Montana Academy of Physician Assistants

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Montana Academy of Physician Assistants

The official page for the Montana Academy of Physician Assistants.

The Montana Academy of Physician Assistants (MTAPA) is a professional organization serving PAs across Montana. We represent PAs practicing in primary care, and those practicing in sub-specialties, including surgical specialties. Whether your practice is in the plains of Eastern Montana, or along the Rocky Mountains of Western Montana, MTAPA provides a unifying voice for all PAs across our great state. President: Megan Zawacki, PA-C Helena, MT

Past-President: Jenny Heglund, PA-C Big Sky, MT

President-Elect: Lena Phelps, PA-C Helena, MT

Treasurer: Steve Shepro, PA-C Ronan, MT

Secretary: Maura DeShaw, PA-C Butte, MT

Director at Large: Lacy Walters, PA-C Helena, MT

Director at Large: Kayt Deveney, PA-C Butte, MT

Director at Large: Diana Podlecki, PA-C Missoula, MT

Director at Large: Claire Welch, PA-C Bozeman, MT

House of Delegates: Dewey Hahlbom, PA-C Helena MT

Student Representative: Anna Peter PA-S, Rocky Mountain College

03/09/2026

Meet Carrie McMahon, PA-C

Burnout isn’t just about workload — it’s often about financial stress.

At the MTAPA Conference, Carrie McMahon, PA-C, will explore the connection between professional burnout and financial wellness — and how intentional money management can create long-term freedom and stability.

With more than 26 years of experience across family medicine, women’s health, plastic surgery, and dermatology, Carrie is both a seasoned clinician and educator. After personally experiencing burnout, she has dedicated herself to studying its causes — particularly the powerful link between financial stress and professional well-being.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:
• Recognize the signs and drivers of professional burnout
• Understand how financial stress contributes to provider fatigue
• Apply practical strategies like budgeting, debt elimination, and early investing
• Avoid lifestyle creep and build a path toward financial freedom

This session goes beyond CME — it’s about protecting your career and your well-being.

📍 April 22–24, 2026 | Missoula
🔗 Register today, MTAPA.com

03/08/2026

Meet Robert Page, MD

Dermatopathology reports can be complex — but they shouldn’t be confusing.

At the MTAPA Conference, Robert Page, MD, will provide practical insight into understanding dermatopathology reports and what information should be included — especially in challenging or ambiguous cases.

A dermatopathologist with 25 years of experience in Knoxville, Tennessee, Dr. Page serves as an assistant clinical professor at both the University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt University. He has extensive experience teaching dermatologists, pathologists, and physician assistants how to interpret and apply pathology findings in clinical practice.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:
• Better understand key dermatopathology diagnoses
• Navigate challenging or complex pathology terminology
• Recognize what should be included in a complete pathology report
• Communicate more effectively with pathologists when clarification is needed

If you review biopsy results in clinic, this session will help you read pathology reports with greater confidence and precision.

📍 April 22–24, 2026 | Missoula
🔗 Register today, MTAPA.com

03/07/2026

Meet Brian Van Ness, PA-C

When cardiac rhythms go rogue — will you know what to do?

At the MTAPA Conference, Brian Van Ness, PA-C, will lead a dynamic, case-based review of emergency cardiac arrhythmias relevant to PAs across all practice settings.

Currently practicing at Stanford University Medical Center, Brian brings more than 30 years of healthcare experience spanning hospital medicine, critical care, trauma, and acute care surgery. His extensive background in managing emergency arrhythmias makes this session both practical and high-yield.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:
• Recognize key ECG features of common cardiac arrhythmias
• Manage atrial fibrillation with RVR using pharmacologic options
• Perform non-pharmacologic interventions for SVT
• Identify common causes of pulseless electrical activity
• Apply the H’s and T’s in cases of asystole

Whether you’re a student, new grad, or seasoned clinician, this session will sharpen your rhythm recognition and emergency response skills.

📍 April 22–24, 2026 | Missoula
🔗 Register today, MTAPA.com

03/06/2026

Meet Lindsey Gardner, PA-C

Feeling Gutsy?

At the MTAPA Conference, Lindsey Gardner, PA-C, will tackle one of primary care’s most common — and often frustrating — clinical challenges: Functional Dyspepsia and IBS.

A graduate of the University of Utah PA Program, Lindsey has practiced across urgent care, orthopedic surgery, general surgery (including time in Australia), and now gastroenterology at Montana GI in Missoula. Since 2016, she has focused on helping patients navigate complex GI concerns with clarity and compassion.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:
• Confidently diagnose Functional Dyspepsia and IBS
• Develop comprehensive, multi-faceted treatment plans
• Identify appropriate referrals
• Strengthen the provider-patient relationship in chronic GI care

IBS management isn’t just about medications — it’s about strategy, communication, and partnership.

📍 April 22–24, 2026 | Missoula
🔗 Register today, MTAPA.com

03/05/2026

Meet John Polley, MD

Pediatric plastic and reconstructive conditions require thoughtful evaluation, careful planning, and coordinated care.

At the MTAPA Conference, John Polley, MD — a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon — will explore common pediatric plastic surgery and health issues, including neoplasms, congenital anomalies, and complex reconstructive cases.

Dr. Polley brings extensive experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for children and adults, with particular expertise in cleft lip and palate, congenital facial anomalies, trauma reconstruction, and craniomaxillofacial surgery.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:
• Recognize common pediatric neoplasms and congenital anomalies
• Understand surgical treatment pathways and expected outcomes
• Identify plastic surgical conditions of the head, neck, chest, and abdomen
• Review management strategies for complex cases including abnormal airways, macromastia, and post-weight loss abdominal deformities

Whether you practice primary care, urgent care, or specialty medicine, this session will enhance your understanding of when to monitor, manage, or refer.

📍 April 22–24, 2026 | Missoula
🔗 Register today, MTAPA.com

03/04/2026

Meet Emily Hall, PA-C

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is common, serious — and often missed.

At the MTAPA Conference, Emily Hall, PA-C, will provide a practical guide to recognizing, diagnosing, and managing OSA in primary care. Emily specializes in sleep medicine at St. Vincent Hospital and is passionate about helping patients achieve long-term success with treatment.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:
• Recognize both classic and subtle signs of sleep-disordered breathing
• Understand the cardiovascular and metabolic risks of untreated OSA
• Choose appropriate diagnostic testing (home testing vs. in-lab studies)
• Navigate current treatment options and improve patient adherence
• Identify when referral to a sleep specialist is indicated

If you work in primary care, this session will sharpen your ability to identify OSA early and improve patient outcomes.

📍 April 22–24, 2026 | Missoula
🔗 Register today, MTAPA.com

03/03/2026

Meet Anisha McClure, PA-C

From old wives’ tales to modern medicine — mastitis management has evolved.

At the MTAPA Conference, Anisha McClure, PA-C, will provide an evidence-based update on diagnosing and treating lactational mastitis as a spectrum disease.

With more than 10 years of experience in acute and urgent care in Great Falls — and service as a First Lieutenant in the Montana Air National Guard — Anisha brings a practical, patient-centered perspective to a condition frequently seen in primary and urgent care settings.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:
• Recognize inflammatory mastitis and distinguish it from other breast conditions
• Apply current, evidence-based treatment guidelines
• Move beyond outdated recommendations
• Avoid common diagnostic and management pitfalls through case-based learning

If you treat postpartum patients — or cover urgent care — this session will update your approach with research-backed, actionable guidance.

📍 April 22–24, 2026 | Missoula
🔗 Register today, MTAPA.com

03/02/2026

Meet Stacy Hermiller, PA-C

Join us at the MTAPA Conference as Stacy Hermiller brings over 23 years of orthopedic experience to a highly practical session designed for primary care clinicians.

Practicing orthopedics in Great Falls, Montana, Stacy combines deep clinical expertise with real-world application. A graduate of one of the original PA programs in the country, she has spent more than two decades helping patients across Montana stay active and healthy.

In this session, you’ll gain practical tools for:
• Evaluating sports injuries and closed head injuries in student athletes
• Managing common pediatric orthopedic injuries
• Selecting appropriate imaging in primary care
• Distinguishing benign vs. malignant bone tumors
• Treating degenerative joint disease with confidence

If orthopedics shows up regularly in your clinic — this session will sharpen your diagnostic and management skills immediately.

📍 April 22–24, 2026 | Missoula
🔗 Register today, MTAPA.com

03/01/2026

Meet Andrew (Andy) Ashford, PA-C

Hocus POCUS? Not quite — just practical, powerful medicine.

At the MTAPA Conference, Andy Ashford, PA-C, will explore how point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is transforming primary care — especially in rural Montana.

A Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Clinical Education at the University of Montana Physician Associate Program, Andy has integrated POCUS into PA education to prepare clinicians for real-world rural practice. Prior to academia, he practiced at Providence Heart Institute in Missoula and served 20 years in the Army as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant and Special Operations PA.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:
• Identify common clinical applications of POCUS in primary care
• Understand key ultrasound terminology for clinical decision-making
• Explore practical training models to build competence
• See a demonstration of the Butterfly iQ3 probe designed for primary care settings

If you practice in a rural or resource-limited setting, this session will show you how POCUS can expand your diagnostic toolkit.

📍 April 22–24, 2026 | Missoula
🔗 Register today, MTAPA.com

02/28/2026

Meet Brennan Dodson, MD, FARS

ENT care is evolving — far beyond tonsils and tubes.

At the MTAPA Conference, Brennan Dodson, MD, FARS, will share cutting-edge advances in ENT care for both pediatric and adult patients.

Founder of Bridger ENT and serving Bozeman and surrounding communities since 2006, Dr. Dodson brings deep expertise in nasal and sinus care as a Fellow of the American Rhinologic Society. With nearly half of his practice focused on pediatrics, he offers a comprehensive perspective across age groups.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:
• Recognize advances in surgical and non-surgical ENT treatments
• Determine when conservative management, office-based procedures, or surgical referral is appropriate
• Understand emerging technologies like Vivaer, Rhinaer, and PRP — and their impact on outcomes

If you manage sinus, airway, or sleep-related disorders in your practice, this session will help you stay current and make confident referral decisions.

📍 April 22–24, 2026 | Missoula
🔗 Register today, MTAPA.com

Address

Po Box No
Missoula, MT
59802

Website

http://mtapa.mypanetwork.com/

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