Overview
Since their inception, Physician Assistants (PAs) have become key providers of quality, patient-centered healthcare.
Working closely with physicians, PAs are licensed to practice medicine. They conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and prescribe medications.
At Cleveland Clinic, PAs have long been an important part of our commitment to patients and their care.
We are the largest employer of PAs in Ohio, and one of the largest employers in the country. We invite you to discover more about being a PA at Cleveland Clinic, about the profession and the opportunities we have to offer.
U.S. World News has announced that the PA profession is the number one profession for 2021!
This is evident in the Cleveland Clinic PAs. No one can compare to all of you!
In Ohio the pandemic has shown us how critical PAs are to our healthcare and how they can be quickly and safely deployed to every area of medical and surgical teams. PA’s education, training and experience enable them to give the highest quality of care to our patients. The U.S. News 2021 ranking is another reminder that our profession continues to grow and evolve and is essential to our healthcare teams.
2021 U.S. News Best Jobs Rankings
*See the full list of the Best Jobs here.
- Physician Assistant
- Software Developer
- Nurse Practitioner
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- Physician
Mission
Working with healthcare teams to:
- Provide quality and accessible health care to our patients
- Continue our professional and personal development as Physician Assistants
- Increase the awareness of the Physician Assistant profession at Cleveland Clinic
Vision
To offer the most professional and educational opportunities to PAs throughout the world.
Purpose
By disseminating information, increasing communication and promoting educational activities for Continual Medical and Professional opportunities, the PAs of Cleveland Clinic are committed to providing affordable, and accessible quality health care to all patients.
Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA)
We believe it's the most rewarding career you will ever have.
If you are passionate about helping others, and believe that every patient deserves quality care, then a career as a Physician Assistant might be for you.
Find out if you are up to the challenge. Learn more about what it takes to become a PA and how to get started.
Get Started
Are you interested in becoming a Physician Assistant? Do you think you have what it takes?
It's one of the fastest-growing health careers in the country, and one of the most rewarding. To become a Physician Assistant requires enrolling in an intensive medical training program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Currently the average PA program curriculum runs approximately 26 months.
Because PAs maintain a tight working relationship with physicians, they are educated in a medical model designed to complement physician training. Along with medical students, PAs to diagnose and treat medical problems.
There are more than 200 accredited programs in the United States. To find one closest to you, visit the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in a career as a Physician Assistant? Curious about educational requirements, certifications and job prospects?
Join Our Team
All Physician Assistants at Cleveland Clinic are certified by the NCCPA, licensed by the Ohio State Medical Board, and privileged and credentialed through our medical staff office.
In addition, Physician Assistants must complete the privileging process before they begin their career at Cleveland Clinic.
- Contact us for additional information or with any questions you may have. Our Physician Assistant Services is here to help.
- Apply now
Licensure & Resources
PAs are governed by the State Medical Board of Ohio, 4730 of the Ohio Revised Code. Below are links to the OSMB, PA Formulary, and Rules.
- State Medical Board of Ohio
- PA Formulary
- PA ORC: Ohio Revised Code: 4730
- PA Administrative Code: 4730-1, 2, 3 (Rules)
Volunteer Opportunities
Would you consider giving 3 hours of your time once a month?
The Free Clinic urgently seeks volunteer help from PAs. The time commitment is minimal, yet the impact is enormous!
Get involved!
What: Lorain and Elyria Free Clinics
When: Once a month (3 hours max)
Why: 30,000 uninsured in Lorain County
Where:
- 3323 Pearl Avenue, Lorain
- 202 Chestnut Street, downtown Elyria
- 200 West Lorain, Allen Medical Center, Oberlin
How: Call 440.277.7602 to offer your support.
Medical Liability Insurance provided at no charge.
All Professional Medical Volunteers are also covered under the Good Samaritan Law.
Job Posting Websites
- Careers at Cleveland Clinic - Physician Assistant
- Ohio Association of Physician Assistants
(You do not have to be a member to check the jobs board) - American Academy of Physician Assistants
(You have to be a member to check the jobs board)
Associations
- The Ohio Association of Physician Assistants
- The American Academy of Physician Assistants
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
- The State Medical Board of Ohio
- The State Medical Board of Ohio License Look-up
- Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
- Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education welcomes PAs to their website and to participate in their online CME programs as well as their conferences.
- Ohio State Medical Association
- American College of Emergency Physicians
- Ohio Academy of Family Physicians
- Association of Ohio Health Commissioners
- Ohio Foot & Ankle Medical Association
Specialty Organizations
Awards
2018 PA Award Winners
Shining Stars
- Mary Ann Beck-Corsello, PA-C
- Greg Barton, PA-C
- Ali Nasr, PA-C
- Mike Czajka, PA-C
- Firdaws Laryea, PA-C
- Scott Petersen, PA-C
- Nancy Ivansek, PA-C
- Ryan Plescia, PA-C
- Brandon Mooney, PA-C
- Mary Longdon, PA-C
- Abigail Gonnella, PA-C
- Theresa Lohn, PA-C
Student of Promise
- Jenna Jeganathan, PA-C
Outstanding PA Team Award
Breast Center PA Team
- Angela Farine, PA-C
- Nancy Quinn, PA-C
- Deborah Baynes, PA-C
- Mary Longdon, PA-C
- Amal Habib, PA-C
Outstanding PA Department
CORS Inpatient PA Department
- Bethany Bandi, PA-C
- Samuel Hinckley, PA-C
- Taylor Piatkowski, PA-C
- Dovid Ribakow, PA-C
- Hannah Horne, PA-C
Outstanding PA/Physician Team
- Marina Tudico, PA-C and Ajit Krishnaney, MD
PA Manager of the Year
- Teresa D’Alessandro, PA-C
Preceptor of the Year
- James Nahrstedt, PA-C
Educator of the Year
- Muhammad Raza, MD
PA Champion
- Rebecca Starck, MD
Distinguished PA Award
- Trish Hirkala, PA-C
2017
Shining Stars
- Shauna Gales, PA-C
- Ryan Plescia, PA-C
- Salvatore Bordonaro, PA-C
- Richard Bernhardt, PA-C
- Karen Kerepesi, PA-C
- Al Melillo, PA-C
- Kristen Banjac, PA-C
- Athena Loughrin, PA-C
- Scott Petersen, PA-C
- Denise Holocker, PA-C
- Logan Rock, PA-C
- Stephanie Clement, PA-C
- Jim Karol, PA-C
Student of Promise
- Chanchal Singh: ODU
Outstanding PA Team Award
Florida PA Orthopedic Team
- Adam Feldman, PA-C
- Christian Chiarelli, PA-C
- Peter Acosta, PA-C
- Gustavo Huaman, PA-C
- Kelsey Parra, PA-C
- Andrew Rauch, PA-C
Outstanding PA Department
Hillcrest PA Surgical Services Department
- Leeanna Barr, PA-C
- Jay Cahill, PA-C
- George Campany, PA-C
- Holly Carson, PA-C
- Hardeep Dhillon, PA-C
- Petrina Federer, PA-C
- Jim Gaidelis, PA-C
- Cassidy Johnson, PA-C
- Mallory Hampton, PA-C
- Amy Marino, PA-C
- Lisa Miller, PA-C
- Anna Kim, PA-C
- Carin Miller, PA-C
- Robert Mitri, PA-C
- Marie Pollard, PA-C
- Nicole Thoren, PA-C
- Teresa Sanders, PA-C
- Lisa Geisheimer, PA-C
- Kieran Coughlin, PA-C
Outstanding PA/Physician Team
- Bethany Bandi, PA-C and Tracy Hull, MD
- Stacey Herman, PA-C and Joseph Knapp, MD
PA Manager of the Year
- Leah Schmitz, PA-C
Preceptor of the Year
- Nathan Astaneh, PA-C
Educator of the Year
- Dr. Michael Glasenapp
PA Champion
- Dr. Brian Harte
Distinguished PA Award
- Debra Kangisser
2016
Shining Stars
- Christian Chiarelli, PA-C
- Ann Vetter, PA-C
- Buel Hall, PA-C
- Malissa Ayers, PA-C
- Alexandra (Ali) Nasr, PA-C
- Sara Castilano, PA-C
- Jenna Yoder, PA-C
- Robert Dolinga, PA-C
- Kathy Hogan, PA-C
- Deborah Baynes, PA-C
- Karla Pearson, PA-C
Outstanding PA Team Award
Colorectal Team: DDI
- Bethany Bandi, PA-C
- Brittany Leano, PA-C
- Kaitlin Armagno, PA-C
Outstanding PA Department
Inpatient Neurosurgery & Neurology Department
- Steve Collier, NP
- Kate Easley, PA-C
- Stacy Erney, NP
- Rob Estridge, PA-C
- Cameron Hall, PA-C
- Lindsay Hull, PA-C
- Geeta Kulkarni, PA-C
- Denice Limbert, PA-C
- Sukhdeep Reen, PA-C
- Louise Sebazungu, NP
- Andrew Shifflett, PA-C
- Nicole Smith, PA-C
Outstanding PA/Physician Team
- Korky Davis, PA-C and Kenneth Greene, MD
Manager of the Year
- Karen George, PA-C and Candace Beury, PA-C
Educator of the Year
- Dr. Hadley Wood
PA Champion
- Dr. Edward Sabanegh
Distinguished PA Award
- Michael Dombrowski
2015
Shining Stars
- Erin Anderson, PA-C
- Michelle Thompson, PA-C
- Kieran Coughlin, PA-C
- Ryan Plescia, PA-C
- Dan Basinski, PA-C
- Bridget Dolan, PA-C
- Jereme Mellenthin, PA-C
- Nathan Astaneh, PA-C
- Katie Dunlap, PA-C
Student of Promise
- Mary Massiello, PA-S
Outstanding PA Team Award
Hillcrest Trauma Team
- Leah Barmasse, PA-C
- Jeannine Marong, PA-C
- Ellen Niemiec, PA-C
- Uliana Sklaruk, PA-C
- Sarah Sloop, PA-C
- Luke Kolic, CNP
- Emily Poole, CNP
Outstanding PA Department
Center for Spine Health
- Al Melillo, PA-C
- James Bowen, PA-C
- Marina Gritsik, PA-C
- Jill Sciko, PA-C
- John Sternen, PA-C
- Andrea Tindell, PA-C
- Erin Anderson, PA-C
- Karen Bond, PA-C
- David Harrison, PA-C
Outstanding PA/Physician Team
Two PA/Physician awards this year
- Geeta Kulkarni, PA-C and Bo Shen, MD
- Michael Moyer, PA-C and Glenn Meden, MD
PA Manager of the Year
- Lynn Pagliaccio, PA-C
Preceptor of the Year
- Dr. Richard Guttman, Jr.
Educator of the Year
- Terry D’alessandro, PA-C
PA Champion
- Dr. Bradford Borden
Distinguished PA Award
- Adam Feldman
2014
Shining Stars
- Bridget Mansell, PA-C
- Raisa Polacek, PA-C
- Brianna Armbrecht, PA-C
- Al Melillo, PA-C
- David Harrison, PA-C
- Joe Keller, PA-C
- Chad Gady, PA-C
- Jim Gaidelis, PA-C
- Candace Beury, PA-C
- Melanie Hathaway, PA-C
- Tina Ellison, PA-C
- Molly Kalejs, PA-C
- Sal Bordonaro, PA-C
- Larry Kovalcik, PA-C
Outstanding PA Team Award
Lakewood Surgical PA Team
- James Thomas, PA-C
- Eileen Morris, PA-C
- Laura Blesse, PA-C
- Karen Roane, PA-C
- Abby Goldberg, PA-C
- Ann Vetter, PA-C
Outstanding PA Department
Desk J1-5 Imaging Section
- Ryan Phile, PA-C
- Chris Cifranic, PA-C
- Terri Mitri, PA-C
- Yosef Robbins, PA-C
Outstanding PA/Physician Team
- Oksana Chesterfield, PA-C and James Gutierrez, MD
PA Manager of the Year
- Pam Koeth, PA-C
Preceptor of the Year
- Hilary Petersen, PA-C
Educator of the Year
- Yosef Robbins, PA-C
PA Champion
- Dr. Joseph Hahn
Distinguished PA Award
- Lynn Pagliaccio
2013
Shining Stars
- Nicolette Critelli, PA-C
- Yosef Robbins, PA-C
- Alison Kocis, PA-C
- Melissa Pischl, PA-C
- Jensen Lewis, PA-C
- Jennifer Ogorzolka, PA-C
- Kaitlyn Roseman, PA-C
- Denise Scotch, PA-C
- Diane Nicolay, PA-C
- Staphanie Clement, PA-C
- Nicole Smith, PA-C
- Kristy Olivo, PA-C
- Houshang Sanaii, PA-C
- Christian Chiarelli, PA-C
Outstanding PA Team
Euclid Hospital PAs
- Andrew Proctor, PA-C
- Sarah Sloop, PA-C
- Anne Tesar, PA-C
- Heather Kellerman, PA-C
- Karin Danklfsen, PA-C
- Eileen Parker, PA-C
- Chritine Love, PA-C
- Dan Sell, PA-C
Outstanding PA Department
Respiratory PA Team
- Pat Curtis, PA-C
- Howard Christie, PA-C
- Karla Pearson, PA-C
- Hilary Petersen, PA-C
- Kathy Hogan, PA-C
- Teresa D’Alessandro, PA-C
- Cheryl Katavich, PA-C
- Mike Moyer, PA-C
- Brian Dlugos, PA-C
- Joseph Keller, PA-C
- Nika Pierre-Louis, PA-C
- Harrison Reed, PA-C
- Molly Kalejs, PA-C
- Susan Synderburn, PA-C
- Siham Jaouad, PA-C
Outstanding PA/Physician Team
- Terri Mitri, PA-C and Harry Lever, MD
Preceptor of the Year
- James Thomas, PA-C
Educator of the Year
- Don Zabriskie, B Pharm, MBA, RPh
PA Champion
- Dr. Steve Blaha
Distinguished PA Award
- JP Thompson
2012
Shining Stars
- Robert Dolinga, PA-C
- Robert Davis, PA-C
- Jensen Lewis, PA-C
- Ruth Sager, PA-C
- Desiree Carcioppolo, PA-C
- James Nahrstedt, PA-C
- Bernadette Bogner, PA-C
- Michelle McGinty, PA-C
- John Ozinga, PA-C
- Stephanie Clement, PA-C
Outstanding PA Department
Gastroenterology
- Ryan Adler, PA-C
- Karen Kirkwood, PA-C
- Caleigh Maple, PA-C
- Jeannine Marong, PA-C
Outstanding PA/Physician Team
- Kristen Banjac, PA-C and James Rosneck, MD
PA Champion
- Dr. Toby Cosgrove
Distinguished PA Award
- Nancy Ivansek
2011
Shining Stars
- Judy Lewis, PA-C
- Al Melillo, PA-C
- Bridget Mansell, PA-C
- Andrew Proctor, PA-C
- Mary Bauer, PA-C
- Michelle Murray, PA-C
- Athena Loughrin, PA-C
Outstanding PA Team Award
Emergency Services
- Lynn Pagliaccio, PA-C
- Laurie Adkins, PA-C
- Nicollette Critelli, PA-C
- Misty Garcia, PA-C
- Mallory Hampton, PA-C
- Angela Parente, PA-C
- Kinjal Patel, PA-C
- Pamela Perozeni, PA-C
- Jennifer Sample, PA-C
- Paramjit Singh, PA-C
- Dale Turley, PA-C
Outstanding PA Department
Lorain PAT
- Patricia Hirkala, PA-C
- Candace Beury, PA-C
- Maureen Gwynn, PA-C
- Lisa Hegemier, PA-C
- Miles Nelson, PA-C
PA Champion
- Dr. Brian Bolwell
Distinguished PA Award
- Howard Christie
2010
Shining Stars
- Susan Moyer, PA-C
- Kristy Olivo, PA-C
- Nancy Ivansek, PA-C
- Kathy Kraus, PA-C
Outstanding PA Department
The Sports Health PA department
- Jen Ogorzolka, PA-C
- Pam Koeth, PA-C
- Julia Brasfield, PA-C
- Jim Cribbins, PA-C
- Leah Schmitz, PA-C
- Kristen Banjac, PA-C
- Kieran Coughlin, PA-C
Outstanding PA/Physician Team
- Phil Golnick, PA-C and Peter Brooks, MD
Distinguished PA Award
- Jean Metz
2009
Shining Stars
- Angela Parente, PA-C
- Howard Christie, PA-C
- John Neff, PA-C
- Anita Brumbaugh, PA-C
- Kathleen Hogan, PA-C
Outstanding PA/Physician team
- Jennifer Ferreira, PA-C and Leonardo Kapural, MD
PA Champion
- Cindy Hundorfean
Distinguished PA Award
- Mary Hughes
2008
Shining Stars
- Joe Kohuth, PA-C
- Dale Turley, PA-C
- Ron Ochoa, PA-C
- John Renkosik, PA-C
- Stephanie Mytrosevich, PA-C
- Debbie Kangisser, PA-C
- Kiane Szalkowski, PA-C
Outstanding PA Department
Bone Marrow Transplant
- Joe Kohuth, PA-C
- Siham Jaqoud, PA-C
- Shannon Jarancik, PA-C
- Vanessa Farrow, PA-C
Outstanding PA/Physician Team
- Jennifer Hartment, PA-C and Robert Fox, MD/Alex Rae-Grant, MD
Distinguished PA Award
- Pat Curtis
2007
Distinguished PA Award
- Josanne Pagel
Our Team
Josanne Pagel, MPAS, PA-C, DFFAAPA, KARUNA® RMT
Executive Director
Ms. Pagel is the Executive Director of PA Services at the Cleveland Clinic Health System, and is responsible for the oversight, compliance, use and productivity of all PAs, ensuring they practice within a team-based model to promote and enhance patient access and care. She is a member of the Cleveland Clinic Physicians Health Committee. She serves as Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of General Medical Sciences Center for Medical Education at Case Western Reserve University and is the Clinical Director of Professional Development for the CWRU PA Program. She also is a member of the USAO Task Force on Heroin & Opioid Action Planning.
At the Cleveland Clinic, Pagel increased the PA population from 50 to over 600. She received multiple awards for her work within the PA profession. In spring of 2014 she was inducted into the Pi Alpha Honor Society for Physician Assistants.
Ms. Pagel sits on the American Academy of Physician Assistants Board of Directors as the Immediate Past President for the 2017/2018 fiscal year. She has held multiple appointed and elected positions within the organization and is a Distinguished Fellow of AAPA. She currently is a member of the AAPA finance committee, External Affairs, Executive Committee and the Collaboration for REMs Education team, which involves primary care, addiction medicine, and pain and hospice-palliative care specialty perspectives. She also is the Director of Governmental Affairs and the Chair of the pharmacology CME committee for the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants.
Ms. Pagel began her career 38 years ago as a Peace Corps volunteer, working with communities in the Philippines. She has worked in various medical disciplines, including CT surgery, family practice, psychiatry and addiction medicine. She presently volunteers with the county free clinic, providing much needed health care to members of the community.
Ms. Pagel is the Immediate Past President of the AAPA. She has held multiple appointed and elected positions within the organization and is a Distinguished Fellow of AAPA. She currently is a member of the AAPA finance committee, External affairs, Executive Committee, and the Collaboration for REMs Education team, which involves primary care, addiction medicine, and pain and hospice-palliative care specialty perspectives. She also is the Director of Governmental Affairs and the Chair of the pharmacology CME committee for the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants.
With more than 38 years of clinical experience and more than 30 years of administrative experience, Ms. Pagel has broad expertise in facilitating groups in organizational management, team building with inter-professional personnel and engagement.
As a former elected city council member of North Ridgeville, Ohio, Pagel represented her community on safety, building and lands, and administrative committees. She also ran for the Ohio House of Representatives.
Pagel is a graduate of the Cuyahoga Community College Surgical PA program. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Baldwin Wallace University and her master’s in PA studies, psychiatry and addiction medicine from the University of Nebraska. She is an Ordained Minister with a Masters in Divinity and is presently finishing her studies for a doctorate in divinity and metaphysical sciences. She is an avid gardener, and speaks to community groups on herbal gardening.
Debra Kangisser, PA-C
Director of Education
Debra has been a Physician Assistant for 25 years with the Cleveland Clinic, and recently joined PA Services as Director of Education. Clinically, Debra has spent the majority of her time dedicated to the Neurosciences which include Neurosurgery, Neuro-Oncology and Liaison Consult Psychiatry. Debra has been involved with numerous research studies and clinical trials throughout her PA career. She has previously published research articles and has given educational, research, and administrative presentations, workshops and poster exhibits across the country.
Debra has also worked as a Manager for APRNs and PAs in the Neurological Institute and later as a Project Manager involved with onboarding and professional development for APRNs and PAs. Developing educational opportunities for others has always been an endeavor Debra has enjoyed, serving as a PA Student Clinical Preceptor for most of her years with the Cleveland Clinic, as well as a Conference Director for several Neuroscience and Pharmacology conferences.
Debra earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio State University and is a graduate of the Cuyahoga Community College Surgical PA program. She presently sits on the PA Privileging Committee, as well as the Cleveland Clinic PHC. Outside of the Cleveland Clinic, Debra works as an animal rescue advocate for several Cleveland area shelters.
Autumn Blaylock, BA
Administrative Assistant II
Autumn joined PA Services in September 2014 as our Administrative Assistant. Autumn graduated from John Carroll University with a BA in Communications and a minor in Art History in 2011. In her free time, she likes to attend concerts, watch horror movies and collect vinyl records. You can often find her in the cramped seats at the Capitol Theatre, digging into ice cream at Sweet Moses or just browsing through Netflix at home on her couch. Autumn is also an avid reader and enjoys researching natural and organic products and foods.
Sarah Hoffman, BA
Department Coordinator
Sarah joined the PA Services team in July of 2021. She obtained her BA in Psychology from Kent State University in 2015. Sarah is an avid cyclist, and particularly enjoys biking in the Cleveland Metroparks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. She also enjoys hiking and playing the guitar.
Events
2021 Monthly Meetings
PA Student Monthly Forum
3rd Tuesday of the Month
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m.
NA 1–42
PA Leadership Meeting
4th Thursday of the Month
7:30 a.m.–9 a.m.
NA 5–15
2021 CME Courses
25th Diabetes Day – Therapeutics, Technology and Surgery
Date: May 20, 2021
Location: Live Stream
Category 1 accreditation: 6.75 credits
- Brochure is available online at: www.ccfcme.org/diabetesday
33rd Annual Intensive Review of Internal Medicine
Date: June 7-11, 2021
Location: Live Stream
Category 1 accreditation: 46.5 credits
- Brochure is available online at: www.ccfcme.org/IRIM
Primary Care Women’s Health: Essentials and Beyond
Date: September 18, 2021
Location: Live Stream
Category 1 accreditation: 7.25 credits
- Brochure is available online at: www.ccfcme.org/womenshealth
Contact Us
Josanne Pagel, MDiv, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, KARUNA®RMT
Executive Director
Cleveland Clinic PA Services
9500 Euclid Avenue
Mail Code: Eb-116h
Cleveland, OH 44195
Phone: 216.445.0626
Fax: 216.636.1848
Email: [email protected]
Debra Kangisser, PA-C
Director of Education Services
Cleveland Clinic PA Services
9500 Euclid Avenue
Mail Code: Eb-116g
Cleveland, OH 44195
Phone: 216.444.1224
Fax: 216.636.8617
Email: [email protected]
Autumn Blaylock, BA
Administrative Assistant II
Cleveland Clinic PA Services
9500 Euclid Avenue
Mail Code: Eb-116u
Cleveland, OH 44195
Phone: 216.444.3968
Fax: 216.636.1848
Email: [email protected]
Sarah Hoffman
Department Coordinator
Cleveland Clinic PA Services
9500 Euclid Avenue
Mail Code: Eb-116
Cleveland, OH 44195
Phone: 216.444.3091
Fax: 216.636.0973
Email: [email protected]
