Two faculty members from the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) have earned recognition for their contributions to medical literature, with articles published in consecutive issues of the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Associates (JAAPA).
JAAPA is the official peer-reviewed clinical journal of the American Academy of Physician Associates and serves as a leading resource for physician associates across the nation.
Elyse Watkins, DHSc, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA, and Stacie Gopal, DMS, MPAS, PA-C, CHC, both serve as adjunct instructors in ACHE’s Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program.
Dr. Watkins’ article, “Lyme Disease in a Warming World: Rising Cases, Shifting Patterns, and Clinical Implications,” appeared in the September 2026 issue of JAAPA. The article was co-authored with Randi Shupp, DMSc, PA-C, and examines the growing prevalence of Lyme disease and how changing environmental conditions are affecting where the disease is found. It also highlights the importance of early recognition, diagnosis and treatment as health care providers encounter Lyme disease in new geographic areas.
Dr. Gopal’s article, “Bridging the BRCA1/2 Variant Previvor Gap in Health Care,” was published in the October 2026 issue. Her work addresses the health care needs of individuals who carry inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic variants associated with increased cancer risk but have not developed cancer. The article emphasizes the importance of preventative care, patient education and ongoing support for individuals navigating these risks.
The back-to-back publications highlight the expertise of ACHE’s DMSc faculty and their commitment to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care beyond the classroom.
To read Dr. Watkins article, click here.
To read Dr. Gopal’s article, click here.