AAPA 2019: 9 Things Students Shouldn’t Miss

Plus, What Former Attendees Had to Say

April 10, 2019

Are you interested in connecting with your fellow PA students and future PA colleagues? Get outside your comfort zone, your routines, and your expectations – and get ready for AAPA 2019 in Denver, Colorado. Prepare to leave AAPA’s Conference with connections you might never have considered. Check out these nine things for PA students at AAPA 2019.

AAPA Career Fair
Saturday, May 18
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Mile High 4
It’s not too soon to start thinking about your post-PA-school life. Attend AAPA’s Career Fair and get one step closer to that first PA job. Meet with representatives from top employers from across the country looking to hire qualified PAs in all settings and specialties.

PA Student Substance Use Disorder Symposium
Saturday, May 18
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Denver, 3^rd Floor, Centennial F-H
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a public health crisis with an enormous cost. This symposium for PA students will explore the landscape of the SUD crisis and include a panel discussion/Q&A session with PAs practicing in addiction medicine and primary care. PA panelists will discuss their interactions with SUD patients, how they build rapport and trust with patients, what motivates patients to seek help, and why it’s important for every PA to be prepared to treat patients with SUD. The presentation will also include an overview of SUD resources for healthcare providers, and attendees will receive a flash drive with an informational guide and other SUD resources to take home with them.
Supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Clinical Trials Network Dissemination Initiative 

Shaking Hands and Taking Names
Saturday, May 18
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall F
Designed just for students! Don’t miss this student networking event – it’s your chance to socialize, share, and connect with fellow PA students around the country.

Assembly of Representatives (AOR) Meeting
Sunday, May 19
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Denver, 3^rd Floor, Centennial F-H
Don’t miss the AOR meeting – it’s your opportunity to voice your thoughts and shape the future of your profession. Students debate and determine resolutions which will guide the work of the Student Academy Board of Directors and Student Board Committees for the subsequent leadership year. Students will also be able to engage with national leaders on current issues impacting the PA profession and their future career through the Leadership Panel.

Party for a Purpose @ Punch Bowl Social
Sunday, May 19
7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Punch Bowl Social Denver, 65 Broadway, Denver, CO 80206
It’s a PA party in the Mile High City at Punch Bowl Social! Enjoy unlimited bowling, pool, and arcade games, live entertainment, and food and drink with your friends and colleagues. Funds raised benefit the PA Foundation and its work to promote better health by providing PAs and PA students with philanthropic opportunities and resources.

Rotation Stations
Sunday, May 19
10:00 – 11:20 a.m., 2 – 4:20 p.m.
Monday, May 20
10 – 11:20 a.m.
Exhibit Hall F
New this year! A must-do for PA students and early career PAs. Head to our designated learning area in the Exhibit Hall for these short, fast-paced presentations that will cover PA student and early career essentials.

Yes, I Scan: Ultrasound Student Workshop and Competition
Monday, May 20
7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mile High 4
Back by popular demand: the Yes, I Scan student workshop and competition! This is your chance to show off your ultrasound skills across a variety of clinical circumstances or even volunteer as a patient model. Last year, this event was packed, so make sure you’re part of it in Denver.

AAPA National Medical Challenge Bowl
Monday, May 20
7:00 p.m.
Bellco Theater
No PA student wants to miss Challenge Bowl – the high-energy medical game show where teams first answer multiple choice questions and top-scoring teams advance to an on-stage round. Whether you’re competing or not, come cheer for your PA program, your fellow PA students, or simply enjoy the festive and celebratory atmosphere.

Pacers for Health 5K Fun Run/Walk
Tuesday, May 21
6:30 a.m.
Auraria Campus, 777 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80204
Dash to the finish line in Denver at the Pacers for Health 5K! Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Mile High City, get your endorphins flowing, and keep up with your fitness goals, all while supporting the PA Foundation. Funds raised will support the Foundation’s mission of empowering PAs to improve health through philanthropy and service.