AAPA Leadership and Advocacy Summit 2024
Washington DC
By: Stephanie Slone, PA-C 

I attended the AAPA Leadership and Advocacy Summit in Washington DC last week. I was instantly energized by this group of motivated, passionate individuals who fiercely believe in our profession and work tirelessly to protect it. The AAPA works at the federal level to protect our profession, and this can’t be taken for granted. 

As a PA who is just beginning to understand the effort that goes in to maintaining our ability to practice, I was shocked to learn of the constant challenges that PAs face and the importance of advocacy. One colleague made the comment, “You’re either at the table or you’re on the menu.”

Rhode Island’s CO (constituent organization) RIAPA lobbies to ensure that PAs are not omitted from new legislation. It’s not uncommon for legislation to include the terms “physician” or “licensed independent practitioner”, and not “physician assistant”. As PAs, we need to participate in and support our advocates to ensure we are included in every piece of legislation related to healthcare. Remember, there are several different groups of healthcare providers lobbying for their own interests, and it is a common occurrence for one group to be omitted from legislation. We as PAs need to be as present and as vigilant as other groups to be sure we protect and advance our profession. 

There are many ways to help, even if you’re incredibly busy. Please join RIAPA and AAPA. These are the organizations protecting our careers. Consider an additional donation to RIAPA to support lobbying efforts by donating to the Rhode Island Physician Assistant Political Action Committee (RIPAC). Know your legislators and how to reach out, and most importantly, urge your colleagues to join and support RIAPA and AAPA.

 

Stephanie Slone, PA-C