To promote a broader definition of leadership among the PA community, the Leadership & Professional Development Council (LAPD) manages Leadership Focus.  This program recognizes PA leaders in a broad array of leadership categories.  The program highlights the efforts of everyday PAs, who participate in various leadership roles, who serve as good examples, and who make a difference in their communities.

To learn more click on the links below:

Leadership Focus On

Leadership Focus Categories

Leadership Focus Archive

The LAPD has identified different leadership categories for recognition listed below. Once individuals are identified they will be asked to provide information, and may be chosen for recognition on the AAPA's Leadership Development Program Web page. If you would like to recommend yourself or another PA for the Leadership Focus, please contact:
Kodi Blue Erb
703/836-2272, ext 3127
kerb@aapa.org

The Up-and-coming Constituent Organization Leader. This individual is best described as a future leader of a constituent chapter, specialty organization, or caucus. This person has provided a considerable service to the constituent organization he or she represents. In addition, they represent the future or "next generation" of leaders in the profession.

Physician Assistant Educator. This individual has helped advance the profession by leading, mentoring, and educating future PAs. This person has the skills, confidence, and integrity that PA students want to emulate.

PA in Research. This individual best exemplifies a leader in the PA profession who has devoted their time and energies toward advancing both medical and professional research.

PA in Government Affairs. In addition to this individual's dedication to clinical practice, he or she has worked to improve state or federal legislation that has enhanced PA practice; in doing so, he or she has advanced the profession by increasing awareness of PA issues, reimbursement, or physician-PA relationships.

PA in Health Care Administration. This individual has taken his or her position as a PA and moved on to an administrative position. As an administrator, this person has increased other health care professionals' awareness of the PA profession, and used their background as a PA to improve the health care organization in which they work.

PA in Rural Health Care. This PA has dedicated his or her efforts toward the practice of rural medicine and has taken a leadership role in improving the health of their community.

Clinical Practice. This individual has excelled in the area of clinical practice, devoting his or her efforts to providing outstanding medical care, patient education, and preventive medicine in a cost-effective manner.

Inner-City Practice. This PA has dedicated him or herself to the practice of inner-city medicine, and has taken a leadership role in educating and improving the community in which they live.

International Practice. This individual has dedicated his or her efforts to practicing internationally and has taken a leadership role in educating other cultures about preventive health care as well as about the PA profession.

PA Promoting and Leading Diversity Programs. This individual has displayed leadership skills in advancing the need to incorporate and celebrate diversity in the work place, constituent organization, or community program. He or she has taken a leadership role by contributing time, energy, and knowledge to make a difference and improve the community or workplace in which they live.