News Central Archives

2026 Military Service Award Recipient Combines Service, Clinical Impact, and Adaptability

Across combat zones, research institutions, and leadership roles, Col. Sharon L. Rosser, DSc-PA, MSS, PA-C, has dedicated her career to advancing military medicine and the physician associate profession. After almost four decades of service, she is the recipient of AAPA’s 2026 Military Service Award.

May 14, 2026

2026 Diversity Award Recipient Increases Access to the PA Profession

EDGE-PA, the recipient of AAPA’s 2026 Diversity Award, began as a pipeline program to increase the representation of African American men in the PA profession. In 2025, the program expanded to support students of all genders, races, and ethnicities who have faced significant challenges on their path to PA education.

May 14, 2026

2026 Humanitarian Service Award Recipient is Committed to Serving Underserved Communities in Rural Alaska

Jamie Lytton, DMSc, PA-C, is a published author, educator, healthcare policy advocate, and Air Force veteran. Through leadership and community engagement, Lytton works to address some of Alaska’s most pressing healthcare challenges, and is the recipient of AAPA’s 2026 Humanitarian Service Award.

May 14, 2026

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

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