AAPA announces plans for third cohort of the Obesity Management in Primary Care Training and Certificate Program
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Oct. 18, 2022) – The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), in partnership with the National Association for Continuing Education (NACE), and The Obesity Society (TOS), announced plans for the third, and largest, cohort of its Obesity Management in Primary Care Training and Certificate Program. While the program doesn’t launch until December 1, 2022, those interested in taking part can indicate their interest now to be contacted when registration officially opens.
Organizers expect that between 300 and 550 physician associates/assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) will take part in the program – the largest cohort yet.
AAPA has designated Obesity as one of its National Health Priorities, recognizing it has reached epidemic proportions and affects two of every three patients treated by PAs.
The Certificate Program, which AAPA established in 2018, consists of 10 modules and includes education on screening and diagnosing obesity, overcoming biases and myths about the causes of obesity, and different ways to help manage and treat patients with obesity.
According to the CDC, 42% of adults over the age of 20 currently have obesity. Obesity, if left untreated, can lead to other serious health conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. According to 2020 research by the Milken Institute, the economic and social impact of obesity has risen to nearly $1.4 trillion dollars, up from $976 billion in 2014.
“The prevalence of obesity has been increasing at a steady rate over several decades and has reached a tipping point,” said Eric Peterson, AAPA Senior Director of Education and Quality. “We must recognize obesity as a disease, educate providers about the best ways to treat it, and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to support their patients and affect change in communities.”
Given their broad education and training, with an emphasis on primary care, PAs are uniquely positioned to address the growing epidemic and to meet patients where they are with high-quality and effective treatment plans. PAs and NPs taking part in the upcoming cohort will be able to complete modules at their own pace but must finish the program by November 30, 2023.
The program is made possible thanks to a grant from Novo Nordisk.
Media Contact: Josh Birch, 443.614.5896
About the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
AAPA is the national membership organization for all PAs (physician associates/physician assistants). PAs are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. PA has been named one of the best jobs overall and one of the best healthcare jobs for the fifth year in a row by U.S. News & World Report. The PA profession ranked number three this year in Best STEM jobs. Learn more about the profession at aapa.org and engage through Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.
