News Central

Until Next Year: AAPA 2026 Highlights

This year in New Orleans, physician associates and PA students traveled from across the country to take part in AAPA 2026. Attendees participated in stimulating CME sessions, networking opportunities, two spectacular Main Stage events, and a culture-packed PA Night Out!

May 29, 2026

AAPA and CARES Mentoring Movement Connect Louisiana Teens to PA Career Path

Forty Louisiana middle and high schoolers from the CARES Mentoring Movement network joined the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) for immersion and hands-on learning about the physician associate (PA) profession at AAPA 2026.

May 27, 2026

AAPA Statement in Support of the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act (H.R. 8163)

The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) expresses strong support for the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act (H.R. 8163) as the House Ways and Means Committee prepares to consider the legislation during its May 21, 2026 full Committee markup.

May 21, 2026

Legal Pressure to Overturn Student Loan Rule Mounts as AAPA and PAEA Prepare Challenge to Protect Future PA Workforce

The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and the PA Education Association (PAEA) released the following statement in response to a lawsuit announced today by 25 states and the District of Columbia challenging the Department of Education’s (ED) Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) rule.

May 19, 2026

AAPA 2026 Salary Report Shows PA Compensation Continues to Rise Amid Growing Demand for Care

The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) released its 2026 AAPA Digital Salary Report, revealing continued growth in physician associate/assistant (PA) compensation and offering new insights into the evolving PA workforce and healthcare landscape.

May 19, 2026

AAPA Applauds 2026 Individual Excellence Award Recipients

The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) is recognizing ten outstanding physician associates/assistants (PAs) and PA students for their exemplary contributions to their communities, patients, and the advancement of the PA profession.

May 14, 2026

Third Annual AAPA Health Equity Report Highlights 2025 Progress

AAPA has released the third annual Health Equity Report to give AAPA members and the physician associate community a look into how AAPA worked to advance health equity and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in 2025.

May 14, 2026

2026 Eugene A. Stead Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Advances Health Equity Through Service

Howard Straker, EdD, MPH, PA-C, is the 2026 recipient of the Eugene A. Stead Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor—AAPA’s highest distinction—recognizes individuals whose work has made a lasting, far-reaching impact on the physician associate profession.

May 14, 2026

2026 PA of the Year is a Champion for Patients in Cardiology and the PA Profession

Viet Le, AAPA’s 2026 PA of the Year, has practiced in cardiology for 14 years. As a clinician, he prioritizes clear language to effectively communicate with his patients, collaborates on research projects to bring new knowledge to the bedside, and is an active advocate for the PA profession.

May 14, 2026