, OR in 1984. He then completed a Master’s in Social Work degree from Portland State University in 1987. During his time as a Social Worker, he served patients with borderline personality disorder, worked at the VA with unhoused veterans and later assisted patients in Emanual Hospital’s trauma and rehabilitation centers in Portland. He moved to Iowa in 1990 where he worked as a Social Worker in the Neurology Department.

During his time at the University of Iowa in the early 1990s he was introduced to the PA profession and worked to complete pre-requisites at the University of Iowa. He trained at the University of Iowa and earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies in 1996. PA Brenneman was selected as a teaching fellow at the University of Iowa PA Program following his graduation.

PA Brenneman carried on his dedication to excellence through his work as a PA in Bone Marrow Transplant. He was instrumental in updating hospital policies to allow PAs to practice at the top of their license. He supported the expansion of PA policies to include ordering blood products, expansion of prescriptive authority and ability to pronounce and eventually sign death certificates. He served on numerous hospital committees helping to advance PA presence and understanding.

In 2004, PA Brenneman joined the University of Iowa PA Program as the Clinical Coordinator. He was promoted to Associate Program Director and eventually Program Director in 2012. He subsequently became full professor at the Carver College of Medicine in 2014. PA Brenneman has worked to expand the PA presence through integration of the PA students into the medical curriculum. In 2016, PA students were fully integrated into the medical school curriculum, marking the first 100% combined PA/MD didactic curriculum in the nation. He continues to serve as a Course Director for one of the major courses within this curriculum.

PA Brenneman continues to expand the PA presence within the Iowa Healthcare System through his role as a Facilitator in Healthcare Communication trainer for faculty, staff, fellows and residents at Iowa Healthcare. In this role, he trains faculty in improving communication techniques to enhance patient experience.

Not only has PA Brenneman been a pillar of the University of Iowa PA Program and Iowa Healthcare, but he has also been an advocate for PAs at the state and national level. He has served in roles including President of PAEA, President of the Iowa PA Society, Chair of State Society Meetings for the Iowa PA Society, committee positions within the AAPA including being an inaugural member of the Clinical and Scientific Affairs Council, CDC/OID/NCRID Vaccine Workgroup, Governor appointment positions within the State of Iowa for Clinical Education of Direct Care Workers, multiple roles within ARC-PA. Furthermore, he has authored chapters on “Professionalism” and “The Physician Assistant Relationship to Physicians” in the most recent edition of the textbook “Physician Assistant: A Guide to Clinical Practice”. He has been recognized with the Rising Star Faculty Award by PAEA in 2008, Distinguished Fellow of the AAPA in 2009, President’s Award from PAEA in 2012, CCOM Collegiate Teaching Award in 2019.

As outlined above, Anthony Brenneman exemplifies what it means to be a PA in clinical practice, interdisciplinary education, PA advocacy and service. In addition to all of this, PA Brenneman is a kind-hearted, supportive, empathetic, and truly genuine human being.

About the Iowa Physician Assistant Society

Governor Reynolds signed HF300 - PA Interstate Licensure Compact!

Wed, 28 May 2025 16:26:58 GMT

Governor Reynolds signs HF300 - PA Interstate Licensure Compact!

Des Moines, IA – Yesterday, Governor Reynolds signed HF300 - PA Interstate Licensure Compact!

The PA Compact is an interstate occupational licensure compact for physician assistants (PAs). The compact facilitates multistate practice for PAs, improves health care access for patients, and enhances public protection.

States joining the compact agree to recognize a valid, unencumbered license issued by another compact member state via a compact privilege. Licensed PAs utilizing the compact can obtain a privilege in each compact member state where they want to practice.

Thank you to American Academy of Physician Associates for supporting Iowa PAs and our legislative advocacy to pass HF300.

In Iowa, the PA Interstate Licensure Compact will:

Make it easier for patients to access a provider, including through telemedicine
Reduce delays in providing care by eliminating administrative burdens
Allow IA to attract and retain a PA workforce due to license portability and supports relocating military spouses.
Improve continuity of care when patients or PAs relocate

"The signing of HF300 is a powerful milestone for Iowa PAs. By joining the PA Licensure Compact, we’ve expanded access to care, reduced barriers for clinicians, and reaffirmed our state’s commitment to a forward-thinking, collaborative healthcare workforce. This unanimous, bipartisan achievement sends a clear message: Iowa values its PAs and the patients we serve." –Marc Doobay, IPAS Board President

Find out more information about the PA Licensure Compact at: https://vist.ly/3n5gef6

2024 IPAS Champion of Healthcare Awards

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 23:50:50 GMT

Senator Chris Cournoyer and Representative Jane Bloomingdale Honored with Friends of IPAS Champion of Healthcare Awards

Des Moines, IA – The Iowa Physician Assistant Society (IPAS) is thrilled to announce that Senator Chris Cournoyer and Representative Jane Bloomingdale have been selected as recipients of the 2024 Friends of IPAS Champion of Healthcare Awards. This prestigious recognition is awarded to outstanding leaders who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare access and support for physician assistants in Iowa.

The awards were presented during the IPAS Healthcare in the Heartland Fall CME Conference, that took place on October 28-29 at the Hyatt Regency Conference Center in Coralville, Iowa. The conference, a key event for healthcare professionals, featured expert-led sessions focused on pressing medical topics and policy discussions, bringing together physician assistants and healthcare advocates from across the state.

Senator Chris Cournoyer and Representative Jane Bloomingdale have been instrumental in championing legislative efforts that enhance the ability of physician assistants to deliver high-quality healthcare to Iowans. Their leadership has helped expand access to medical care, ensuring that communities statewide benefit from the expertise and contributions of physician assistants. Both lawmakers have shown a deep commitment to addressing healthcare workforce challenges and improving patient outcomes, solidifying their reputations as true advocates for healthcare advancement in Iowa.

“Senator Cournoyer and Representative Bloomingdale have shown exceptional leadership in advocating for healthcare initiatives that empower physician assistants and expand access to care,” said Lane Till, Executive Director of the Iowa Physician Assistant Society. “Their support has made a meaningful impact on Iowa's healthcare landscape, and we are honored to recognize them as Friends of IPAS and Champions of Healthcare.”

2024 PA of the year

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 23:35:37 GMT

Laura Cunningham, MSPAS, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry, Honored as Iowa Physician Assistant of the Year

Des Moines, IA – The Iowa Physician Assistant Society (IPAS) is proud to announce Laura Cunningham, PA-C, as the prestigious PA of the Year award recipient. Laura's dedication to her patients, profession, and community exemplifies the highest standards of care and leadership in healthcare. She practices at Focused Life Clinic in West Des Moines, where she delivers essential psychiatric care to Iowa's rural and urban residents.

Laura, a 2015 graduate of the Des Moines University PA Program, has served in multiple medical specialties including Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Psychiatry, and Urgent Care. In 2021, Laura became the founder and CEO of Focused Life Clinic which has expanded under her leadership to 6 providers, meeting the growing need for accessible mental health services in Iowa. Additionally, she has helped multiple other practitioners start independent medical practices that help serve a variety of patient needs. Laura has consistently expanded her education and expertise which is evident by earning a Certificate of Additional Qualifications in psychiatry and currently pursuing a Doctor of Medical Science in Administrative Medicine from the University of Lynchburg.

Beyond her clinical and professional contributions, Laura has been a leading advocate for the PA profession at both the state and federal levels. As a member of the Iowa PA Society Board of Directors, she was instrumental in successfully advocating for PA independence in 2023. Iowa PA law (HF424), grants PAs equal practicing autonomy alongside their nurse practitioner colleagues and restores regulatory oversight to the PA Board. In September 2024, she represented Iowa at the AAPA Leadership and Advocacy Conference, advocating for key federal reforms that enhance patient care.

In addition, Laura has generously volunteered her time and expertise at Free Clinics of Iowa and various other organizations.

Laura's dedication to lifelong learning, her extensive medical knowledge, passion for reducing healthcare inequalities and improving healthcare access make her an exemplary choice for PA of the Year. Her contributions to the PA profession not only impact her patients but also strengthen the PA profession as a whole.

IPAS congratulates Laura Cunningham on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to seeing the continued positive impact she will have on healthcare in Iowa and beyond

About the Iowa Physician Assistant Society

IPAS Launches a Dedicated Student Symposium at the Fall CME Event!

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 02:04:47 GMT

The Iowa Physician Assistant Society is excited to offer a special Student Symposium as part of our 2024 Fall CME Event! This is a unique opportunity for PA students to dive deep into their education, network with peers, and showcase their research.

IPAS Announces 2025 Leadership

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 00:34:23 GMT

We are thrilled to introduce the newly appointed Board of Directors for IPAS. These outstanding leaders bring a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to advancing our mission. As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we are confident that their guidance will drive our organization to new heights!

Iowa Governor Signs PA Practice Modernization Bill Into Law

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 23:39:54 GMT

Under HF 424, PAs Would No Longer Be Required to be Supervised by a Physician

May 10, 2023

On May 10, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law HF 424, legislation that removes the requirement for a PA to be supervised by a physician in order to practice medicine. The bill provides much-needed flexibility for providers to meet the growing healthcare needs of patients in Iowa.

“Passage of HF 424 not only makes Iowa one of the best states in the nation for PAs to practice, but it expands access to care in the state’s rural and underserved communities,” said Iowa Physician Assistant Society (IPAS) President Samantha Sparrow, PA.