At the AAPA 2025 Conference, CM&F Group hosted a dynamic panel titled “Taking Your Shot: The Entreprenurial PA.” The session was packed with energy, inspiration, and practical advice from pioneering PAs who are breaking barriers and building businesses across the healthcare landscape.
Moderated by William Sullivan, JD, LL.M in Health Law and EVP of CM&F Group, the conversation centered around the why, how, and what’s next of PA entrepreneurship. Below is a recap of the discussion, followed by real-world advice and resources to help PAs launch their own ventures.
Meet the Panelists
Chris Cannell, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA
President of The Academy of PAs in Legal Medicine (APALM)
Chris brings decades of experience in emergency medicine, orthopedics, and healthcare consulting. As a subject matter expert in medical legal affairs and clinical education, his leadership in organizations like APALM and MAPA gives him unique insight into how PAs can expand into consulting, legal testimony, and expert witness work. His passion lies in empowering PAs to explore non-traditional roles where their clinical expertise provides significant value.
Tracy Bingaman, MSPAS, PA-C
Career & Business Coach | Host of The PA Is In Podcast
Tracy is a fierce advocate for PA autonomy and fulfillment. Through her podcast and coaching business, she’s helped thousands of PAs reimagine what their career can look like—whether that means launching a business, stepping into leadership, or finding balance in clinical practice. Tracy blends practical advice with mindset strategies, making her a go-to voice for entrepreneurial and career-driven PAs.
Phoebe Gutierrez
Co-Founder of Single Aim Health
Phoebe is the co-founder of Single Aim, a physician-led marketplace simplifying collaboration agreements and regulatory navigation for clinicians. With over 15 years in healthcare strategy and compliance—including 10 years as a California state regulator—she brings deep expertise in breaking down barriers and helping providers build sustainable, independent practices.
Why These PAs Chose Entrepreneurship
Each panelist had a unique story that sparked their entrepreneurial journey:
Chris Cannell turned a malpractice experience into a mission to improve PA support through legal consulting and expert witness work. He now mentors others to thrive in the medical-legal space.
Tracy Bingaman left surgery after a moment of burnout with her daughter triggered a major life shift. Her podcast and coaching business now guide PAs to redefine their careers on their own terms.
Phoebe Gutierrez, a product strategist with deep experience in healthcare compliance, saw firsthand how many clinicians were burning out in W2 roles. Her startup, Single Aim, helps clinicians safely launch private practices.
3 Major Takeaways from the Panel
1. Start Small, But Start Now
All three panelists stressed that you don’t need a huge budget to begin. Many PAs start with as little as $5,000, using just a laptop, a virtual assistant, and HIPAA-compliant software.
Side hustles are a great launchpad. Whether consulting, offering telemedicine, or creating digital content—there’s a low-cost way to test the waters.
2. You Are More Ready Than You Think
If you’ve been practicing for 5+ years, you likely have the knowledge and experience to go out on your own.
Common entrepreneurial PA paths include:
- Legal consulting
- Coaching or educational services
- Concierge and telehealth medicine
- Aesthetic practices and wellness clinics
- Functional or integrative care
- Psych via virtual practice
3. The Next 3-5 Years Are a Tipping Point for PAs
With more full-practice authority states, compact state laws, new telehealth laws, and growing dissatisfaction with traditional systems, PAs are uniquely positioned to lead.
The panel predicted huge growth in the following specialties:
- Psychiatric/mental health services
- Lifestyle and obesity medicine
- Cash-pay primary care
- IV hydration, MedSpas, and aesthetics
- Virtual-first startups and fractional contracting
Want to Start a Business as a PA? Here’s Your First 5 Steps:
- Form your LLC – Use platforms like Incfile or LegalZoom
Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is often the first official step to starting your business. It protects your personal assets by legally separating you from the business—so if your business is sued or incurs debt, your home, car, or savings aren’t on the line. It’s also the easiest structure to manage for solo healthcare professionals. - Get business insurance
Through CM&F’s partnership with HUB and The Hartford, you can access small business insurance tailored to healthcare professionals. This includes general liability for slip-and-fall claims, commercial property to cover your space and equipment, business income protection, and cyber coverage for patient data. It’s a simple way to protect your practice and your peace of mind. - Get professional liability insurance – Link to CM&F’s PA application
Malpractice insurance (aka professional liability insurance) is non-negotiable in healthcare. Whether you’re seeing patients in person or virtually, this coverage protects you from lawsuits or board complaints related to your clinical work. CM&F offers fast, affordable digital coverage designed specifically for entrepreneurial PAs. - Find a supervising physician (if required in your state) – Use companies like Single Aim
Depending on your state laws, you may need a supervising or collaborating physician. These partnerships don’t need to be a barrier—services like Single Aim help match PAs with licensed physicians quickly so you can get your business up and running. - Understand the cost to launch – Many virtual practices can launch for a few thousand dollars
The barrier to entry is lower than you might think. With just a laptop, HIPAA-compliant software, and the right insurance, many PAs can start consulting, coaching, or offering virtual care for under $5,000. Start lean, validate your business, and reinvest as you grow.
Final Thoughts
This panel proved that the future of the PA profession is bold, innovative, and business-minded. As Tracy put it, “Build something that works for you—that’s scalable and still means you can be home when your kids get off the bus.”
CM&F Group has protected entrepreneurial PAs for over 25 years. Whether you’re launching a private practice, working per diem, or consulting, our coverage grows with you. Click here to get a quote or learn more to get started.
