American Academy of Physician Associates Announces Sondra DePalma, DHSc, PA-C, as Vice President, Reimbursement and Professional Practice

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (June 28, 2024) —The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) has appointed Sondra DePalma, DHSc, PA-C, to Vice President of Reimbursement and Professional Practice. DePalma has been an asset in developing and implementing the strategic plans and activities of the AAPA Reimbursement and Professional Advocacy department for the past seven years.

“As the new Vice President of Reimbursement and Professional Practice, DePalma brings a clinical practice perspective to the work of AAPA reimbursement and advocacy teams,” AAPA CEO Lisa M. Gables, CPA, said. “In this role, she will address issues surrounding health care policy, private third-party payment concerns, the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and various state and federal regulatory agencies.”

DePalma previously served as AAPA Senior Director of Regulatory and Professional Practice where she championed PA education, scope of practice, practice policies, and compliance considerations. She improved and expanded the PA regulatory practice policy booklet into an e-book titled, Guide to PA Regulations and Compliance, which increased access to guidance on PA practice, policy and compliance to PAs, PA leaders and managers, hospital administrators, employers, commercial payers, and regulatory agencies.

“I am excited and honored to take on this new role and to lead the organization’s advocacy efforts in demonstrating the extraordinary value of PAs and their contributions to the healthcare landscape,” DePalma said. “I look forward to advocating for our profession, removing barriers to PA practice and reimbursement, and helping PAs provide the high-quality care for which we are trained and licensed.

Most recently, DePalma led research efforts that resulted in an article, Medical Malpractice Payment Reports of Physician Assistants/Associates Related to State Scope of Practice Laws and Regulations, which was awarded the JMR Award for Distinguished Scholarship by the Federation of State Medical Board’s Journal of Medical Regulation in recognition of an outstanding objective, scholarly contribution.

AAPA works to advance the PA profession and promote quality, accessibility and cost-effectiveness in patient-centered, team-based healthcare. Read more about AAPA’s legislative and policy and priorities.

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Media Contact:  Clare Moorman-Wolfe, 309.212.3088

About the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
AAPA is the national membership organization for all physician associates/physician assistants (PAs). 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 was named one of the best jobs overall and one of the best healthcare jobs for the seventh year in a row by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more about the profession at aapa.org and engage through Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and  Twitter.