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  • Founded in 1968, the American Academy of Physician Assistants is the national professional society for physician assistants. It represents a profession of more than 81,000 certified PAs across all medical and surgical specialties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the majority of the U.S. territories and within the uniformed services.

     About AAPA Image 

    AAPA advocates and educates on behalf of the profession and the patients PAs serve. AAPA works to ensure the professional growth, personal excellence and recognition of physician assistants. It also works to enhance their ability to improve the quality, accessibility and cost-effectiveness of patient-centered health care.

    Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Strategic Goals

    Mission

    To ensure the professional growth, personal excellence, and recognition of physician assistants, and to support their efforts to enable them to improve the quality, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of patient-centered health care.

    Vision

    The American Academy of Physician Assistants is the leader in providing support and advocacy for physician assistants, is the primary organization advancing the profession, is a premier participant in health care transformation, and a passionate champion of patient-centered care.

    AAPA's 2010 - 2012 Strategic Plan  [PDF] includes the Academy's mission, vision, core values and strategic goals.

     

    History

    Founded in 1968, AAPA works to increase the professional and personal growth of the more than 73,000 PAs in practice today through a range of information, advocacy and related services.

    Members

    Physician assistants who are graduates of PA educational programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant or one of its predecessor agencies are eligible for fellow membership member in AAPA. Other membership categories include:

    • PA students
    • Physicians
    • PAs who are no longer practicing but wish to support the profession
    • Related health professionals and service providers

    Leadership

    Volunteer leaders (elected and appointed) and paid staff members serve the profession from the national office headquarters located in Alexandria, Virginia.

    Policy Manual

    AAPA's Policy Manual includes bylaws, policies and position papers that guide AAPA's actions and programs.