News Central

During PA Week, physician associates volunteered their time to participate in AAPA’s Project Access initiative, visiting middle and high schools in four major metropolitan areas. In partnership with the CARES Mentoring Movement, volunteers gave insight into the PA profession, shared their experiences, and taught basic first aid techniques that the students replicated with their classmates.

Only two years ago, in 2024, residents of rural Dillon, MT, who were diagnosed with cancer had to travel at least two hours to the city of Bozeman for treatment, a costly and time-consuming burden. But since then, PA Sarah Adsit has increased access to care for this community at the Oncology Clinic and Infusion Center at Barrett Hospital & Healthcare — the first local cancer treatment center for residents of Dillon and surrounding communities.

During PA Week, AAPA President David J. Bunnell and Student Academy President Laura Hassan visited five PA programs to hear students’ aspirations, concerns, and perspectives on the profession’s future. Their conversations revealed a generation eager to help shape the future of healthcare and the PA profession.

With the potential for November’s midterm elections to reshape Congress and state legislatures, planning for state 2027 legislative sessions and a new US Congress is especially challenging this fall.

AAPA and the PA Education Association (PAEA) continue to challenge the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) classification of PA programs under new federal student loan limits. Here’s where the case stands, what has happened so far, and what PAs and PA students should know. 

The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) today announced a nationwide lineup of events and initiatives for PA Week 2026, taking place October 6-12. This year's celebration will recognize the contributions of PAs and PA students, bring the profession into communities across the country, and raise funds to help future PAs pursue their education.

During the 2026 Women in Government Relations Leadership & Advocacy Conference, Kathleen Moneghan, DHA, MPAS, PA-C, received the Excellence in Advocacy by a Volunteer Leader award — awarded to non-paid volunteer leaders whose advocacy efforts create meaningful, lasting impact.

This year, the United States hosted 78 games across 11 cities as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On July 9, during the match between France and Morocco in Foxborough, MA, six PAs in emergency medicine worked the game, ready to provide care as needed to the 65,000-plus players, staff, and fans in attendance—and to experience the exuberant energy and camaraderie of a World Cup match.

AAPA has filed comments to the 2027 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule, urging CMS to advance policies that expand access to care, strengthen Medicare payment systems, preserve telehealth flexibilities, and remove barriers to PA practice.