Platform Statement

Change is inevitable. Over the past few years, we have witnessed significant change both in health care and within our organization.

The " traditional" model of health care where PAs were employed by small groups of physicians in primary or specialty care who owned their own practices has radically changed. Large groups are acquiring physician practices and previous fee for service models are rapidly being replaced by fee for value models. While PAs still have supervising physicians, both the PA and physician are now employees of large corporations. Patients are demanding patient-centric as opposed to physician-centric care. Current payors are forming integrated health care models and are partnering with larger care organizations. Hospitals are consolidating and joining larger health systems. Non-traditional corporate giants such as Google, Intuit, and Amazon as well as corporations with current healthcare expertise, such as Wal-Mart and CVS are looking to increase their market share and profit providing non-traditional healthcare delivery.  These shifts in health care, as well as consumers becoming more knowledgeable and empowered, will increase demand for medical services provided by physician assistants in the near future.

The AAPA has also undergone dramatic changes over the past few years. Led by a talented and relentless CEO, the AAPA staff is second to none. These professionals are leaders within their respective fields, which allows for innovation and adaptability. We are privileged to stand on the shoulders of previous leaders who worked tirelessly to strengthen the profession. Despite many challenges, the AAPA Board of Directors continues to enhance both the organization and the professional practice for individual PAs. 

For over 18 years I have been a part owner and full time clinical practitioner in a rural family medicine practice. My patients are primarily the uninsured, underinsured and Medicaid population. Every day I am challenged with inequities within the current health care system and work with my patients to obtain needed medical services. I understand the frustrations that clinicians face on a daily basis to work both within and outside the current health care system. I understand the barriers that PAs face today while trying to care for patients.

I have served on the NCAPA Board of Directors in many capacities. Over the past 30 years, I have been elected Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and President of that organization as well as having served on a multitude of committees as a member or chairman. I have also represented the NCAPA as Alternate Delegate, Delegate and Chief Delegate to the AAPA House of Delegates.  Within the AAPA, I have served two full terms on Board of Directors as Director at Large. I also served as chairman of both the Mission, Vision and Core Values Task Force and the Governance Workgroup. In addition I was on the Constituent Organization Committee for five years and served on a Reference Committee for the AAPA House of Delegates.  All of these experiences have prepared me with many tools to help lead the organization.

Just as I value a team-based practice within the workplace, I also value the team-based approach that is undertaken by AAPA member volunteers, the AAPA staff and the Board of Directors. I value the feedback that you as members give to this team and, as President, I am committed to using your feedback both to strengthen the team and the organization. I understand that the organization represents all PA members and will strive to assure that all member voices are heard. While the days of endless resources are no longer a reality, we must continue to work within our Strategic Plan to make sure our monetary resources, staff resources and volunteer resources are utilized optimally. Physician Assistants must be seen as leaders within health care teams. Each of us must advocate for our patients and our profession daily, no matter what role we undertake within our health care or education system.

I stand ready to lead the AAPA as your President. I appreciate your support and confidence in me as we lead the Academy and the profession into the future.