Through the IMPACT Grant program, PAF seeks to support patient-centered, community-based health projects within the United States and its territories that demonstrate an impact on patient health outcomes.  

For the 2026 cycle, the IMPACT Grant program will support orthopaedic-focused projects. Grant funding of up to $10,000 is available for PA-led projects and programs that focus on increasing patient access to orthopaedic care in underserved areas and improving orthopaedic-related patient outcomes. This opportunity is supported by the PAs in Orthopaedic Surgery Foundation (PAOSF). 

The 2025 recipients of the IMPACT Grant include the New York State Society of Physician Associates (NYSSPA) and the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) PA Studies Program.  

NYSSPA’s project, led by Nadya Dimitrov, DPM, PA-C; Melodie Kolmetz, EDD, MPAS, PA-C; and Emanuel Mkrtichian, BS, MFA, PA-C, aims to design and implement an AI-enhanced ACP education tool for seriously ill patient populations and their primary care providers within New York State.  

The UNR Med PA Studies Program’s project, led by Ivy T. Spadone, DMSc, PA-C, AAHIVS, and Angelina Cappiello, MPAS, PA-C, aims to address multiple public health and population health issues by bringing educational opportunities to the community, exposing the community to the roles of PAs, and connecting with underserved individuals. Learn more about previous IMPACT grant recipients >> 

Learn more on how to apply and view eligibility criteria on PAF’s website >> 

Established by Josanne Pagel, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, the Josanne Kissel Pagel PAs in Administration Award aims to benefit, encourage, and support PAs presently serving in administrative positions in health systems who are focused on enhancing their administrative skills, as well as dedicated to promoting opportunities for other PAs in pursuing administrative roles in health systems and/or medical practices.  

In 2025, the award was received by nationally recognized educator and advocate Jessica L. Wright, MSPAS, MBA, PA-C, an assistant professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). With over a decade of clinical experience in geriatrics, long-term care, and internal medicine, she serves as a PA on OHSU’s Inpatient Geriatric Medicine Consult Service and in local skilled nursing facilities. Learn more about previous awardees >> 

This award is intended to help fund the recipient’s attendance at the AAPA Executive Leadership Conference (ELC) in the subsequent year to facilitate networking with other future executive administrators. 

Learn more on how to apply and view eligibility criteria on PAF’s website >> 

The William H. Marquardt Community Health Access Award (formerly “Fellowship”) aims to recognize PAs dedicated to promoting accessible primary and preventative healthcare among underserved populations. 

In 2025, four PAs received this award: Rachel Bissette, PA-C; Heidi Cole, PA-C; Dallas W. Lipscomb, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA; and Saritha Rajan, PA-C. Learn more about previous awardees >> 

To be considered, individuals must have an employment or volunteer history reflecting a strong focus in primary care and/or preventative medicine and demonstrate history of work with underserved populations. 

Learn more on how to apply and view eligibility criteria on PAF’s website >> 

In 2025, PAF launched the William H. Marquardt Precepting/Mentorship Award to recognize PAs serving in precepting, adjunct faculty, and/or mentorship roles. In its first year, four PAs received this award: Meghan Hall, MSPAS, PA-C; Philip Hehn, MS, PA-C; Stephanie Podolski, MPH, MSPA, PA-C; and Annie Wildermuth, PhD, PA-C, EM CAQ, RD, ACC. Learn more >> 

To be considered, individuals must currently serve in a precepting, adjunct faculty, and/or mentorship role, have at least three years of experience in a precepting/mentoring role, and demonstrate strong commitment to precepting and/or mentorship. 

Learn more on how to apply and view eligibility criteria on PAF’s website >>