Best Chris Darst Podcasts (2025)

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Shadowing vs. Work Hours 6:01

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1+ y ago6:01

6:01

Which is better: more shadowing hours or more work hours? Shadowing hours expose you to more real-world scenarios as a PA, but work hours give you direct patient contact. We offer some tips in this podcast on getting both! Don't forget to subscribe to the PA Startup channel. Leave us a comment below; we need something to do while we wait for our ne…

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5 Essential Writing Tips for your Personal Statement 13:13

1+ y ago13:13

13:13

There's a lot of pressure on writing your personal statement, but generally people overthink it. Take a breath, catch our tips, and you'll have a stellar statement in no time! Don't forget to subscribe to the PA Startup channel. Leave us a comment below; we need something to do while we wait for our next case to start! Links: Visit us: https://past…

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Setting Up Shadowing 10:21

1+ y ago10:21

10:21

Shadowing seems intimidating, but it's actually fairly straightforward to set up. Be resourceful, have courage, and go get those shadowing experiences! Don't forget to subscribe to the PA Startup channel. Leave us a comment below; we need something to do while we wait for our next case to start! Links: Visit us: https://pastartup.co FREE RESOURCES:…

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PA Startup is BACK! 3:00

1+ y ago3:00

3:00

We're back! After a lengthy break to work on some CME projects, we're back to producing podcast episodes again. If you're interested in our CME projects, check out these: Endoscopic Vein Harvest training for you CT Surgery PAs! https://vesselharvest.com Echocardiography training: https://e-echocardiography.com Don't forget to subscribe to the PA St…

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How To Prepare for Rotations 15:28

4y ago15:28

15:28

The PANCE blueprint has a lot of topics to study, so how do you know what to focus on? We haven't ever claimed to be the best students in the world, but you can gain from both our procrastination and our experience as preceptors over the last 14 years: Learn the basics. Know the easy stuff: 3 options for treating nausea, most likely causes of posto…

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I'm OVERWHELMED!! Will I EVER make it as a PA?? 15:26

4+ y ago15:26

15:26

#PASchool #PAStudent #PhysicianAssistant #PrePA #PAStartup Shadowing, school, rotations...it all seems so overwhelming. A recent Reddit post reminded us of being in school and wondering how we'd ever remember or understand things to make it as a PA. We have some tips for you! Don't forget to subscribe to the PA Startup channel. Leave us a rating an…

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3 Tips to make the MOST out of your Rotations 16:48

4+ y ago16:48

16:48

#PASchool #PAStudent #PhysicianAssistant #PrePA #PAStartup Shadowing, school, rotations...it all seems so overwhelming. A recent Reddit post reminded us of being in school and wondering how we'd ever remember or understand things to make it as a PA. We have some tips for you! Don't forget to subscribe to the PA Startup channel. Leave us a rating an…

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A Day In The Life: Psychiatry + More! 52:58

4+ y ago52:58

52:58

Psychiatry is actually in every specialty, but what would a job as a PA in in psych be like? Meet our friend Ariana, a Psychiatry PA (who recently moved on to Burn and Reconstructive Surgery)--she has some amazing tips for medical providers of any kind! She has been active in her state chapter as well to help advance the PA profession both in the f…

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How to spot a good PA/MD working relationship 31:44

5y ago31:44

31:44

Want to watch this podcast instead? (you'll quickly see we have good faces for podcasting!): https://youtu.be/go9Edf69LDw Support PA Startup, subscribe to our channel--I mean, we might as well make this official, am I right? How do you find a good fit as a new graduate who is just wanting to get hired? Too often new grads take a job without thinkin…

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How to Stand Out On Rotations // 20:01

5y ago20:01

20:01

Please help support our YouTube channel: like and subscribe this video (you'll have to look past our ugly faces!!) http://hyperurl.co/PASU_YouTube We gave students a little bit of a hard time on our "Things You SHOULDN'T Do on Rotations" episode, so it's only fair to follow up with ways you can stand out. Show notes: https://pastartup.co/episode034…

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Hilarious (and true) experiences as PAs 24:14

5y ago24:14

24:14

Medicine can be very serious, but given the intensity of some situations along with the awkwardness of human nature, we all have funny experiences as medical providers. Here are some of our favorites; don't worry, we add to the list daily and will have more stories to tell! Subscribe to the PA Startup channel on YouTube! We'd love to see you over t…

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PA School Loans PAID OFF in just 16 months?!?? 37:28

5y ago37:28

37:28

How do you pay for PA school? How hard is it to pay off student loan debt? Meet Kristin. She's a PA, just like us. She graduated and got a job, just like us. But that's where the similarities stop (with us anyway!)—she paid off nearly $200,000 in student loans in JUST 16 MONTHS! She didn't stop there…she has some exciting things going on with her n…

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What NOT to do on rotations // PA Startup Podcast 34:09

5y ago34:09

34:09

Rotations are a great part of PA school--they provide a way to balance book knowledge with clinical knowledge, provide perspective....but also they give you an opportunity to put your best foot forward. Full Show Notes: https://pastartup.co/episode31 Visit us on YouTube and Subscribe to the PA Startup Channel!…

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New co-host, and we're on YouTube! // PA Startup Podcast, Episode 030 27:36

5y ago27:36

27:36

We're back with Season 3 of the PA Startup Podcast! The podcast is now also on YouTube, so we'd love a "like" and subscribe over there as well! Today is an exciting day: introducing our new cohost, Garner Wilson PA-C!

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A Day in The Life: Emergency Medicine 44:10

6y ago44:10

44:10

By PA Startup/Chris Darst, PA-C

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A Day In the Life–Orthopedics & Plastic Surgery 35:55

6y ago35:55

35:55

What's it like to work a day as an Orthopedics & Plastic Surgery PA? Today's guest is Shannon Korth, PA-C. She started as a surgical technologist then found the PA profession. She met a lot of people working as a tech, which worked to her advantage after graduation. Read the show notes here: http://www.pastartup.co/episode28 Support the PA Startup …

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027: PA Residencies—PA Startup Podcast 37:54

6+ y ago37:54

37:54

PA Residencies are out there—but what's it like to attend one? Today's guest is Theresa Brodeur, PA-C who is from Syracuse, NY. She attended PA school and knew she wanted to pursue Emergency Medicine, so she attended a Residency in California to further her skills. How did it go? What was it like? Read the show notes here: pastartup.co/episode27 Su…

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026 Finding Your Purpose 26:16

6+ y ago26:16

26:16

What is your Purpose as a PA? What ignites you? Maybe you don't know—I didn't, and felt like an imposter. Then my daughter and my wife almost died. It was an awful experience, but it showed me my Purpose at the most unexpected time. See my "little" family (we've grown since then!) at the show notes: Episode 26 Support the PA Startup Podcast! Free 3…

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025 Q&A Number 3! 26:52

7y ago26:52

26:52

Great questions from YOU listeners! Q&A Number 3! Show notes here: Episode 25 Do you have a question? Send any pre-PA, current student, and new grad questions to [email protected] Support the PA Startup Podcast! Free 30-Day Audible Trial (free book of your choice!) PA Startup Shirts!--Free shipping, represent your future/current profession! Gi…

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024: The 4 Things You Need To Do After Your Interview 16:51

7y ago16:51

16:51

4 things you MUST do RIGHT after your interview Everyone's focus is on the interview, right? That's what you're working for—good grades, CASPA application, letters of recommendation, and a great essay (need help with that? Check THIS out…). The day finally comes and you go to your interview…but once you're done, what do you do next?? Check out the …

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023: What Do I Do If I Don't Get In?? 48:52

7y ago48:52

48:52

Everyone fears rejection, but it's a fact of life Statistically speaking, it very well might be part of your PA school journey. While it hurts to not get in the first time through, the way you handle this rejection and get back on task makes all the difference. My guest for Episode 23 has lived it—and handled it like a champ. Check out more in the …

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022: Fundamentals: The First 30 Days 37:11

7y ago37:11

37:11

What is the first month like as a new PA? The first 30, 60, 90 days as a PA are a blur for most…transitioning from a student to provider, getting a job, meeting new people, and suddenly—you're it, you're the provider! It can be intimidating and overwhelming, but we've all been there. Meet Andre here: Epsiode 22 Support the PA Startup Podcast! Free …

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021: A Day In The Life-Trauma Medicine 44:40

7+ y ago44:40

44:40

Catching up with Mike, the Finance Fellow (from Episode 7) and his job as a PA in Acute Care/Trauma Medicine. Learn more in the show notes: Episode 21 Find Mike here: Twitter: @thefinancefello Blog: www.TheFinanceFellow.com Email: [email protected] Support the PA Startup Podcast! Free 30-Day Audible Trial (free book of your choice!) PA Sta…

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020: 5 Killer Writing Tips 19:18

7+ y ago19:18

19:18

Writing tips are just for pre-PAs, right? No...! Mike Huckabee, Ph.D., PA-C, Program Director for the Mayo Clinic PA Program, talked in Episode 18 of the PA Startup Podcast how the essay is the best way to stand out among competitive applications, and I agree. It's the START of your interview…the first chance you can show them personality outside o…

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018: Insights from a Program Director 44:16

7+ y ago44:16

44:16

How often do we get to ask Program Directors questions and get transparent answers? NOT OFTEN, so this episode will knock your socks off! Check out the show notes: Episode 18 Mike Huckabee, Ph.D. PA-C is the Program Director at the Mayo Clinic PA Program and a personal friend–in today's episode we have unique access to his thoughts on pre-PA/PA app…

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017: Day In the Life–Family Practice with Stephen from The PA LIfe.com 29:10

7+ y ago29:10

29:10

Meet Stephen Pasquini, PA-C! He's not only a Family Practice PA with over 10 years experience, he's also the founder of The PA Life.com (https://www.thepalife.com/), an AWESOME resource for PAs. But his reach doesn't stop there, he's also the founder of SmartyPance (https://smartypance.com/) (which is a great PANCE/PANRE review course!!), PANCE/PAN…

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016: A Day In the Life–Pulmonary Medicine 38:45

7+ y ago38:45

38:45

A Day In the Life: Pulmonary Medicine As Nick says, pulmonary patients are often the "sickest of the sick", which is a great mindset to have when selecting rotations: if you can handle the sickest patients, then the rest won't be as intimidating. Show notes: Episode 16 Support the PA Startup Podcast! Free 30-Day Audible Trial (free book of your cho…

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015: Day In The Life–General Surgery 41:47

7+ y ago41:47

41:47

A Day in the Life: General Surgery, featuring Jessica Harper, PA-C Jessica started out in cardiac rehab and personal training before PA school, but met military PAs along the way who provided excellent care. She loved surgery and hasn't looked back. Show notes: Episode 15 Support the PA Startup Podcast! Free 30-Day Audible Trial (free book of your …

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014: Q&A 2: New Grad Questions 26:05

7+ y ago26:05

26:05

New Grad Questions! Q&A #2 Thanks for all the great questions; submit yours to: [email protected] Salary vs. RVUs Negotiating salary for first job Contract vs. Offer Letter Residencies Surviving vs. Flourishing in school Show notes, links, and more info: Episode 14 Support the PA Startup Podcast! Free 30-Day Audible Trial (free book of your ch…

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013: Day In The Life: Cardiothoracic Surgery 26:20

7+ y ago26:20

26:20

A Day in the Life: Cardiothoracic Surgery Welcome to the first "day in the life of" series. This is probably my favorite type of podcast episode I have planned and want to offer you as listeners of the PA start a podcast. When I was a student, I always wanted to know what my life would be like working in different specialties. The goal of this seri…

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012: Fundamentals: Negotiating 21:39

7+ y ago21:39

21:39

Fundamentals: Negotiating Negotiating sounds like it's only for contracts or getting a job, but you'll find you will have to negotiate in every aspect of your career: getting your job, finding common ground with patients, managing teams or even being managed, outside administrators, work life balance, the list goes on and on. Excellent show notes (…

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011: Get That Job–Contracts 28:44

7+ y ago28:44

28:44

CONTRACTS and STUFF TO CONSIDER Contracts and/or offer letters are something you usually only see once, so it's hard to get up to speed on what should be included, and if you miss an opportunity to include something, it's usually too late by the time you realize it. Check out things you HAVE to have and things that are good to consider in the show …

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010: Lessons Learned The First Year in Practice 38:40

7+ y ago38:40

38:40

Lessons Learned the First Year In Practice The learning curve is steep right out of school. Often times we perceive something that is challenging but when you look back it was something different entirely. Show notes: Episode 10 Support the PA Startup Podcast! Free 30-Day Audible Trial (free book of your choice!) PA Startup Shirts!--Free shipping, …

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009: Preparing for the PANCE Exam 44:08

7+ y ago44:08

44:08

Preparing For the PANCE/PANRE Exam: Conversation with Certified Medical Educators The thing standing between you and becoming a PA, other than school of course, is the PANCE exam. The Physician Assistant National Certification Exam is the ultimate goal of your PA training; it is THE comprehensive review of everything you learned in PA school. Passi…

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008: Shadowing Like a Boss 34:01

7+ y ago34:01

34:01

Shadowing is an exceptional way to learn more about the PA profession and stay motivated throughout your academic journey. It can help you explore the PA profession, find letters of recommendation, arrange elective rotations, and even a potential job in the future. In this week's episode of the PA Startup Podcast, we look at the benefits of shadowi…

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007: Talking Finances with The Finance Fellow 55:39

7+ y ago55:39

55:39

Today we talk finances with Mike "The Finance Fellow". Mike writes a blog (www.thefinancefellow.com) about his journey from the financial world to now being a Trauma PA, discussing all different types of financial info for pre-PAs, current PA students, and practicing PAs. More info on the show notes HERE. ***Information on this Podcast does not con…

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006: Finishing School Strong--Finish School Strong: A graduating PA Student talks focus, prepping for PANCE exam, and jobs...! 31:18

7+ y ago31:18

31:18

Congratulations to all the graduating PA students out there! Way to go! You did it...just pass that exam (you'll do great) and start that career! Show notes for this episode HERE. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast above, follow us on Twitter (@PAStartupDOTco), and sign up for email updates below. Man, am I bossy or what? Als0, submit your qu…

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005 Q&A: School Choices, Not Getting In, Getting "Pimped", and Salary Negotiation 21:30

7+ y ago21:30

21:30

Welcome to our first Q & A episode! These questions were submitted via email at [email protected]. We have four excellent questions today, I didn't have time to feature everything that has been sent in, but please keep sending questions and we will get to them in a future episode. Brett asks how to decide between a more expensive but highly re…

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004—Get That Job: Interviews 39:35

7+ y ago39:35

39:35

Job interviews Just like cover letters and resumes, job interviews are an art form. Practice makes perfect, and this episode has several different tips to help you perfect that art. The whole purpose of the job interview is to show whoever is hiring why you were the best fit for the job. That goes both ways, you need to make sure that the job is a …

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003: Get That Job: Resumes/CVs & Cover Letters 32:02

7+ y ago32:02

32:02

Today's episode is all about getting the job! FREE RESOURCES: pastartup.co/resume Subscribe on iTunes; leave us a rating and review! The whole purpose of going to PA school is to get a job as a practicing PA. But before you can start treating patients, you have to actually be offered a job. The medical community is small, so it pays to make a good …

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002--Going From Good To Great 20:50

7+ y ago20:50

20:50

Episode 002--Going From Good To Great It's not uncommon to finish school, land your job, then get in a routine of checking off your daily routine. The trouble is, you're selling yourself short. Finishing school isn't the end of your growth-you've got a ton of potential to grow into. We can all be good…but what if we want more? What takes you from g…

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001: 5 Reasons To Be Excited To Be A PA 22:42

7+ y ago22:42

22:42

There are a lot of different allied health positions or provider roles can choose from; how do you know if the PA profession is right for you? In today's episode, we dig into FIVE reasons why you should be excited to become a Physician Assistant. Do you have questions? I want to know where you're at in your training, what you were dealing with, and…

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PA Startup Podcast Episode 000 9:57

7+ y ago9:57

9:57

In this inaugural episode of the PA Startup Podcast, we answer the important question: What is PA Startup all about? We are helping pre-PA students, current PA students, and new grads start their careers ahead of the curve as Physician Assistants! Not sure if the PA profession is right for you? Having trouble staying motivated or choose a specialty…