News Central

2026 Preceptor of the Year Demonstrates the Transformative Impact of Mentorship

2026 Preceptor of the Year Dustin Keenan’s lifelong commitment to mentorship and service has shaped future PAs, while expanding access to care for communities and service members alike.

May 14, 2026

2026 Publishing Award Recipient Advances Clarity in Prostate Cancer Screening

Michael Gerlach, DMS, PA‑C, is the recipient of the 2026 AAPA Publishing Award for his article, “Prostate cancer screening guidelines and their alignment with recent literature,” an analysis examining guideline consistency and evidence‑based opportunities to improve patient‑centered care.

May 14, 2026

2026 Outstanding Student Society Advances Community-Centered Care

The Godsey-Matthews Student Society at Mercer University has been named AAPA’s 2026 Outstanding Student Society for its members’ continuous commitment to community service and inclusive, patient-centered care that extends far beyond the classroom.

May 14, 2026

CO Outreach and Advocacy Award Recipient Fosters Inclusivity and Advances Health Equity

The recipient of the 2025 CO Outreach and Advocacy Award is the LBGT PA Caucus for advancing health equity, strengthening PA leadership, and fostering inclusive professional communities during a period of rapid change and increasing need within healthcare.

May 14, 2026

Legislation Signed by Delaware Governor Meyer Will Optimize PA Workforce, Expand Patient Access to Care

The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) applauds Governor Matt Meyer for signing HB 325 into law and establishing an optimal practice environment for the state’s growing physician assistant/associate (PA) workforce.

May 12, 2026

PAEA and AAPA to Challenge Final Rule Excluding PA Students from Professional Degree Status in Court

The PA Education Association (PAEA) and the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) strongly condemn the U.S. Department of Education’s final rule defining professional degree programs, which excludes PA students from classification as professional students. The groups plan to challenge the rule in federal court.

April 30, 2026

AAPA Signs Joint Statement on Workplace Violence in Healthcare

AAPA is one of 10 healthcare organizations issuing a joint statement in honor of April being Workplace Violence Prevention Month. In the statement, the organizations affirm a commitment to raising awareness, taking action, and working as partners to protect the safety of all healthcare workers and patients.

April 16, 2026

Meet Your 2026 NomCom Endorsed Candidates

Explore the candidates endorsed by AAPA's 2026 Nominating Committee. Learn about the evaluation and selection process behind each endorsement.

April 16, 2026

In Continued Momentum at the State Level, Kentucky Makes Critical Improvements to State’s PA Practice Environment

On April 10, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed SB 116 into law, a major healthcare bill that removes decades-old practice laws and strengthens Kentucky’s PA workforce and delivery of care.

April 14, 2026