American Academy of Physician Assistants
Encyclopedia
The American Academy of Physician Assistants is the largest professional organization of physician assistants in the United States of America. It was founded in 1968 and currently has approximately 39,000 members in all 50 states, District of Columbia, US Virgin Islands and Northern Marianas. AAPA works to increase the professional and personal growth of the more than 73,000 PAs in practice today through a range of information, advocacy and services.
in 1968. The membership consisted of the first students and graduates of the Duke University
PA program.
In 1973, 300 members strong, a joint national office headquarters for the AAPA and the Association of Physician Assistant Programs (APAP) now the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) was established in Washington, DC. The headquarters moved to Arlington, Virginia in the late 1970s and moved to the current location in Alexandria, Virginia in 1988.
Ethics
Expertise
Leadership
Member-Focus
Student Academy
A division dedicated entirely to current PA students, completing an accredited PA program.
PA Foundation
As the philanthropic arm of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) the Physician Assistant Foundation's mission is to foster knowledge and philanthropy that enhance the delivery of quality health care.
PA History Society
In January 2002, the Society for the Preservation of Physician Assistant History (SPPAHx) was incorporated exclusively for charitable, educational, research and literary purposes as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. On July 1, 2007, the Society’s bylaws were amended to allow it to become a supporting organization of the American Academy of Physician Assistants; serving as the AAPA’s historic arm much like the PA Foundation serves as its philanthropic arm. The Society is the preeminent leader in fostering the preservation, study and presentation of the history of the physician assistant (PA) profession by creating and presenting on-line, a virtual repository of historic and current information on the PA profession.
In early 2008, the AAPA Board of Directors and senior management initiated a three-year strategic planning process. The goal of this process was to define AAPA priorities and direction and to focus Academy resources in a manner consistent with its revised mission and vision statements and to reflect the changing health care environment. As part of the process, divergent perspectives and views were obtained from across the AAPA membership.
The outcome of this process is detailed on the pages that follow. The resulting plan will be the roadmap for the Academy, approved by the Board of Directors and senior management. The plan is designed to advance the AAPA mission and support its members.
The purpose of a strategic plan is to clearly articulate agreed-upon goals and strategies supporting the mission and vision statements of the organization. Together, the goals, strategies and the mission and vision statements define the course for the AAPA and the allocation of human and financial resources. They also confirm and strongly support AAPA’s role as a primary voice for advancing the PA profession, recognize its ability to connect the PA profession with other medical and health care organizations and individuals, and advance its position as a major advocate for promoting access to quality, patient-centered care.
board, to ensure the accreditation process is led by non-biased, knowledgeable professionals. The commission of accreditation works with the American Academy of Family Physicians
, the American Academy of Pediatrics
, the American College of Physicians
, the American College of Surgeons
, the American Medical Association
, and the Physician Assistant Education Association to establish, maintain, and promote the field's quality of education.
Vision
The American Academy of Physician Assistants is the leader in providing support and advocacy for physician assistants, the primary organization advancing the profession, a premier participant in health care transformation, and a passionate champion of patient-centered care.History
The American Association of Physician Assistants (later to become the American Academy of Physician Assistants) was established and incorporated in the state of North CarolinaNorth Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
in 1968. The membership consisted of the first students and graduates of the Duke University
Duke University
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present day town of Trinity in 1838, the school moved to Durham in 1892. In 1924, tobacco industrialist James B...
PA program.
In 1973, 300 members strong, a joint national office headquarters for the AAPA and the Association of Physician Assistant Programs (APAP) now the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) was established in Washington, DC. The headquarters moved to Arlington, Virginia in the late 1970s and moved to the current location in Alexandria, Virginia in 1988.
Core Values
Excellence- AAPA sets a high standard of performance and demonstrates competence in its actions and support of PAs
- AAPA demonstrates innovation and vision as it enhances the visibility and value of the profession, while supporting and enabling PAs and their patient-centered focus.
- AAPA sets a high standard of performance for its staff and promotes the same as a standard for the profession.
Ethics
- In all of its activities, AAPA acts with integrity and civility with its members, business partners, and others.
- AAPA, by its example, encourages all PAs to adhere to the highest standards of professional behavior.
Expertise
- AAPA is recognized by PAs and the health care community broadly as the primary authority on issues related to the utilization and practice of PAs.
- AAPA promotes its members as experts in patient care, providers of innovative solutions to health care challenges, and knowledgeable members of the patient-centered health care team.
Leadership
- AAPA is at the forefront of critical and innovative thinking in its efforts to increase patient access to quality health care services.
- AAPA considers and moves forward creatively to advance the profession and improve health care.
- AAPA promotes and positions the PA profession to maximize its influence on health care policy, thus securing the future of the profession.
- AAPA supports continuous quality improvement.
- AAPA actively attracts recruits and retains member leaders and staff of different backgrounds and varying perspectives to ensure a diverse pool of qualified applicants when calling for leadership candidates.
Member-Focus
- AAPA’s paramount concern is to understand, appreciate, and respond to the unique needs and concerns of its members.
- AAPA always remembers that its sole reason for being is to serve its members and to support their efforts to serve their patients.
- AAPA uses its influence to gain recognition for the profession and for its members.
Divisions
There are three additional divisions of the AAPA:Student Academy
A division dedicated entirely to current PA students, completing an accredited PA program.
PA Foundation
As the philanthropic arm of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) the Physician Assistant Foundation's mission is to foster knowledge and philanthropy that enhance the delivery of quality health care.
PA History Society
In January 2002, the Society for the Preservation of Physician Assistant History (SPPAHx) was incorporated exclusively for charitable, educational, research and literary purposes as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. On July 1, 2007, the Society’s bylaws were amended to allow it to become a supporting organization of the American Academy of Physician Assistants; serving as the AAPA’s historic arm much like the PA Foundation serves as its philanthropic arm. The Society is the preeminent leader in fostering the preservation, study and presentation of the history of the physician assistant (PA) profession by creating and presenting on-line, a virtual repository of historic and current information on the PA profession.
2010-2012 Strategic Plan
Recognizing that patients are the reason for the existence of the physician assistant profession, the content of this strategic plan was developed with the understanding that it is the role of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) to provide physician assistants with the support they need to maintain a patient-centered approach as they deliver the highest quality care and encompass ethical standards and decision-making that are in the patient’s best interest.In early 2008, the AAPA Board of Directors and senior management initiated a three-year strategic planning process. The goal of this process was to define AAPA priorities and direction and to focus Academy resources in a manner consistent with its revised mission and vision statements and to reflect the changing health care environment. As part of the process, divergent perspectives and views were obtained from across the AAPA membership.
The outcome of this process is detailed on the pages that follow. The resulting plan will be the roadmap for the Academy, approved by the Board of Directors and senior management. The plan is designed to advance the AAPA mission and support its members.
The purpose of a strategic plan is to clearly articulate agreed-upon goals and strategies supporting the mission and vision statements of the organization. Together, the goals, strategies and the mission and vision statements define the course for the AAPA and the allocation of human and financial resources. They also confirm and strongly support AAPA’s role as a primary voice for advancing the PA profession, recognize its ability to connect the PA profession with other medical and health care organizations and individuals, and advance its position as a major advocate for promoting access to quality, patient-centered care.
Accreditation
All programs accredited by the American Academy of Physician Assistants are combed through by a peer reviewPeer review
Peer review is a process of self-regulation by a profession or a process of evaluation involving qualified individuals within the relevant field. Peer review methods are employed to maintain standards, improve performance and provide credibility...
board, to ensure the accreditation process is led by non-biased, knowledgeable professionals. The commission of accreditation works with the American Academy of Family Physicians
American Academy of Family Physicians
The American Academy of Family Physicians was founded in 1947 to promote the science and art of family medicine. It is one of the largest medical organizations in the United States, with over 100,000 members...
, the American Academy of Pediatrics
American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics is the major professional association of pediatricians in the United States. The AAP was founded in 1930 by 35 pediatricians to address pediatric healthcare standards. It currently has 60,000 members in primary care and sub-specialist areas...
, the American College of Physicians
American College of Physicians
The American College of Physicians is a national organization of doctors of internal medicine —physicians who specialize in the prevention, detection, and treatment of illnesses in adults. With 130,000 members, ACP is the largest medical-specialty organization and second-largest physician group in...
, the American College of Surgeons
American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is an educational association of surgeons created in 1913 to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient by setting high standards for surgical education and practice.-Membership:...
, the American Medical Association
American Medical Association
The American Medical Association , founded in 1847 and incorporated in 1897, is the largest association of medical doctors and medical students in the United States.-Scope and operations:...
, and the Physician Assistant Education Association to establish, maintain, and promote the field's quality of education.