Scholarly Activities

Journal Articles & Abstracts:

Forbes J, Pierce C, Sappe-Watkins L. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Physician Assistants as Mental Health First Aid Instructors: Outcomes from the PA Foundation’s Mental Health Outreach Fellowship. Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. March 2020.
Schempp A, Black WC, Forbes J, et al. End of Curriculum Exam Version 1, forms 1 and 2. Washington, DC: Physician Assistant Education Association, 2020. January, 2020.
Forbes J, Smith A, Papa J, Sparrell M. Does distance learning affect the PANCE pass rate? PAEA Learning: Digital Learning Hub. November, 2019. Available online at https://paea.edcast.com/pathways/poster-sessions/cards/4662436.
Forbes J, Sierra T. Characteristics of effective teaching in physician assistant programs from the students’ perspective. Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. October 2016.
Sierra T, Forbes J. Factors affecting program choice among physician assistant program interviewees. Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. October 2016.
Forbes J, Papa J. Partnering to help children and creating an opportunity for interprofessional education - Idaho State University and El Korah Shriners. Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. October 2016.
Hessheimer, H., Rogo, E., Howlett, B. (Aug. 2011). Use of questioning in a dental hygiene didactic course.Journal of Dental Education; 75(8):1073-1083.
Martin D. The heart of a rural PA: Providing health care in the central Idaho mountains. PA Professional. Oct. 2010:35.
Martin D. Perfected and strengthened through trials and suffering. JAAPA. January 2007;20(1):52-53. Available online at http://media.haymarketmedia.com/documents/8/inretro0107_1864.pdf.
Shallenberger C., Hutchinson R., Howlett B., Peterson T., Bruce, C. (2006). PACKRAT and PANCE: A collaborative analysis of predictive scores - abstract. Journal of Physician Assistant Education. 17(4):31-32. Available online at http://www.paeaonline.org/index.php?ht=a/GetDocumentAction/i/25113
Howlett B, Phelps P. Actively and formative teaching statistics to physician assistant students. J Physician Assist Educ. 2006;17:48-52. Available online at http://www.paeaonline.org/index.php?ht=a/GetDocumentAction/i/25240
Whitaker K. Workplace question and answer panel. Advance for Physician Assistants. June 1999;7:6.
Whitaker K. Dermadilemma: Contact dermatitis. Physician Assist. June 1997;21:6.
Whitaker K. Application of the 'what if' function using a spreadsheet algorithm. Journal of Computer Applications in Allied Health. 1984;1:2.

Books & Book Chapters:

Ballweg R, Talford D, & Papa J. Two Models of Decentralized Medical Education, in K Bin Abdulrahman, S Mennin, R Harden & C Kennedy. Routledge International Handbook of Medical Education, 1st ed. 2016; Routledge: London and New York.
Phelps P. Obstetrics and Gynecology, in A Millter, A Simon, & R Carlson. Lange Q&A Physician Assistant Examination, 6th ed. 2010; McGraw-Hill Medical: USA.
Howlett B, Hewett B. Securing and proctoring online tests, in M Hricko & SL Howell, Online Assessment and Measurement: Foundations and Challenges. 2005; Idea Group, Inc.: Hershey, PA.
Whitaker K. Comprehensive Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care. 3rd ed. 2001; Delmar Publishers: Albany, New York.

International Conference Papers/Presentations:

Forbes J, Smith A, Papa J, Sparrell M. Evaluating the Effects of Distance Learning on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination Pass Rate. Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE) international CME conference; Vienna, Austria; August, 2019.
Talford D, Domenech Rodriguez M. Improving Information Retention in the Medical Classroom by the Innovative Application of the Cognitive Load Theory. International Association for Medial Education; Barcelona, Spain; Aug. 30, 2016.
Sierra T, Forbes J. Factors affecting program choice among physician assistant program interviewees. International Association for Medical Education; Barcelona, Spain; August 28, 2016.
VanVught A, Van Den Brink G, Duhl Glicken A, Ballweg R, Talford D. The Physician Assistant movement - A comparison of the Netherlands experience with that of the United States. International Association for Medical Education; Milan, Italy; Sept. 1, 2014.
Ballweg R, Talford D, Papa J, Vorvick L, Harball C. Application of efficient instruction of medical curriculum across multiple geographic locations in times of limited resources. International Association for Medical Education; Prague, Czech Republic; Aug. 26, 2013.
Talford D, Ballweg R, Duhl-Glicken A. The physician assistant movement – Global trends in the extension of medical care by non-physician providers. International Association for Medical Education; Glasgow, United Kingdom; Sep. 7, 2010.
Shallenberger C, Hutchinson R, Howlett B, Peterson T, Bruce C, Ingell B, Kennedy W, King C. PACKRAT and PANCE: A collaborative analysis of predictive scores. Physician Assistant Education Association Education Forum in Quebec City, Quebec. Oct. 29, 2006.
Howlett B, Phelps, P, Martin D. Teaching faculty to teach: The use of an instructional designer in PA programs. Association of Physician Assistant Programs 2005 Education Forum: Las Croabas, Puerto Rico. Nov. 2005.
Phelps P, Howlett B. Innovation with WebCT: Enhancing learning and program quality. Impact! 2003 International WebCT Users’ Conference.

National Conference Papers/Presentations:

2019 PAEA

Forbes J, Smith A, Papa J, Sparrell M. Does distance learning affect the PANCE pass rate? Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Education Forum; Washington DC; October, 2019.

2017 AAPA Annual CME Conference

Forbes J, Sierra T, Papa J. Advancing Oral Health Knowledge & Attitudes of Physician Assistant Students through Implementation of STFM's "Smiles for Life" Oral Health Curriculum. American Academy of Physician Assistants Annual CME Conference; Las Vegas, NV; May, 2017.

2016 PAEA Meeting

Domenech Rodríguez, M., Tarp, H. C., Phelps, P., & Mirly, A. K. (2016, October). Cultural competence in PAS: Baseline and correlates. Research Brief presented at the annual PAEA Education Forum, Minneapolis, MN.

2016 AAPA Annual CME Conference

Forbes J, Sierra T. Characteristics of effective teaching in physician assistant programs from the students’ perspective. American Academy of Physician Assistants Annual CME Conference; San Antonio, TX; May, 2016.
Sierra T, Forbes J. Factors affecting program choice among physician assistant program interviewees. American Academy of Physician Assistants Annual CME Conference; San Antonio, TX; May, 2016.
Forbes J, Papa J. Partnering to help children and creating an opportunity for interprofessional education - Idaho State University and El Korah Shriners. American Academy of Physician Assistants Annual CME Conference; San Antonio, TX; May, 2016.

2011 PAEA Meeting Poster Presentations

"Howlett B, Freudenthal J. Health Professional Students' Critical Thinking Skills: A Multi-Disciplinary Educational Development Study. Physician Assistant Educators Association 2011 Education Forum; New Orleans, LA; Nov, 2011."
Papa J, Tivis R, Carr G, Howlett B. Inter-professional Training in the Community Setting. Physician Assistant Education Association 2011 Annual Education Forum; New Orleans, LA; Nov, 2011

PAEA Workshop Presentation

Papa J, Talford D. Didactic Doesn't Mean Dull: Bringing Life, Laughs, and Learning Through Enhanced Instructional Strategies. PAEA Annual Education Forum in Seattle, WA. Nov. 12, 2012.
"Martin D, Freudenthal J, Howlette B. Interprofessional Clinical Education (ICE) for PA and Dental Hygiene Students. Physician Assistant Educators Association 2011 Education Forum; New Orleans, LA; Nov, 2011."
"Bunnage C, Papa J, Harball C, Hass V, Clerfond A. Proven Examples of Distance Learning in PA Education - An Expert Panel on Video Conferences and Online Learning. Physician Assistant Education Association 2011 Education Forum; New Orleans, LA; Nov, 2011."
Bunde C, Howlett B, Martin D, Talford D. Easing the burden of test writing: A collaborative faculty approach to excellent exams. PAEA Annual Education Forum in Savannah, GA. Oct. 31, 2008.
Bunde C, Howlett B. Effectiveness of service-learning for physician assistant students. Physician Assistant Education Association Education Forum in Savannah, GA. Oct. 31, 2008.
Howlett B, Phelps P. The Kirkpatrick model for program evaluation as an efficient data-driven accreditation self study process: A case study. Physician Assistant Education Association Education Forum in Tucson, AZ. Oct. 27, 2007.
Phelps P, Howlett B. Designing a spirituality and medicine course based on EBM. Physician Assistant Education Association Education Forum in Tucson, AZ. Oct. 25, 2007.
Howlett B, Smalley A. Low tech solutions for dynamic information management needs: Doing more… better… with less. TechEd, 2006, Mar. 28, 2006. Pasadena, CA.
Howlett B, Phelps, P. Geeky interventions in PA clinical education. Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions Conference, Oct. 19, 2005.
Bunnage C, Whitaker K, Martin D. (2004) Use of mock patient scenario based education in physician assistant training. National Academy of Physician Assistant Programs Conference. Nov., 2004.
Whitaker K. Workshop to Develop Methodology for Implementation of Mock Patients into the Didactic Curriculum Physician Assistant Education Association conference. Nashville TN. Nov., 2004.
Whitaker K. How to write instructional objectives. Physician Assistant Education Association Education Meeting. Boston, MA. May, 2002.

Regional Conference Papers/Presentations:

Mirly, A. K., & Domenech Rodríguez, M. (2016, June). An examination of inter-rater reliability for high stakes testing. Poster presented at the annual Western Consortium Conference, Hillsboro, OR.
Mirly, A. K., Coombs, J., & Domenech Rodríguez, M. (2016, June). Predicting PANCE performance by student attendance and engagement with a board review course. Poster presented at the annual Western Consortium Conference, Hillsboro, OR.
Forbes J, Sierra T. Characteristics of effective teaching in physician assistant programs from the students’ perspective. PAEA Western Consortium conference Tacoma, WA; June, 2015.
Forbes J, Papa J. Partnering to help children and creating an opportunity for interprofessional education - Idaho State University and El Korah Shriners. Poster presentation at Idaho State University Research Day.
Tranmer, R., Boyd, L.D., Howlett, B., Johnson, R., Bowen, D. (Oct. 20, 2011) National survey of oncology teams' knowledge, education, and patient management regarding oral care in cancer therapy. North American/Global Dental Hygiene Research Conference.
Howlett, B., Erickson, C., Pifer, S., Fullmer, J. (Apr. 28, 2011). Combating protein and iron insecurity at 12,000 feet. Idaho Dietetic Association Annual Meeting. Boise, ID.
Papa J., Howlett B., Bunde C., Schroeder, J. (Apr. 24, 2011). Health Care Career Exploration Workshop. Idaho Hispanic Youth Symposium. Sun Valley Idaho.
Howlett, B., Johnson, C., Erickson, C. (Apr. 15, 2011). Interprofessional mobile health clinic providing care to rural Andean indigenous populations: A model for cooperative education and research. Research Day, Idaho State University Division of Health Sciences.
Erickson, C., Howlett, B., Pifer S. (Apr. 15, 2011). Combating food insecurity through community-based nutrition interventions. Research Day, Idaho State University Division of Health Sciences.
Martin, D., Freudenthal, J., Howlett, B. (Apr. 15, 2011). Interprofessional clinical education (ice) with physician assistant and dental hygiene students to reduce morbidity and mortality from delayed diagnosis of oral cancer. Research Day, Idaho State University Division of Health Sciences.
Freudenthal, J., Howlett, B., Martin, D. (Mar. 14, 2011). Incorporating intraoral cancer examinations into a physician assistant curriculum through Interprofessional education. 2011 American Dental Education Association Annual Session & Exhibition. San Diego, CA.
Howlett B, Bunde C. Admissions predictors of PA graduate success on national board exam: A preliminary study. Idaho State University Kasiska College of Health Professions Research Day Conference. Pocatello, ID. Mar., 2007
Phelps P, Howlett, B. Student reaction to switching online learning management systems. Kasiska College of Health Professions Research Day 2007. Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID. Mar, 20, 2007.
Phelps P, Howlett B. Improving student satisfaction by improving communication. Kasiska College of Health Professions Research Day 2006. Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID. April 6, 2006.
Rogo E, Seikel T, Devine N, Force R, Howlett B. Evidence-based practice workshop. Idaho Conference on Health Care. Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID. Oct. 26, 2005.
Nuehfer, E, Howlett, B. Assessment: Friend or foe? Boot Camp for Profs. Idaho State University. July 28, 2005
Whitaker K. Use of Topical Anti-Inflammatories. Idaho Academy of Physician Assistants state CME conference. Sun Valley, ID. Apr., 2003.

PA Program Honors & Awards

Jared Papa:

Received ISU's Distinguished Public Service Award (2012)

Cynthia Bunde:

President-Elect , President, Past President, Idaho Academy of Physician Assistants (IAPA) 2002-2005
Vice President, IAPA 2001-2002

Corbin Bunnage:

ISU SAAAPA chapter President, 1999

Bernadette Howlett:

John C. Bobbell Award for Dedication and Devotion to the Field of Adult Education from the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) SE Idaho Chapter
ISU Distinguished Researcher 2008 Nominee

Dave Martin:

Physician Assistant Excellence Award awarded by the Idaho Academy of Physician Assistants, 1999
PA educator of the year Aug 2005 & Aug 2007 Pocatello, ID
2007 Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants

Paula Phelps:

Physician Assistant Excellence Award awarded by the Idaho Academy of Physician Assistants, 2006

Kent Whitaker:

Outstanding PA Educator, Physician Assistant Program, Idaho State University, August, 2002, 2003, 2004
Outstanding Alumnus, Respiratory Therapy Program, Weber State University, May, 1991
Outstanding Faculty Advising Award, College of Health Professions, Weber State University

PA Program Grants

Sierra, T. (January, 2017). ISU Physician Assistant Studies Faculty Grant: Career Regret Amongst Physician Assistants. ($500 awarded).
Sierra, T. (January 2017). IMPACT Grant through the PA Foundation: Improving Mental Health in Idaho Through Community Based Screenings and Patient Education. ($1,528.14 awarded).
Sierra, T. (September 18, 2014) HRSA Faculty Loan Repayment Program via the Department of Health and Human Services. (2 year; $40,000 awarded).
Howlett, B., Tarp, H.C., Hall, R. (Submitted July 11, 2011). The primary care PA: Linguistic and cultural competence curricular determinants of career choice in a rural PA program. HRSA-11-162, Primary Care Training and Enhancement: Physician Assistant Training in Primary Care Program. (5 year, $642,404 requested).
Howlett, B., Hall, R., Morris, W., (Submitted Feb. 26, 2011). Burnout among rural physician assistants. Physician Assistant Education Association and American Academy of Physician Assistants. (2 year; $7,000 awarded).
Howlett B., Bunde C., Cartwright E., Erickson, K. (Nov. 4, 2010). Iron and protein deficiency in rural indigenous Andean people: An Interprofessional epidemiologic pilot study. Idaho State University, Division of Health Sciences Enhancement Grant Program. (1 year; $16,500 awarded).
Howlett B., Tarp, C., Phelps, P. (May 21, 2010). From Classroom to Clinic: Inter-professional and Translational Learning of Medical Spanish. HRSA 10-234 Physician Assistant Training in Primary Care. [P. Phelps – Project Director] (5 year: $991,047; Recommended for Approval – Score 95/100; Insufficient Funds Available).

Howlett B, Bunde C, Papa, J, Talford D. (Submitted Feb. 26, 2010). Services provided by rural family physicians and PAs. American Academy of Physician Assistants and Physician Assistant Education Association Research Grant Program. (1 year: $18,397; Recommended for Approval; Insufficient Funds Available).

Bund, C., Howlett B., Galindo S. (2008). Virtual Laboratory for Anatomy and Physiology. Idaho Technology Incentive Grant (1 year: $52,000). Accepted May, 2008.

Schroeder, J. (Jun. 2005). Physician assistant training program. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1 year; $150,206 awarded).

Schroeder, J. (Nov. 2002). Training in primary care medicine and dentistry. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1 year; $172,785 awarded).

Schroeder, J. (Jun. 2002). Grant for physician assistant training program. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1 year; $117,194 awarded).

Schroeder, J. (Jun. 2001). Grant for physician assistant training program. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1 year; $119,353 awarded).

Stein, W. (Nov. 1999). Grant for physician assistant training program. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1 year; $148,752 awarded).

Stein, W. (Jun. 1998). Grant for physician assistant training program. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1 year; $121,878 awarded).

Stein, W. (Jan. 1997). Grant for physician assistant training program. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1 year; $169,982 awarded).