AAPA PA Program Ambassador

I had the pleasure of doing training to be an AAPA PA program ambassador. I’ll be representing AAPA and letting PA students know the benefits of being a member and ways to get involved.

AAPA program ambassadors help PA students understand the resources available as they complete PA school and start a career. It can be a challenge to get through the grueling parts of PA school and start a new job, and using the right resources can help make these transitions easier.

A big reason that I have continued to blog and why I have volunteered with different PA organizations is that I feel it is important to give back to the profession. I have had several people along my journey as a PA help and advise me, and I think we all have experiences and knowledge that can help others. We learn the science of medicine in PA school, but the art of medicine and the practice of being a PA comes with many nuances. It takes years to learn this part of being a PA.

Beyond being an AAPA program ambassador, I have also worked with the Oregon Society of PAs and have been an NCCPA ambassador this past year. Every PA and PA student is an advocate for the profession. Every patient you come into contact with will mold their idea of what a PA is. We must keep this in mind as we are out in our communities.

Although we all are advocates for the profession, there are many opportunities to volunteer with PA professional organizations. Not only do the AAPA and the NCCPA have volunteer opportunities, but you can be involved in your state and specialty organizations as well. Many of these only take a couple of hours per month. If you are not already involved, I encourage every PA and PA student out there to get involved and give back to your profession.

If you’re a PA student, I hope to see you soon!

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