SAAAPA MONTHLY FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants T 571-319-4310 E students@aapa.org www.aapa.org/SAAAPA

President’s Message by Melissa Ricker

I hope this message finds everyone on the up and up as this cold winter finally draws to an end. Conference and Challenge Bowl plans, on the other hand, are just heating up! Less than two months from now, we will be arriving in San Francisco to join thousands of PAs and PA students for the biggest PA event of the year! For the students attending, start getting ready now and get excited! Begin looking over the conference schedule to plan your week out. Encourage your classmates to author a resolution for your AOR representative to present it in the AOR. Propel your Challenge Bowl team to finalize preparations for the competition. And then, while you’re at conference, try to hit up events like PArty with a Cause, the PAC reception, or the PAramount evening. This is your chance to meet like-minded people from across the country, so get those business cards ready. Let the countdown begin to #aapa15... San Francisco, here we come!

Future Educators in the Clinic and Classroom: Upcoming Opportunities for PA Students!

By Jenny Kluznik, MPH, PA-C & Student Member-at-Large, PAEA Board In July 2014, the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) launched the Student Advisory Task Force (SATF), composed primarily of PA students, to serve as the voice of students within the association. Since the

inception of the SATF, the group has been working on several exciting projects to introduce students to

opportunities in PA education, including working as a clinical preceptor or PA program faculty member. If you

have an interest in education or just want to learn more about PAEA, take a look at some of the exciting upcoming

opportunities below:

Future Educators at the PAEA Forum: In 2015, PAEA is launching a fellowship opportunity for PA students with

a strong interest in a career as a PA educator that includes the opportunity for up to 25 fellows to attend a two-day

student track at the PAEA Forum in November 2015. More information about the application process and

fellowship opportunity coming in April 2015.

PAEA at the 2015 AAPA Conference: PAEA is sponsoring two sessions in the Student SPARK track, designed

and facilitated by PA student members of the SATF, on Sunday, May 24, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The first session titled

“Maximizing the Patient Encounter: Strategies to Provide Excellent Patient Education” will be an interactive

session introducing students to effective patient education techniques, facilitated by task force member Emily

Fenton, PA-S. Stephanie Neary, MPA, PA-S, another task force member, will lead a panel discussion in the second

session titled “Beyond the Clinic: An Exploration Into PA Education.” This dynamic session will feature leaders in

PA education sharing their journey and lessons learned along the way.

SAAAPA MONTHLY FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants T 571-319-4310 E students@aapa.org www.aapa.org/SAAAPA

Mark Your Calendar for AAPA Conference in San Francisco!By Mandy Foote, PA-S & Northeast Regional Director

The Student Academy welcomes you to AAPA Conference 2015 in San Francisco, California! AAPA Conference is not just for practicing PAs but also for PA students in their didactic or clinical year. This is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with thousands of PAs from across the country. In addition to networking, conference goers can attend CME sessions, participate in legislative processes through the AAPA House of Delegates or the Student Academy Assembly of Representatives (AOR) and learn about current medical hot topics, services and technology. There are many student-tailored events at conference, including the Student Spark Notes session (8 a.m.− 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday), with forums and lectures on topics like how to pass the PANCE, how to negotiate your salary at your first job, malpractice insurance tips or postgraduate residency programs for PAs. The Student Academy AOR is the governing body of the Student Academy of AAPA (SAAAPA). The AOR is made up of PA student representatives from PA programs across the country. On May 24-25, the AOR will hold its annual meeting where all AORs will gather to discuss resolutions and policy, elect SAAAPA Board members and vote on resolutions that will become the agenda for SAAAPA Board during the following year. You can get involved by running for AOR representative in your program, running for a board position, submitting a resolution or sitting in on the AOR debates. The AOR will also include the presentation of the PAragon Student, PA Student Mentor and Outstanding Student Society awards. Among the other student events to look forward to is the National Medical Challenge Bowl. Student teams face off in a medical quiz competition to become the champion! This is an intense, fun, high-energy event that you don’t want to miss. If you are not competing, you can still try answering questions and cheering on your team. There are networking social events each night during conference. These include Shaking Hands & Taking Names, PArty With a Cause, the AAPA Career Fair and the PAramount black-tie dinner. Some of these events require a reservation and fee, so check out the AAPA website for more details!

Communications and Outreach Volunteer Group UpdateBy Jennifer Price, PA-S & Director of Outreach

The volunteers on the Communications and Outreach Volunteer Group include:● Lindsay Panbechi, Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ● Sarah Pelletier, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, MD● Nina Casella, Arcadia University in Glenside, PA

This small but mighty group is currently reaching out to other healthcare professional student organizations like SAAAPA. Our goals are to foster positive interdisciplinary relationships with other student leaders and to create lasting lines of communication between the Student Academy of AAPA and these organizations. Throughout this process, we hope to collect leadership insights from what these other groups do well, and inspiration for how we might work together toward our common interests in the future!

If you have personal contacts or ideas for organizations that we should include in our list, please send us a quick email to let us know!

SAAAPA MONTHLY FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants T 571-319-4310 E students@aapa.org www.aapa.org/SAAAPA

You can’t spell PArty without PA!By Brendan Michael Riordan, PA-C

To my PA and PA student friends alike, let me give you some advice: If you happen to find yourself in San Francisco for the AAPA Conference this May, make sure you don’t miss “PArty With a Cause.” I’ll try not to oversell it, but this was one of the major highlights of my conference experience last year. Besides all the delicious food, nonstop music and one surprisingly popular plastic lobster, this get-together had the one thing all successful PAs need: other PAs.

This is the place to be, folks. It was here that I really started to master the skill of engaging perfect strangers and turning them into lifelong companions … and that’s one that will take you far in your career. The good news is that you’ll have at least one thing in common with every person in that room (none of that awkward “What do you do?” stuff). Plus, it’s a party! Someone told me there’ll be bowling and ping-pong this time around.

If that’s not enough motivation for you, there’s even better news. That ticket cost goes right back to the Physician Assistant Foundation, which is doing incredible work to advance our profession and help us provide the best education and healthcare we can. So just do it—get dressed up, get to the PArty, and remember: “A simple hello could lead to a million things.”

Networking, Networking, NetworkingBy Richard Bottner, PA-C

I had an excellent time at each PArty for a Cause. They are great networking opportunities. Keep in mind that many of our profession's most experienced and noted leaders attend this event and interacting with students is always a priority. I even met PAs at the event who have helped me with job hunting and professional development!

Health Literacy Be sure to check out the PA Student Essentials blog for an insightful and thought-provoking article written by Desiree Williams from Midwestern University − Arizona. She discusses the importance of health literacy and the need for awareness of this issue as future clinicians.

Final AOR Call

Tuesday, May 5th 9-10pm EST, hosted

by the President-Elect for all AOR members!

SAAAPA MONTHLY FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants T 571-319-4310 E students@aapa.org www.aapa.org/SAAAPA

Join the National Student Academy Board of DirectorsBy Virginia Tran, PA-S & Mid-Atlantic Regional Director

If you are devoted to advocacy, leadership and teamwork, SAAAPA leadership is the perfect opportunity for you! Elections for the Student Academy Board for 2015-2016 are taking place at the Assembly of Representatives (AOR) meeting at Conference, and it’s time to start declaring! Student Academy leaders utilize communication skills, teamwork and leadership to carry out proposed resolutions from conference on a national level. Annually elected positions include:· President-Elect (two-year commitment)· Regional Directors (6 positions) · Director of Outreach · Director of Communications · Chief Delegate (previous House of Delegates experience required)

Check out the 2015 Election Bulletin!

In order to run, you must fill out and email a Program Director Statement form to students@aapa.org. Deadline to pre-declare for the Student Board Elections is April 30, but you can also declare at conference! As a SAAAPA leader candidate, you will prepare a platform speech and present it to the voting AOR representatives and Student Academy leaders. Professional attire required (blazers for both men and women).

As a past AOR rep, I went to last year’s AAPA Conference unaware that I could run for a SAAAPA leadership position. After engaging with previous leaders and hearing all the passionate speakers, I was inspired, ran for mid-Atlantic regional director and currently work with the enthusiastic, passionate leaders of the Student Academy to make a difference for the PA profession.

Are you ready to make an influence on a national level and become someone’s inspiration? If you’re interested, email students@aapa.org or visit AAPA’s Student Leadership Opportunities for more information.

Collaboration and Awareness of Global Health Volunteer Group UpdateBy Jennifer Price, PA-S & Director of Outreach

The volunteers for the Collaboration and Awareness of Global Health Task Force want to know what your school is doing to increase the awareness of health issues around the globe. We have compiled a survey that we are gearing up to send to schools around the country. One of the things we want to know is if schools provide international service opportunities for their students, and if they’d be willing to extend those opportunities to students from other schools that might not have such programs in place. We have already shared lots of great stories from PA students who have travelled the globe to help those in need. We hope to help put the missing pieces in place so that these incredible opportunities can be more accessible to every PA student who has a heart for global health!

SAAAPA MONTHLY FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants T 571-319-4310 E students@aapa.org www.aapa.org/SAAAPA

By Mandy Foote, PA-S & Northeast Regional Director

Want to get involved on a national level? Want your voice to be heard? Have you observed something during your didactic year or on rotations that needs to change, be discussed or given attention? Submitting a resolution at AAPA Conference 2015 is your opportunity to make it happen. At the AOR General Meetings held on May 24 and 25, AORs and PA students will propose calls to action, help make changes and decide the focus of the Student Academy for the 2015-2016 year. Keep reading for details!

What is a resolution? A statement proposed by a voting AOR member or the Board of Directors which calls for an action to be made. If passed, it will help determine the agenda for the following Student Academy year.

Who can submit a resolution? Any PA student, AOR member or the Board of Directors.

How do you submit a resolution? There is a 2015 Resolution Submission form. If you would like to submit more than one resolution, please fill out a separate form for each.

When do I submit my resolution? Pre-submitted resolutions were due April 1 but you may submit a resolution at conference to be placed on the AOR meeting agenda.

Where do I submit my resolution? The Resolution Submission form should be sent via email to students@aapa.org or submitted on a flash drive to the SAAAPA staff advisor during the AOR General Meetings.

Where can I find examples of past resolutions? Each year yields a new batch of resolutions, based on current interests and concerns, from that year’s AOR, student leaders and PA students. Review the 2014 resolutions to give you ideas for getting started.

RESOLUTIONS 101

Postgraduate TrainingBy Richard Bottner, PA-CThe postgraduate training resolution passed at conference last year is chaired by me, now a PA-C in a residency myself! This group published an article in the Oct/Nov SAAAPA Monthly titled "Postgraduate Clinical Education for PAs − Is it for me?"Additionally, we meet regularly via conference call with the APPAP (Association of Post-graduation PA Programs) to discuss improving changes to their website to make it more "student-friendly" and plan for additional ways we can reach out to PA programs about the available opportunities. And lastly, we are planning a Q&A panel with students and faculty of PA postgrad programs for PA students interested in this opportunity. Join us if you are interested!

SAAAPA MONTHLY FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants T 571-319-4310 E students@aapa.org www.aapa.org/SAAAPA

Advocacy and Policy ToolkitBy Josh Ellis, PA-S & Advocacy and Policy Volunteer Group Co-chair The Advocacy and Policy Volunteer Group is creating an informational toolkit to be distributed to PA students across the nation. This toolkit will serve as a resource for students who are eager to learn about the policies and legislation that affect their future career, with information on various ways to become involved at the state and national level. Once established, the toolkit will become a permanent resource to students and, perhaps, a springboard from which to launch future projects and resolutions. Our members, made up students from across the nation, are not only creating this toolkit but gaining valuable knowledge while doing it! The Advocacy and Policy Volunteer Group is proud of their hard work in developing this project and look forward to sharing it with you.

University of Colorado Motivating High School Students Through Project Access

By Megan Smith, PA-S2 from University of Colorado, Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus

The University of Colorado has been very active in empowering and motivating high school students of diverse backgrounds to create and pursue their educational goals. This school year, our Diversity Committee presented the PA profession to three local high schools with large populations of underrepresented racial and ethnic minority students. We presented to groups of high school students through an event called hPOD (health professions opportunity day). This event is in partnership with the Office of Inclusion and Outreach and the Center of Pre-Collegiate and Academic Outreach Program. The goal of this event is to introduce underrepresented racial and ethnic minority middle and high school students to the wide range of health profession careers, with the hope of motivating them to set and pursue educational goals that will lead them on the path to becoming a PA. Students participated in hands-on activities, such as using stethoscopes and reflex hammers. The Diversity Committee is also planning on presenting the role of PAs to local underrepresented high school students sometime in February and April.

SAAAPA MONTHLY FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants T 571-319-4310 E students@aapa.org www.aapa.org/SAAAPA

Congratulations and thank you to our Outstanding Preceptors this month, who were nominated by the students they taught and guided:

Dilan Ramirez, PA-C, PA Lead, Director Medical Education. Nominated by Brandon Batory from Springfield College, Ramirez works in internal medicine at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. He is revered for his precise clinical work and outstanding factual knowledge. Brandon left his rotation thinking more like a clinician and less like a student, and believes Ramirez deserves recognition for his teaching, his love of medicine and his impeccable care for his patients. Alex Onofrei, MD. Nominated by Adam Bleger from A.T. Still University, Onofrei works in Family Practice and Sports Medicine at AZ Family Medicine and Sports Medicine in Mesa, Arizona. He showed Adam patience, answered all his questions and taught him how to think like a caring, well-trained medical provider. His was Adam’s first clinical rotation, and his time with Onofrei and his staff was invaluable. Paul J. Marino, PA-C, DFAAPA. Nominated by Elizabeth Prevou from The George Washington University, Marino works in general surgery at Reston Surgical Associates in Reston,Virginia. He is a patient and thoughtful preceptor who teaches the importance of dedication and perseverance, all while putting patients and colleagues at ease with his wonderful sense of humor. He is generous with his time and genuinely excited about passing on the torch to future PAs. Chelle Jeffery, PA-C. Nominated by Caroline York from Elon University, Chelle works in primary and urgent care at Urgent Medical & Family Care in Greensboro, N.C. She is compassionate, knowledgeable and exceptionally dedicated, and she teaches her students these characteristics, as well as a strong knowledge base, decision-making capabilities and the ability to relate to patients’ stories and struggles, and to never stop looking for an answer. Caroline said, “I watched Chelle inspire the people around her, and she inspired me. She is the type of PA, and person, I strive to be.” Michael Krause, DO, RPh. Nominated by Chet McManus from the University of South Dakota, Krause works in OB/GYN at the Dakota Women’s Clinic in Mitchell, S.D. Krause not only taught Chet the essentials of the specialty, but also how to be a true professional. Regarded highly in the Mitchell area due to his expertise and professionalism, Krause went out of his way for each patient, being present for every delivery, whether or not he was on call. Chet also found it extraordinary that he shared his faith with his patients, offering to lead the family in prayer before surgery.

To nominate your Outstanding Preceptor, submit the Outstanding Preceptor Nomination Form to Aubrey.D.Winkler@gmail.com with the Subject line “Outstanding Preceptor Nomination.”

SAAAPA MONTHLY FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants T 571-319-4310 E students@aapa.org www.aapa.org/SAAAPA

PA Foundation + Our World OutreachBy Hannah Sitter, PA-S & Service Volunteer Group Co-chair Each year, the Physician Assistant Foundation recognizes the work of PAs and PA students through the Caring for Communities Award. This award honors the PAs in our community who are making a difference in the lives of people struggling with various healthcare and social issues, while offering an educational opportunity and experience to PA students, PAs and other volunteers.

This year, John Oliphant, PA-C, assistant professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology PA program, received the award for his charity Our World Outreach. Along with this honor, his charity received a grant to further support its mission. As their mission states: “Our World Outreach is committed to improving the health, education, living conditions and self-sufficiency of disadvantaged individuals locally, across our country, and in developing countries.” Through the dedicated work of John Oliphant, PA-C, funds were raised and continue to be raised to ensure the safety and protection of the healthcare workers in Liberia who are exposed to Ebola virus disease. In addition, these funds are allocated to help contain the current West Africa EVD outbreak and minimize the risk and severity of future outbreaks of EVD in Liberia. Oliphant has visited Liberia twice and intends to return pending safety concerns. In an interview with WROC Station in Rochester, N.Y., Oliphant said, “I visited a clinic there once that had only one pair of rubber gloves that they shared among the staff because they had nothing else. Something that would not even be imaginable here in the United States.”

You can find more information on how to contribute to this impactful organization by visiting the Our World Outreach website.

Western Spotlight: A History of CaringBy Chad Francom, PA-S The University of Utah Physician Assistant Program (UPAP) is one of the oldest programs in the country, taking great pride in providing high quality care to patients in medically underserved and rural areas. Beginning in 2010 UPAP partnered with Maliheh community clinic to begin a Thursday night clinicto increase access to healthcare. With help from preceptors, first and second year PA students team up with Pharmacy and Dental students to provide all aspects of medical care, treating those who would otherwise wait up to 6 months to be seen. Along with providing stellar medical care, UPAP prides itself on diversity. This is done through an organization called Physician Assistant Students Supporting Equity and Diversity (PASSED). PASSED is a group of Physician Assistant students dedicated to promoting cultural and community awareness, civic involvement, social justice, equity, and the reduction of disparities in healthcare. PASSED is a very positive step toward increasing awareness at the University of Utah.

SAAAPA MONTHLY FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants T 571-319-4310 E students@aapa.org www.aapa.org/SAAAPA

Southeast Spotlight: Community Health ScreeningBy Caitlin Heredia, PA-S and Curt Litton, PA-S, Gardner-Webb University

The Gardner-Webb University Physician Assistant PA Program welcomed its first cohort in January 2014. Since then, students have been working hard in the classroom, as well as in the community. One of the program’s goals is to promote a mission-minded attitude, with a focus on the underserved. In keeping with this goal, second-year students have worked to establish a health screening program at a community homeless ministry that serves weekly meals at a local church.

On Friday, February 20, 12 students and faculty conducted their first blood pressure screening. The individuals

attending lunch could have their blood pressure checked and recorded on a wallet-sized card to keep for future readings. The group also identified several pathologies and gained experience in the complexity of patient referral. During their time there, the students screened 38 individuals. They provided education about hypertension and heart disease, including lifestyle modifications, to help prevent or lessen the effects of these conditions. The students also shared options for healthcare services should further workup and treatment be necessary.

As a part of an ongoing partnership, students will continue conducting health screenings once a month. Although the second-year students will begin clinical rotations this summer, first-year students and future cohorts will have the opportunity to continue the program and establish it as a part of the community. Gardner-Webb PA program students look forward to positively impacting the community by providing health screenings and education.

Oral Health Task Force UpdateBy Melissa Ricker, SAAAPA President

The Oral Health Task Force is comprised of 10 student volunteers from across the country who have been working hard to bring awareness about the importance of oral health in PA student didactic education and during clinicals. We are currently preparing a "one-stop shop" handout with educational and outreach resources for all of your oral health needs. We are also working on a conference meet-and-greet social, seminar and outreach event at a nearby nonprofit for those interested in oral health that will all take place at conference in San Francisco. Check us out on Facebook and let us know what you would like to see.

SAAAPA MONTHLY DEC 2014/JAN 2015 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 5

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants T 571-319-4310 E students@aapa.org www.aapa.org/SAAAPA

GVSU PA Students Raise Money Through MoustachesBy Blake Geschke, PA-S

In November 2014, Grand Valley State University’s PA class of 2016 participated in “Movember.” The annual month-long charity event is organized by the Movember Foundation, the largest funder of prostate cancer research and support programs in the world. The challenge is simple: grow a moustache for all of the thirty days in November, start conversations about men’s health through the power of the moustache, raise money and have fun. The team of PA students was comprised of men (moustache growers) and women (moustache cultivators) working together to make a difference. The “Mo-Bros” and “Mo-Sisters” were able to raise almost $700 for men’s health awareness and research. Though the moustaches had a quiet and prickly beginning, the final impact these students had went far beyond facial hair. Conversations were had urging men to seek routine medical care. Individuals with questions regarding medical issues were given information by PA students. And funds were raised to bolster research for the best treatments for men’s cancers. The students’ efforts resulted in positive outcomes for men’s health. Using their moustaches, they made an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health.

Register your team for Movember 2015 at us.movember.com.

Angel House CharityBy Phil Walcott, PA-S Students from Western Michigan University's Physician Assistant program participated in a community service project during this year’s Michigan Academy of Physician Assistants (MAPA) annual Fall CME Conference. The meeting was held in Traverse City, MI from October 9th – 12th. The recipient of this year’s Student Charity project was Angel House, which is a non-profit organization providing compassionate care and necessary items to single moms and their children. PA students from the 6 PA programs in the state competed to see who could collect the most supplies for Angel House such as diapers, baby formula, cleaning supplies and personal care products. The collection was displayed and judged at the conference and WMU was declared the winner!

SAAAPA MONTHLY DEC 2014/JAN 2015 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 5

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants T 571-319-4310 E students@aapa.org www.aapa.org/SAAAPA

First Student Society Chapter at Marywood UniversityBy Courtney Waldron, PA-S

With the desire to have our program more involved in the PA profession at the national level, the class of 2016 is establishing the first SAAAPA chapter at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania. In doing so, we are creating a relationship with the incoming class and an alliance between didactic and clinical classes for years to come. Working together, we will tackle the goals that we have envisioned, in order to accomplish them by the end of each semester. We plan to visit at least two area high schools and educate prospective students about the PA profession before the semester’s end. As high school students, many of us had little idea about the PA profession until we attended college, so we feel that this is an important demographic to educate. It is our hope that, in doing so, we can provide the necessary information to spark interest in the PA profession.

JMU Students Attend "White Coats on Call"By Eleanor Tansey

On February 4, twelve graduate students from the JMU Physician Assistant program traveled with PA Program Director Jerry Weniger to Richmond, Va., for "White Coats on Call." This is the title given to the Medical Society of Virginia's signature grassroots lobbying days held each year during the General Assembly session. It is held in conjunction with the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants. "White Coats on Call" days give physicians and PAs the opportunity to inform their senators and delegates about the obstacles and challenges facing the practice of medicine and Virginia's healthcare system.This year, the specific issues that the students lobbied for included:●proposed reform of the Virginia worker's compensation system

● advocating for child safety through mandatory child-proof containers for liquid nicotine● supporting a mental health bill that would give community service boards a "hotline" to call a physician

or PA in cases of a mental health crisis● redefining the role of medical examiner in Virginia to include PAs and nurse practitioners●proposed reform of pre-authorization paperwork between insurance carriers, clinicians and pharmacies

SAAAPA MONTHLY DEC 2014/JAN 2015 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 5

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants T 571-319-4310 E students@aapa.org www.aapa.org/SAAAPA

LAS: Students learning to Lead and Advocate for the PA Profession

By Melissa Ricker, SAAAPA President & Elizabeth Prevou, SAAAPA President-Elect

Over 180 PAs and PA students from 41 states gathered together in Alexandria, Virginia from March 5-7 for the annual Leadership and Advocacy Summit (LAS). State and constituent organization leaders, political veterans, students from 17 PA programs and newcomers to the advocacy arena were updated on new advocacy strategies and developed plans to work together to build recognition and awareness of the expanding roll and value of PAs. In 2014, 184 PA-positive regulatory changes were made in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Congressman Terry Lee from Nebraska is a champion for PAs and has been instrumental in breaking down many of our practice barriers. He delivered the welcome address, challenging our profession to engage in discussions with legislators about how PAs are the answer to improving access to and decreasing the cost of health care. AAPA CEO, Jenna Dorn, passionately reported on the actions that AAPA has taken and plan to take in the near future in order to provide all members with the tools to be successful components of an inter-professional team providing evidence-based medicine. It is really amazing to see the collaboration occurring between healthcare organizations and the positive results of this approach.

Conference attendees also attended smaller focus groups on topics such as top healthcare trends bound to be promising for PAs, answering the leadership call in the workplace, effective tools to improve advocacy efforts, and how to get PI CME. Unfortunately, most trips to Capitol Hill were canceled due to inclement weather; however, participants were encouraged to send emails, plan a return trip or arrange meetings with legislatures in their home districts.

Throughout the entire summit, student engagement was a common theme. We were invited to join the wide variety of constituent and specialty organizations; many of them even offered us free or reduced membership costs. We were also encouraged to engage in leadership roles at all levels, setting an example for our fellow students and demonstrating to the nation that PAs are a positive force for the future of healthcare. Check out AAPA’s Advocacy webpage for ways to get involved right now. We look forward to seeing you at the Leadership and Advocacy Summit next year!

UTHSC Rocks the Local Challenge Bowl

By Denise Nemeth, PA-S

Students from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio competed in the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA) Challenge Bowl on February 21. The event was part of their 40th Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas. The team included PA students Vicky Holt, Denise Nemeth and Sarah Brown, and they won second place! Congrats!

SAAAPA MONTHLY DEC 2014/JAN 2015 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 5

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants T 571-319-4310 E students@aapa.org www.aapa.org/SAAAPA

Interprofessional Healthcare Student Leaders Lobby on Capitol Hill

By Melissa Ricker, SAAAPA President Three months ago, five healthcare professional students had a vision to demonstrate to congressional leaders that the next generation of healthcare professionals are interested in collaboration, improving access to care and proving cost-effective care. This vision became a reality on February 26th when Kelly (National Student Nursing President), Melissa (Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants President), Nicole (Occupational Therapy Vice Chairperson), Karanita (Student National Pharmaceutical Association Chair) and the American Student Medical Association leadership team met on Capitol Hill to bring awareness to three inter-professional healthcare issues currently being discussed in Congress.

In each of our twelve congressional meetings, we asked for full Title VII support, sustaining service loan repayments for healthcare students and sponsoring HR Bill. Title VII houses the only federally-funded health programs that improve the supply, distribution and diversity of health professionals who make up inter-professional healthcare teams and ensure they are prepared to work together to address the healthcare challenges of today and the future. This past February, the president submitted his 2016 fiscal year budget and recommended a 6.7% cut to Title VII programs. Congressional committees are currently meeting to prepare the 2016 budget and if they take the President’s

recommendations and approve cuts to Title VII, it could potentially have catastrophic effects on the inter-professional programs supported through Title VII. Student Debt is also relevant to many healthcare professional students. Currently, there are proposed changes and cuts to some of the Loan Repayment programs and proposed increased interests rates for loans. We advocated for sustained funding for the existing programs and innovation solutions for reducing the cost of education. We brought awareness to the rising cost of tuition and asked for a Congressional review of the federal regulations imposed on many of the academic institutions, partially having an effect on increased tuition. And lastly, we asked for sponsorship of HR Bill 398, Trafficking Awareness Training for Health Care Act 2015, aiming to end modern slavery. A portion of this bill would provide funding for improving and increasing inter-professional healthcare education to recognize the signs of human trafficking. This group of students was very well received and feels our voices were heard. Our hope is Inter-professional Collaboration efforts will continue and more healthcare professional student leaders would be present at this event next year!

Quick LinksStudent Academy Website

PA Student Essentials Microsite

Facebook

Twitter

SAAAPA Board

2014-2015 Resolutions

Volunteer Group Applications

Student Membership Benefits

Mentorship Program Toolkit

PA Student Scholarships

PA Program Directory

AAPA Conference 2015

Barry University St. Petersburg Superheroes