National PA Week is an expansion of the original National PA Day, which the American Academy of Physician Assistants planned in 1987 to note the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class of PAs (Oct. 6, 1967, from Duke University, Durham, N.C.). Since then, the anniversary has become an annual affair and grown into a week-long celebration. The 2023 National PA Week will be held Oct. 6–12 to recognize the contributions of PAs and publicize the profession and its vital role in healthcare.
Raising awareness is important. “PAs are skilled, qualified medical professionals who are an important part of the healthcare team,” Ms. Hughell says. “I have talked with multiple rheumatologists at ACR meetings who have been curious about incorporating a PA into their practice. I advocate for them to consider this option to extend the care they can provide to their patients. Many times they are stretched thin and have long wait times for consults and return appointments, [so] adding a PA can remedy those challenges.”
Leslie Mertz, PhD, is a freelance science journalist based in northern Michigan.
References
- Gooch K. PAs are growing in number: Here’s how many are in each state. Becker’s Hospital Review. 2023 May 1.
- Become a PA. American Academy of Physician Associates. (n.d.) https://www.aapa.org/careercentral/become-a-pa.
- PA class profile. Class of 2025. Des Moines University.
- Sample J. Understanding PA school acceptance rates & admissions in 2023. Rosh Review. 2023 Jan 2.
