Military PAs Forge Connections and Build Knowledge at AAPA 2025

By 1LT Andrea De Luna, LTC Steven D. Hurtle, MAJ (P) Shameice Fischer, and COL Amelia M. Duran-Stanton

August 13, 2025

This year, Denver hosted physician associates and PA students for AAPA 2025, the PA profession’s largest national gathering. Set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the event offered a dynamic mix of clinical education, leadership development, and community-building experiences.

[See the highlights from AAPA 2025]

For military PAs, the conference provided valuable insights into topics such as veterans health, emergency medicine, and leadership in high-stakes environments. It was an opportunity to reconnect with peers, share experiences, and gain knowledge applicable to both military and civilian healthcare settings.

Aside from attending lectures, workshops, and networking, PAs were also able to engage in other activities. “What I loved most about attending my first AAPA conference was the opportunity to connect and learn how PAs are reshaping the future of healthcare,” said MAJ Shanna Beyah, MPAS, PA-C. “Meeting and getting to know our military leaders, like Colonel James Jones, reignited a passion for me about what we can and are doing in the armed forces health space.”

House of Delegates
At the AAPA House of Delegates, military delegates from the Army, Air Force, Navy, U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Veterans Caucus participated. Together with their PA colleagues, military delegates weighed in on critical issues affecting the PA profession.

Sessions and Presentations
MAJ (R) Travis Kaufman presented “Surviving the Wild: Essential Wilderness Medicine Skills for Extreme Environments.” This dynamic presentation was crafted for PAs who thrive in adventurous, high-stakes environments. The presentation explored essential wilderness medicine skills crucial for excelling in expedition, recreational, combat, and disaster scenarios.

The Uniformed Services Symposium delivered a series of standout sessions that showcased the clinical, operational, and leadership excellence of military and federal PAs. These lectures highlighted innovations born from service, shared lessons learned in the field, and celebrated the unique contributions of PAs in uniform.

• Military/ PHS Leadership Panel: Lessons Learns and Tips for Success (COL Amelia M. Duran-Stanton, PhD, DSc, MPAS) A panel of service members shared insights on navigating leadership roles within uniformed services. Topics included mentorship, career progression, and balancing clinical duties with administrative responsibilities.
• What the Military Can Teach Us About Traumatic Brain Injury (Katherine A. Demers, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ- Psych, DFAAPA) This lecture focused on the military’s approach to traumatic brain injury (TBI), highlighting advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The session underscored the importance of early intervention and the role of interdisciplinary teams in managing TBI.
• Transforming Tragedy into Innovation: The Evolution of Fresh Whole Blood Transfusion from the Battlefield to the Ambulance (Christopher B. Cordova, DSc, PA-C) This session traced the evolution of fresh whole blood transfusion from combat zones to civilian emergency care, showing how battlefield innovations have reshaped trauma protocols and improved survival. It emphasized military medicine’s vital role in advancing medical practice.

  

• The Corps and More: PAs in the Public Health Service(Billy Collins, DHSc, PA-C) This informative session highlighted the diverse roles of PAs in USPHS, from disaster response to public health leadership. Attendees gained insight into the Commissioned Corps’ unique mission, career opportunities, and the ways PHS PAs contribute to national health security and underserved populations.
• From Combat to Care: PTSD in Military/Veteran Populations (Steven D. Hurtle, Jr. PhD, PA-C, MBA, MHA, CAQ- Psyc and James L. Lain, PA-C, DMSc, CAQ-Psych) This session explored the challenges of diagnosing and treating PTSD in service members and veterans, highlighting trauma-informed care and strategies to bridge military and civilian healthcare gaps.

Veterans Caucus Memorial Ceremony and Federal Services Reception
The Veterans Caucus Memorial Ceremony and Federal Services Reception offered moments of reflection, recognition, and connection for military and federal PAs. PAs from across the uniformed services gathered to celebrate achievements, share experiences, and discuss challenges unique to federal service. “Networking was one of the largest benefits for me,” said LT Adrian Smith, MPAS, PA-C, noting the value of both military and civilian connections.

Research in Action
COL Mary “Janet” Coy and MAJ Jeffrey Grace presented their Research in Action titled “Medical Capability Surveys for Global Health Engagements and Enhancing Interoperability.” The Special Operations Command Africa Global Health Engagement team, led by the two PAs, developed and automated a medical capability survey and a novel dashboard to enable decision-making for health service support planning, prioritize global health engagements, and synchronize interoperability across the enterprise.

Upper Extremity Exam and Injection Workshop
MAJ Robyn Chalupa, an Interservice Physician Assistant Faculty, was one of the orthopaedic PA instructors for the Upper Extremity Exam and Injection Workshop. The workshop attendees learned how to distinguish among common upper extremity disorders by learning specialized exam skills. Attendees were guided through identifying anatomical landmarks and finding appropriate placement for various upper extremity injections.

As AAPA 2025 drew to a close, the presence and contributions of military PAs remained a powerful reminder of the profession’s deep roots in service, leadership, and adaptability. Their unique experiences and unwavering dedication continue to inspire and shape the future of healthcare, both on the battlefield and beyond.

Disclaimer: The authors’ views are theirs and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.

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