At Centra Heart & Vascular Institute, Physician Assistant (PA) Lori McVay has played a central role in developing
the PA Fellowship Program, which equips new PAs with the knowledge, skills and confidence to excel in the
cardiology field. With her passion for mentoring and vision for the future of PA training, McVay has shaped a
program that is not only comprehensive but also adaptable to the evolving demands of healthcare.
McVay’s journey into cardiology was not initially planned. Like many PAs, she entered the field with an interest in
emergency medicine, but her experiences during PA school gradually steered her toward cardiology. “I thought I
wanted to work in the ER, but once I started my rotations, I realized how much I loved cardiology,” she recalls.
Her fascination with the heart began early on when she meticulously dissected coronary arteries in anatomy class,
only to be devastated when they had to be cut for further study. This passion for the field led her to explore
different subspecialties within cardiology, including general cardiology, structural cardiology and heart rhythm.
Centra’s PA Fellowship Program was designed to provide structured training and mentorship for PAs transitioning
into cardiology. Unlike traditional PA roles, where new hires receive a three-month orientation before handling a
full patient load, this nine-month fellowship offers a more gradual, immersive learning experience.
The fellowship is divided into three distinct blocks:
- Block 1: Fellows focus on general cardiology, building a strong foundation before moving into subspecialties.
- Block 2: They begin rotations and manage their own patient templates, gradually increasing their workload.
- Block 3: Fellows take on a more autonomous role, including serving as the primary contact for consults, rotating
through different subspecialties, and working in the ICU and heart failure units.
“We wanted to create a program that allows our fellows to develop confidence and competence before stepping
into full clinical roles,” McVay said. “They transition from students presenting cases to providers making their own
decisions, all while having a structured safety net in place.”
The fellowship emphasizes both medical knowledge and patient care perspectives. Recognizing that individuals
learn differently, McVay and her team employ a mix of case-based learning, simulation training, hands-on
experience and didactic instruction.
Another key component of the program is professional development. Fellows engage in leadership training,
participate in crucial conversations, and complete a practice improvement project that connects them to their
clinical practice. “Even if you don’t have a formal leadership title, you are a leader in the healthcare team,” McVay said.
Centra's PA Fellowship Program stands out nationally, becoming the first accredited general cardiology PA
fellowship in the country. McVay and her team have continuously refined the program by integrating feedback from
past fellows and analyzing other successful programs. Today, graduates of Centra’s fellowship can be found
practicing in multiple subspecialties across seven states, making a significant impact in cardiology.
Looking ahead, McVay believes PA fellowships will become increasingly common as healthcare faces growing
physician shortages and burnout. “More fellowships will emerge to help bridge the gap in healthcare, giving PAs
specialized training that allows them to step into roles where they can make an immediate impact,” she said.
Through education and mentorship, McVay is not only training future PAs but also strengthening the future of
cardiovascular care. The fellowship program at Centra is a testament to what is possible when passion, education,
and leadership come together to create meaningful change in healthcare.
“At Centra, we are more than a community hospital—we are shaping the next generation of caregivers, leaders and innovators in cardiology.”
