Biography

Mr. Ryan S. Rafa, MSPAS, PA-C, RRT, CAQ-Psych is originally from Wheeling, West Virginia and is an alumnus of West Liberty University. He joined the Physician Assistant Faculty in June of 2026 after serving as the Medical Resource Director at Harmony, GRW Inc., a member of Transformations Care Network. He has clinical experience in the areas of Psychiatry and Hospitalist Medicine as a physician assistant. Prior to becoming a PA, he has worked as a Physical Therapy Aide and a Respiratory Therapist in healthcare. Mr. Rafa teaches courses in the program such as Physical Diagnosis, Health Promotion, and Clinical Medicine. He continues to practice clinically in psychiatry, specializing in interventional psychiatry and inpatient psychiatry consultation services. In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time with family, being entertained by his cats, reading, playing various cards and board games, as well as listening to his favorite musical artist, Taylor Swift.

Education

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, West Liberty University, WV
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy, Wheeling Jesuit University, WV

Professional Experiences

Certified Physician Associate with Certificate of Added Qualification in Psychiatry
Registered Respiratory Therapist

Most Recent Publications and Presentations

Rafa, R., Geho, C., Hardin, S., Panicker, J., Marra, O., Odom, J., et al (2026). Body dysmorphic disorder: Diagnostic challenges and current management. JAAPA, May 2026 Edition