PA the FI Way

Hosted by Kat, PA-C

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180

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May 2026

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May 29, 202622 min

179 | The Burned-Out PA’s Guide to Career Optionality

Burnout often feels worse when you believe you have no options. In this episode, we’re talking about career optionality — the ability to create more flexibility, freedom, and choice in your PA career and life. From finances and scheduling to skills, identity, and burnout, we’ll explore why feeling trapped can intensify burnout and how small intentional steps can help you build more breathing room, flexibility, and freedom in your life and PA career.  Whether you’re considering a career pivot, reducing hours, exploring new opportunities, or simply trying to create a more sustainable life in medicine, this episode will help you start thinking differently about what freedom can look like for physician associates.  Download your free copy of The Burned-Out PA Career Freedom Audit here If this episode helped you realize you want more clarity, flexibility, and freedom in your career and finances, join the waitlist for The PA FREEDOM Method: www.pathefiway.com/waitlist    Sponsor Mentioned: You’ve probably heard of the AAPA Salary Report, but it’s more than just a list of numbers. It’s an interactive tool that allows you to compare PA salaries and bonuses based on: State Specialty Years of experience Practice setting Cost of living In just a few clicks, you can see how your salary stacks up and download data to use in conversations with your employer. 👉 Learn more at: aapa.org    🎙️ About the Podcast PA the FI Way is for PAs who want more control over their time, money, and career. We talk about: Financial independence Burnout prevention Career strategy Building a life that actually feels sustainable   If you're early in your financial independence journey, make sure to download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook. Inside you’ll learn how to: ✔ Define your “why” for financial independence✔ Track your spending and build awareness✔ Start aligning your money with what matters most Download it here: https://www.pathefiway.com/download-the-free-pa-the-fi-way-beginner-s-workbook    Website / Blog: pathefiway.com Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathefiway  Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway  

May 15, 202622 min

178 | How to Have Better Conversations and Build Deeper Connections

In this episode, I review how better communication and deeper conversations can improve your relationships, patient care, emotional wellness, and overall quality of life. Inspired by concepts from The 5 Types of Wealth, we explore practical tools to help you become a better listener, ask better questions, and create more meaningful connection in everyday interactions. We cover conversation “doorknobs,” the repeat + follow method, how to become a “loud listener,” situational eye contact, and the “Helped, Heard, Hugged” framework for stronger relationships. Whether you’re talking with patients, coworkers, family, friends, or fellow PAs at conferences, these communication skills can help others feel truly seen, heard, and valued.   Resource Mentioned:   The 5 Types of Wealth book by Sahil Bloom (Amazon Associate)   Sponsor Mentioned: You’ve probably heard of the AAPA Salary Report, but it’s more than just a list of numbers. It’s an interactive tool that allows you to compare PA salaries and bonuses based on: State Specialty Years of experience Practice setting Cost of living In just a few clicks, you can see how your salary stacks up and download data to use in conversations with your employer. 👉 Learn more at: aapa.org    🎙️ About the Podcast PA the FI Way is for PAs who want more control over their time, money, and career. We talk about: Financial independence Burnout prevention Career strategy Building a life that actually feels sustainable   If you're early in your financial independence journey, make sure to download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook. Inside you’ll learn how to: ✔ Define your “why” for financial independence✔ Track your spending and build awareness✔ Start aligning your money with what matters most Download it here: https://www.pathefiway.com/download-the-free-pa-the-fi-way-beginner-s-workbook    Website / Blog: pathefiway.com Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathefiway  Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway  

April 17, 202617 min

177 | 10 Money Moves You Can Make in Under 10 Minutes (That Actually Matter)

If your finances feel overwhelming, this episode is your reset button. You don’t need hours of time, a complicated spreadsheet, or a complete life overhaul to start making progress. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through 10 simple financial moves you can do in 10 minutes or less, designed specifically for busy PAs and healthcare providers who are already stretched thin. These are quick, high-impact actions that help you build awareness, reduce financial stress, and start taking back control of your money without adding more to your plate. We’re covering everything from checking your debt or investments, to optimizing your retirement contributions, to plugging small spending leaks, to automating your finances so you don’t have to think about it. You’ll also learn how to quickly review what you’re invested in, spot hidden fees, and start building a cushion with an emergency fund or sinking funds, all in bite-sized steps that actually feel doable after a long shift. If you don’t yet have a high-yield savings account set up for your emergency fund or sinking funds, this is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. I personally use Wealthfront, and you can use my referral link to get started and earn a boosted interest rate. It takes just a few minutes to open an account and start putting your money to work: https://www.wealthfront.com/c/affiliates/invited/AFFA-NGE2-ZDDZ-K8BK  Pick one or two of these steps and take action today! You don’t need to do everything at once. This is how you build momentum, reduce burnout, and start creating the option to work less over time.   Want these 10 money moves in a simple, downloadable checklist? Grab yours free here: https://www.pathefiway.com/10moneymoves    Sponsor Mentioned: You’ve probably heard of the AAPA Salary Report, but it’s more than just a list of numbers. It’s an interactive tool that allows you to compare PA salaries and bonuses based on: State Specialty Years of experience Practice setting Cost of living In just a few clicks, you can see how your salary stacks up and download data to use in conversations with your employer. 👉 Learn more at: aapa.org   🎙️ About the Podcast PA the FI Way is for PAs who want more control over their time, money, and career. We talk about: Financial independence Burnout prevention Career strategy Building a life that actually feels sustainable   If you're early in your financial independence journey, make sure to download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook. Inside you’ll learn how to: ✔ Define your “why” for financial independence✔ Track your spending and build awareness✔ Start aligning your money with what matters most Download it here: https://www.pathefiway.com/download-the-free-pa-the-fi-way-beginner-s-workbook    Website / Blog: pathefiway.com Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathefiway  Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway  

April 3, 202611 min

176 | Cost of Living vs Salary: Why ‘High Pay’ Might Be Misleading for PAs

Not all six-figure physician associate / physician assistant salaries are created equal. In this episode, we’re breaking down the difference between income and purchasing power, and why cost of living plays a critical role in your financial trajectory as a PA. You’ll learn how to properly evaluate your compensation, avoid common mistakes like chasing the highest salary, and understand how factors like housing, taxes, and lifestyle impact your ability to save and invest. We’ll also explore how two similar jobs can lead to very different financial outcomes depending on where you live. This episode is a must-listen if you want to make more intentional career decisions, reduce financial stress, and build a path toward financial independence that actually aligns with your life.   Sponsor Mentioned: You’ve probably heard of the AAPA Salary Report, but it’s more than just a list of numbers. It’s an interactive tool that allows you to compare PA salaries and bonuses based on: State Specialty Years of experience Practice setting Cost of living In just a few clicks, you can see how your salary stacks up and download data to use in conversations with your employer. 👉 Learn more at: aapa.org   🎙️ About the Podcast PA the FI Way is for PAs who want more control over their time, money, and career. We talk about: Financial independence Burnout prevention Career strategy Building a life that actually feels sustainable   If you're early in your financial independence journey, make sure to download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook. Inside you’ll learn how to: ✔ Define your “why” for financial independence✔ Track your spending and build awareness✔ Start aligning your money with what matters most Download it here: https://www.pathefiway.com/download-the-free-pa-the-fi-way-beginner-s-workbook    Website / Blog: pathefiway.com Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathefiway  Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway  

March 20, 202615 min

175 | The PA Income Ceiling Myth (And How to Break It)

Are you underpaid as a physician associate / physician assistant… or have you just never reviewed the full picture? Most PAs don’t actually know where they fall on the salary spectrum. And even more assume they’ve already hit their income ceiling—when in reality, they’re only seeing a small slice of what’s possible. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to actually evaluate your compensation—and why the idea of a “standard PA salary” is often misleading. Because when you don’t have clarity around your income, it doesn’t just affect your bank account… it affects your burnout, your career decisions, and your path to financial independence. In this episode, we cover: How to know if you’re underpaid as a PA The key factors that determine PA compensation Why there is no single “correct” PA salary—only a range The truth about the “PA income ceiling” (and why it’s often a myth) What to do if you realize you’re underpaid. 💡 Key Takeaway You’re not comparing yourself to a single number—you’re comparing yourself to a range. And the more clearly you can see that range, the more power you have to change where you fall within it.  Sponsor Mentioned: You’ve probably heard of the AAPA Salary Report—but it’s more than just a list of numbers. It’s an interactive tool that allows you to compare PA salaries and bonuses based on: State Specialty Years of experience Practice setting Cost of living In just a few clicks, you can see how your salary stacks up and download data to use in conversations with your employer. 👉 Learn more at: aapa.org   🎙️ About the Podcast PA the FI Way is for PAs who want more control over their time, money, and career. We talk about: Financial independence Burnout prevention Career strategy Building a life that actually feels sustainable   If you're early in your financial independence journey, make sure to download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook. Inside you’ll learn how to: ✔ Define your “why” for financial independence✔ Track your spending and build awareness✔ Start aligning your money with what matters most Download it here: https://www.pathefiway.com/download-the-free-pa-the-fi-way-beginner-s-workbook    Website / Blog: pathefiway.com Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathefiway  Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway  

March 6, 202619 min

174 | Status Spending: The Lifestyle Inflation Trap of Healthcare Providers

You worked incredibly hard to build your career in healthcare as a physician associate / physician assistant.  Years of school, long hours of training, and often six-figure student loan debt. So when the bigger paychecks finally arrive, it’s natural to want to upgrade your life. But many healthcare providers fall into a trap that quietly keeps them stuck: status spending. In this episode, we’re talking about the hidden pressure in medicine to look successful — the bigger house, the luxury vehicle, the constant upgrades that signal you’ve “made it.” The problem? When lifestyle upgrades grow faster than your financial freedom, they can quietly increase your monthly expenses, reduce flexibility, and make it harder to step away from work that’s burning you out. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why PAs and other healthcare professionals are especially vulnerable to status spending • The difference between building wealth and signaling success • How lifestyle upgrades can increase burnout risk • Simple ways to start aligning your spending with freedom instead of image If you're early in your financial independence journey, make sure to download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook. Inside you’ll learn how to: ✔ Define your “why” for financial independence ✔ Track your spending and build awareness ✔ Start aligning your money with what matters most Download it here: https://www.pathefiway.com/download-the-free-pa-the-fi-way-beginner-s-workbook    Website / Blog: pathefiway.com Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathefiway  Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway Keywords: physician associate, physician assistant, PA, PA-C, nurse practitioner, physician associate finances, physician assistant finances, personal finance for physician associate, personal finance for physician assistant, financial independence retire early, how to prevent lifestyle creep   

February 20, 202643 min

173 | Beyond the Clinic: Protecting Your Heart & Brain, Writing Books, and Expanding Your PA Career as a MSL

In this episode, I sit down with Josh Wageman, PhD, DPT, MPAS, CLS, CSCS — Clinical Lipid Specialist, PA who formerly practiced in Endocrinology, and Medical Science Liaison — to explore the intersection of protecting your healthspan while building wealth and expanding career flexibility as a physician associate. Josh’s PhD research focused on cholesterol disturbances in Alzheimer’s disease, and he’s widely known for his ability to teach complex lipid physiology in a relatable, practical way. We break down cholesterol and cardiovascular risk without the overwhelm, discussing which labs and screening strategies are truly worth the cost and effort — and when age or family history should factor into the decision. He also shares what inspired him to write The Home Security System and the Lipid Neighborhood, how writing can serve as both education and diversified income while having a meaningful impact, and why clinicians don’t have to feel boxed into a single career path. From becoming a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) to building credibility beyond the clinic, this episode highlights how health, impact, and optionality can work together. If you’ve ever wondered how to better understand cholesterol, prevent heart attacks, strokes, and dementia, or expand your career beyond traditional clinical roles, this conversation is for you. Get your copy of Josh's book: https://amzn.to/4rYcpoz  Connect with Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-wageman-48893445/ Connect with Josh on X: @JoshJWageman Check out Josh's website: lifelovelipids.com    If this episode was helpful, subscribe to the PA the FI Way podcast or YouTube channel for more content to help you build financial independence and prevent burnout along the way.    Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathefiway  Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway Keywords: physician associate, physician assistant, PA, PA-C, MSL, medical science liaison, non-clinical medical roles, non-clinical roles, cardiovascular screening, medical author

January 23, 202624 min

172 | Stop Networking. Start Anti-Networking.

Traditional networking has always felt uncomfortable for many clinicians, and for those already experiencing burnout, it can feel downright exhausting. Forced small talk, performative professionalism, and transactional relationships only add to the emotional load healthcare providers are already carrying. In this episode, we cover an “anti-networking” approach inspired by Sahil Bloom and his book The 5 Types of Wealth. Rather than collecting contacts, this framework focuses on building genuine, value-aligned relationships that support long-term connection, career sustainability, and fulfillment. You’ll learn four practical anti-networking principles: how to choose the right rooms, ask better questions, listen at a deeper level, and follow up in ways that feel authentic (not draining). Whether you’re attending a conference like AAPA with fellow physician associates, meeting new team members, or exploring new career paths, these strategies help you build your social wealth without sacrificing your energy or values. Book: The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom https://amzn.to/4pUoRUS (Amazon Associate)    If this episode was helpful, subscribe to the PA the FI Way podcast or YouTube channel for more content to help you build financial independence and prevent burnout along the way.    Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathefiway  Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

January 9, 20261 hr 7 min

171 | A PA’s Guide to Malpractice Insurance: Coverage, Claims, and Career Protection (Interview with Chris Cannell, PA-C)

Malpractice insurance is something most PAs and other clinicians assume they understand... until something goes wrong. In this episode, Kat sits down with Christopher Cannell, DMSc, MPAS, MPLC, PA-C, DFAAPA, founder of The APC Consultant, for a clear, practical deep dive into malpractice insurance 101 and the medical-legal realities no one teaches us in PA school or on the job. We break down what malpractice insurance actually covers, the key differences between claims-made and occurrence policies, and why employer-provided coverage may not protect you in the way you think it does. Chris explains common assumptions clinicians make about liability insurance, tail coverage, and personal policies, and where those assumptions can quietly put your license, career, and finances at risk. We also go beyond the policy itself to talk about real-world risk management and walk through an anonymized case study that highlights how communication, documentation, and post-event decisions can dramatically affect outcomes. We explore how legal uncertainty contributes to burnout, defensive medicine, and chronic stress, and why legal literacy is an essential (but overlooked) form of clinician self-care. Whether you’re early in your PA career or years into practice, this episode will help you feel more confident, informed, and proactive about protecting yourself in today’s increasingly complex healthcare environment.   Topics Covered:  Malpractice insurance explained for PAs and other medical providers  Claims-made vs. occurrence policies Tail coverage, nose coverage, and employer-provided malpractice insurance Common malpractice insurance myths and mistakes Risk management strategies that actually matter Medical-legal case studies and lessons learned How legal stress contributes to burnout    Resources Mentioned:  Check out The APC Consultant and join the waitlist for Chris's masterclass: theapcconsultant.com The Academy of Physician Associates in Legal Medicine (APALM): apalm.net    AAPA's Risk Management CME Course: cme.aapa.org/local/catalog/view/product.php?productid=902    Connect with Chris:  Email: chris@theapconsultant.com | info@theapcconsultant.com Website: theapcconsultant.com   Phone: 339-933-1952   LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christophercannell https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-apc-consultant Instagram:          @theapcconsultant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-APC-Consultant-61553148984788/      If this episode was helpful, subscribe to the PA the FI Way podcast or YouTube channel for more content to help you build financial independence and prevent burnout along the way.    Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathefiway  Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

December 26, 202521 min

170 | Your Year-End Wellness & Wealth Review (for Healthcare Providers)

  As healthcare providers, we’re constantly evaluated at work, but rarely taught how to step back and evaluate our own lives. In this episode, I walk you through your Wellness & Wealth Annual Review, which is a reflective, intentional process to help you take stock of your finances, energy, health, time, and overall alignment after another year. This is not about budgets, hustle, or setting rigid resolutions. It’s about awareness, compassion, and creating margin so burnout doesn’t quietly follow you into another year. To help you follow along (or do this review later), I’ve created a Wellness & Wealth Annual Review worksheet, a resource designed to make this process simple and actionable. I recommend setting aside 15 to 30 minutes with the worksheet, your favorite cozy beverage, and a quiet space. You don’t need perfection- just honesty and curiosity. 👉 Download your copy of the Wellness & Wealth Annual Review Workbook here and do this alongside the episode or at your own pace. This is an annual reset I wish I had learned earlier in my career, and I hope it helps you enter the next year with more clarity, calm, and intention.   Thanks to Caleb Pepperday, CFP, CHFC, founder of Advanced Practice Planning, LLC, for sponsoring this episode! If you're interested, visit www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/fi to grab your free consultation.   If this episode was helpful, subscribe to the PA the FI Way podcast or YouTube channel for more content to help you build financial independence and prevent burnout along the way.    Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/ Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathefiway  Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway