Stepping into your first PA role is an exciting milestone, but how do you also step into leadership early in your career? In this episode of Ready, Set, Practice, we’re joined by Clair Kuriakose, MBA, PA-C, FACHE, Chief Advanced Practice Officer at Stanford Health Care. Clair shares insights on what it means to be a clinical leader, how to advocate for yourself and your patients, and ways to navigate professional challenges — including what to do when you’re told “no.” We’ll also explore opportunities for mentorship, career advancement, and lifelong learning, plus practical strategies to prevent burnout and maintain wellness in a demanding field. Whether you're a new PA or planning your next career move, this episode will help you step up, take charge, and shape your future in the profession

With an MBA from the University of Houston and a Lean Six Sigma green belt, PA Kuriakose has led performance improvement initiatives and served as the executive director of advanced practice since 2017. Clair is passionate about the value advanced practice providers bring to healthcare and enjoys collaborating with APP teams to ensure high-quality patient care.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Express what it means to be a leader as a PA, both in clinical practice and beyond
• Recognize the importance of professional conduct and advocacy in shaping their career and patient care
• Develop strategies for overcoming challenges and pushing back against professional barriers
• Identify key opportunities for mentorship, career advancement, and professional development
• Explore strategies for maintaining wellness, avoiding burnout, and building a sustainable career

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