Leader Spotlight Archive
CAPA’s growth over the past 50 years has been shaped by dedicated leaders who helped guide the organization and advance the Physician Associate profession across California. This archive highlights previously featured CAPA leaders whose contributions have left a lasting impact on CAPA and the PA profession.
CAPA Leader Spotlight: Marissa Stone, PA-C
In Conversation with Bernadette Amofa, CAPA Student Director
Supporting future PAs starts long before the classroom. As CAPA continues to expand its support at every stage, I had the opportunity to connect with PA Marissa Stone to reflect on the growth of pre-PA initiatives and the role mentorship plays in shaping future PAs. As a former CAPA Student Director, PA Stone played an important role in building CAPA’s relationship with pre-PA students and creating opportunities for early involvement in the PA journey. Her leadership focused on building community, increasing access to resources, and encouraging students to feel supported as they explored the profession.
During her time in the role, Marissa emphasized listening to students’ needs and turning those ideas into opportunities. Her work contributed to the development and growth of CAPA's Pre-PA Pathways and helped lay a foundation for continued mentorship and teamwork. In this conversation, she shares her perspective on supporting pre-PAs, the importance of guidance early in the journey, and how student leaders can continue building on the momentum she helped create while contributing to CAPA’s continued growth.
What made you start focusing more on pre-PA students at CAPA?
My experience as a pre-PA really shaped my commitment to supporting others at that stage. It can be an overwhelming time–you have so many questions, you’re doing extensive research, and it’s easy to feel like you’re navigating the process alone without a clear sense of community.
That perspective motivated me to focus more on pre-PA students within CAPA. If students are actively seeking information about the PA profession and application process, I believe they deserve a reliable, centralized source that not only provides valuable resources but also a sense of community.
Pre-PA students are truly the grassroots of our profession. The more we invest in them early on, the more we strengthen and advance the future of the PA workforce. As the hub for PAs in California, CAPA is uniquely positioned to support individuals at every stage of the journey, and I think that should absolutely include those just starting out.
What was your reaction to the response to Pre-PA Pathways?
I wasn’t surprised by the program’s success, but the turnout for the first event definitely exceeded my expectations. Watching the program grow has been incredibly rewarding; it’s inspiring to see how we’re helping students navigate this important stage of their journey. I’m excited to see just how impactful this program has become in bringing pre-PA students together and offering resources that they would not have otherwise. I’m continually impressed by the participants' level of engagement–their willingness to step outside of their comfort zones, connect with others, and work towards their goals is what makes me so happy this came to fruition!
Were there any moments or student interactions that really stuck with you?
One interaction that really stands out to me is with a student who is now very involved in CAPA. From the beginning, it was clear he had strong leadership potential within a PA program, you could see it right away. Through both Pre-PA Pathways and my school’s pre-PA club, we connected with many incredible students, but Justin Nelson, PA-S, truly stood out. His professionalism, eagerness, and energy made a lasting impression on all of us. We were rooting for him from the start and seeing how involved he is now as a PA student is incredibly rewarding. It’s moments like that that remind me how meaningful it is to be part of someone’s journey early on.
My advice to pre-PAs is to treat every Pre-PA Pathways event like a job interview. Show up professional, prepared, and engaged. First impressions matter, and these events can be a valuable opportunity to demonstrate why you would be a great fit for a program and why the PA profession is the right path for you.
From your perspective, what do pre-PAs need more of right now?
From my perspective, pre-PAs need more mentorship and guidance now more than ever. Having access to strong mentors can make a significant difference, not only in navigating the application process, but in truly understanding what to expect from PA school and the profession as a whole.
In addition, gaining meaningful, hands-on clinical experience is essential. These experiences, combined with supportive mentorship, help pre-PAs build the foundational skills and confidence needed to succeed. When students are guided by the right people and exposed to real-world clinical environments, they are much better prepared for both the academic and professional demands of becoming a PA. It also serves as a way for students to take the time to fully understand the profession, including its responsibilities, challenges, and rewards, to ensure that it’s the right path for them.
“Don’t be afraid to share your ideas. You never know what seed you might plant, and one day it might just grow into a big, beautiful garden... Trust that your perspective is valuable, and don’t underestimate the difference you can make by simply contributing your voice.”— Marissa Stone, PA-C
What advice would you give to future Student Directors continuing this work?
Don’t be afraid to share your ideas. You never know what seed you might plant and one day it might just grow into a big, beautiful garden. I remember feeling intimidated by the incredible PAs on the board, but I quickly learned that speaking up, collaborating, and advocating for what you’re passionate about is what drives meaningful change. Trust that your perspective is valuable, and don’t underestimate the difference you can make by simply contributing your voice.
In terms of future pre-PA initiatives, I encourage you to continue building on this foundation and finding ways to grow it even further. Don’t be afraid to think bigger and explore new ideas that can expand the reach and impact of these programs. Most importantly, remember that the key to meaningful growth lies within the pre-PAs themselves–listen to their feedback, ask what they need, and let that guide your direction.
What does it feel like to be part of CAPA’s 50th anniversary, and what are you most proud of as a member?
It feels pretty surreal. Having been a member for several years now, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand the amount of work that goes into building CAPA’s programs and resources. The team behind it is truly incredible, and they are constantly working to ensure PAs are supported and advocated for at every stage of their careers.
CAPA has been part of every step of my journey and has taught me so much about the profession, including what it means to be a leader within it. I’m most proud of the efforts and advocacy that they pour into this community, and I’m just grateful to be someone who gets to sit at their table and contribute to that work. The passion, energy, and dedication that PAs across California bring to this organization is something really special–there’s a genuine commitment to caring for the profession and for one another that you don’t find everywhere.
Any final thoughts for students who are just starting their journey?
Don’t focus so much on checking boxes that you forget why you’re pursuing this path in the first place. I know it can feel overwhelming at times, but it is so worth it in the end. Being a PA is one of the most rewarding professions, and I truly love what I do.
Take the time to really learn about the profession, understand your “why,” and make sure it’s the right fit for you. Stay curious, seek out meaningful experiences, and don’t be afraid to lean into the parts of the journey that challenge you–they often lead to the most growth.
Most importantly, trust that your path will unfold the way it’s meant to. If you stay grounded in your purpose and keep showing up with intention, you’ll get there, and it will be worth it.
CAPA Leader Spotlight: Joseph Tate
Adapted from a biography prepared by John Davis for the PA History Society
Entering the PA Profession
Joseph Tate, PA-C, first learned about the Physician Associate profession while serving as an Army medic in Vietnam in 1970. After returning to the United States, he enrolled in the Physician Assistant program at Howard University and graduated in 1975.
Following graduation, PA Tate began working in emergency medicine at Yellowstone National Park Hospital in Wyoming. He later moved to California and served as a clinical instructor for the Charles Drew PA Program from 1975 to 1979. Because graduates of the Howard University program were not authorized to practice in California at that time, he completed additional training in 1976 to meet state requirements.
Leadership and Advocacy
Throughout his career, PA Tate has held a variety of clinical, leadership, and educational roles. From 1979 to 1988, he owned and directed a temporary staffing service for Physician Associates. He later served as a partner and provider at Health First Medical Management from 1996 to 2014. PA Tate contributed to PA education as an adjunct clinical instructor at Western University of Health Sciences from 2006 to 2009, where he helped establish a student exchange program with the University of Beijing Medical School focused on Chinese holistic medicine.
PA Tate has been active in professional leadership and advocacy. He served on the California Academy of Physician Associates Board of Directors from 1976 to 1978 and represented California in the AAPA House of Delegates from 1977 to 1978. From 1985 to 1988, he was appointed by Governor George Deukmejian to the California Physician Assistant Examining Committee. He was a charter member of several caucuses and committees focused on advancing diversity within the profession.
Project Access
PA Tate is particularly proud of his involvement in Project Access, an initiative focused on increasing diversity in the PA profession. Working alongside Brenda Jasper and the Charles Drew PA Alumni Society, he helped introduce the profession to students and healthcare workers through outreach efforts including health fairs, school events, and community programs. Project Access later expanded to national conferences and eventually received recognition and support from AAPA.
Outside of Medicine
Outside of medicine, PA Tate enjoys attending theater performances with his family, learning piano, reading about American Civil War history and westward migration, taking care of his horses and vegetable garden, and restoring classic convertibles.
Source: Content adapted from the PA History Society biography of Joseph Tate, PA-C (November 2021). View the original article. Images courtesy of Joseph Tate and the PA History Society.
CAPA Leader Spotlight: Julie Theriault
By: Christy Eskes, DHSc, MPA, PA-C, CAPA Secretary
The Road to the PA Profession
Julie Theriault, PA-C, DFAAPA, was working as a clinical laboratory scientist in the early 1980s when she first encountered the Physician Associate (PA) profession. She knew she wanted a career in medicine and explored multiple paths from nursing to medical school. While working in the hospital, she met her first PA, Pat Kelly, who became a mentor as she began pursuing PA school. She was accepted into her local program at the University of California, Davis on her first attempt and recalls that “it felt like love at first sight.” She had found her future career and put everything she had into her education. While at UC Davis, she was given opportunities to complete additional rotations in hospital settings and experienced the full breadth of what PAs were able to do at the time. This exposure ultimately led her to choose family medicine as her clinical specialty.
As a PA student, she was eager to become involved in the growth of the profession, which was still relatively new and continually evolving. PA Theriault recognized that her personality was well suited for policy work, and she wanted not only to help shape the profession, but also to steward the profession that had captured her heart. At her first California Academy of Physician Associates (CAPA) meeting, she was encouraged to apply for the Student Representative role and was subsequently elected.
A Leader Emerges
This experience set her on a leadership and advocacy pathway that included numerous roles within CAPA: Director at Large, Secretary, Vice President, President Elect, President, and Immediate Past President. She chaired multiple CAPA committees and served for many years in the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) House of Delegates, including as Chief Delegate. The reputation she built through these roles led to her appointment as Chair of the AAPA Constituent Relations Committee, where she helped unite and empower constituent organizations nationwide in advancing the profession. She was later elected to the AAPA Board of Directors, serving as Director at Large, President Elect, President, and ultimately Immediate Past President and Chair of the Board.
“Money was not the reason I became a PA. It was a privilege for me to do what I was doing and to save people’s lives. That transcends money.”
Her ascent into leadership was not without challenges. During her tenure at CAPA, PAs in California faced significant limitations in prescribing authority and disaster response privileges. Through persistent dialogue with leaders from other medical disciplines and intentional advocacy with policymakers, she helped secure written prescribing rights and enabled PAs to work during disasters without requiring their supervising physician to be on site.
As she rose within AAPA leadership, PA Theriault initially encountered skepticism from PAs outside of California. However, her message of unity resonated nationwide. As she explains, “I was a very open leader, not closed off or ostentatious. I came to every meeting with an attitude of ‘we’re all in this together.’” Her approach helped build trust and advance the profession on a national scale. She continued to serve in the AAPA House of Delegates representing CAPA until her retirement.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Leadership
Reflecting on her career, PA Theriault shared an anecdote that illustrates her “why” for entering the profession. While in PA school, she was told that physicians were reluctant to work with PAs; yet by graduation, she had received six job offers due to her diligence during clinical rotations. Her first family medicine position paid $13 per hour, and a $0.25 raise the following year felt momentous. Compared to current PA compensation, she looks back and laughs. Still, as she states, “Money was not the reason I became a PA. It was a privilege for me to do what I was doing and to save people’s lives. That transcends money.”
Her advice to all PAs is simple yet powerful:
Your profession is only as strong as you help make it. The stronger we make our profession, the more we can do for our patients. Being part of the profession, our academy, even volunteering in small ways, should be like breathing; it should simply be something we do. If the profession is important to you, you will want to preserve it and help it grow. If it were not for those who came before us, we would not be where we are today. Being involved does not have to mean holding a presidency or a formal position. It can be volunteering on a committee, helping at a registration desk, or talking with leaders. Leaders need to be present, approachable, and engaged, sitting with people, listening, and building familiarity. When you see an opportunity, take it. Don’t wait for someone to offer it.
This message perfectly encapsulates PA Theriault’s career as both a clinician and a leader. She was a deeply impactful advocate who met people where they were and seized every opportunity to advance the profession. As we reflect on PA leadership over the past 50 years, we are profoundly grateful for Julie Theriault, PA-C, DFAAPA, and her many contributions to CAPA and to the physician associate profession as a whole.
For more information about PA Theriault’s leadership, please see her biography on the PA History Society website.
A Tribute to Rod Moser
First President, California Academy of Physician Associates
By Sonny Cline, MA, MDiv, PA-C, CAPA President 2025–2026
Pre-PA Journey
Rod Moser’s story is inseparable from the story of the physician associate profession itself, especially in California. His leadership did not begin from a place of privilege or established pathways, but from courage, determination, and a belief in a profession that had not yet been formally recognized.
In 1969, at just 18 years old, Rod entered one of the nation’s earliest four-year baccalaureate PA programs at Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi, West Virginia. He came directly out of high school, from an impoverished Appalachian background, with no prior medical experience.
“When Rod graduated in 1973, the profession faced an uncertain future. No states had enabling legislation authorizing PAs to practice yet.”
Although accepted into a pre-medical program at the University of Pittsburgh, Rod chose Alderson-Broaddus after receiving a full scholarship, an economic decision that would ultimately place him at the forefront of a new medical profession. He first learned of the PA program through a recruitment letter sent to his high school guidance office, a small spark that would ignite a lifetime of impact.
One of the First 100 California PAs
When Rod graduated in 1973, the profession faced an uncertain future. No states had enabling legislation authorizing PAs to practice yet. Despite this, Rod accepted a position in San Francisco, took the first NCCPA board examinations, and practiced quietly, like many early PAs, while California slowly moved toward recognizing physician associates as a legitimate profession.
At the time, there were fewer than 100 PAs in California, and locating them was nearly impossible. The state would not release their names, and many PAs intentionally kept a low profile. As a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), Rod volunteered to organize a California state chapter. For nearly a year, he tracked down fellow PAs by contacting their supervising physicians, gradually building a network of professionals who shared the same challenges and hopes.
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1965
First PA program established at Duke University.
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1970
California formally recognizes the Physician Assistant profession in state law.
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1975
California’s Physician Assistant Practice Act is enacted, establishing the legal framework for regulation.
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1976
California issues its first Physician Assistant licenses.
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CAPA is Born
That effort culminated in a pivotal meeting in 1976 in Fresno, chosen for its central location. Approximately 50 to 60 PAs attended, becoming “members for a day” so the group could vote on officers, approve bylaws, adopt articles of incorporation, and establish a formal charter with the AAPA. There was no formal “first” meeting—only resolve and momentum. By a simple show of hands, Rod Moser became the first president of what would become the California Academy of Physician Associates. Annual dues were $20, and if you paid, you were an official member.
“All PAs should be joining their PA society if they aren’t already.”
Rod often said his greatest achievement was simply getting the ball rolling, but that modest assessment belies the magnitude of his contribution. At a time when California seemed reluctant to acknowledge the profession, Rod helped ensure that PAs would be recognized, licensed, and properly represented. His early leadership laid the groundwork for advocacy, legitimacy, and growth that future generations would build upon.
Rod also witnessed, and helped enable, the evolution of the profession itself. He saw physician associates grow from highly trained technicians constrained by rigid regulations and long lists of approved tasks into true medical professionals trusted for their knowledge, judgment, and patient care.
Above all, Rod believes that a PA license is a hard-earned and deeply cherished privilege. He consistently emphasizes the responsibility that comes with it: to follow the law, adhere to one’s scope of practice, know one’s limitations, practice with honesty and ethical integrity, and get involved in state and national organizations.
We honor Rod Moser not only as the first president of the California Academy of Physician Associates, but as a pioneer whose perseverance and quiet leadership helped transform a fledgling idea into a respected profession. His legacy continues through every PA who practices with professionalism, humility, and commitment to patients.
Sonny Cline
M.A., M.DIV., PA-C
CAPA President
