In this Issue:

• PA OlymPAcs Recap
• In Case You Missed It (ICYMI): PA Week Spotlights
• Ohio Goes to Washington: Adrian Gorzitze-Maxey Reports from AAPA LAS
• OAPA Working for You: Government Affairs Committee
• Op-Ed: Shannon Urena, PA-C, on Finding the Value of PA Community
• Pharmacology Conference: 2024 Call for Speakers, 2023 On-Demand CME
• PA Program Spotlight: University of Dayton
• From the Executive Director’s Desk

PA OlymPAcs Recap

The PA OlymPAcs - an annual event bringing together PA students from around the state of Ohio in friendly competition to raise funds for worthy causes - returned this year on October 14 after a pandemic-induced hiatus. Find out which team won and how much was raised on the PA OlymPAcs web page!

In Case You Missed It (ICYMI): PA Week Spotlights

From October 6-12, OAPA joined the nationwide PA community in celebrating our profession during PA Week. We featured six different PAs from around the state of Ohio and a variety of work settings on our website and on OAPA social media. ICYMI, read about your colleagues on our news page.

But just because PA Week is behind us doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating! We would like to continue featuring our members who are doing amazing things. Do you know a member or a PA student who deserves the spotlight? Maybe that person is you!

We invite you to submit members for consideration to be the subject of a spotlight story in a future OAPA newsletter, on OAPA social media, or in other communications channels. Please send us your ideas so that we can spread the word about the great work that PAs do!

Ohio Goes to Washington: Adrian Gorzitze-Maxey Reports from the AAPA Leadership and Advocacy Summit

The American Academy of Physician Associates' annual Leadership and Advocacy Summit (LAS) brings together PAs from around the country to advocate for the PA profession. Hear about the experience of attending this year's AAPA LAS conference from Adrian Gorzitze-Maxey, MSPAS, PA-C, OAPA’s Education Committee Chair and first time LAS attendee.

OAPA Working for You: Government Affairs Committee

“OAPA Working for You” is a new column highlighting important behind-the-scenes activities that OAPA committees and leaders do to support members and promote the PA community. We will start this month by focusing on the Government Affairs Committee!

One of the most important ways that a professional association like OAPA can serve its members and advance practice is through using its convening power to advocate on behalf of the profession. The OAPA Government Affairs Committee (GAC), chaired by long time OAPA (and AAPA) volunteer leader Josanne Pagel, M.Div., MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, EBS, works tirelessly in pursuit of OAPA’s vision for Ohio to become the premier state for PA practice. Read on to find out what's new in government affairs in this first edition of OAPA Working For You!.

Op-Ed: Shannon Urena, PA-C, on Finding the Value of PA Community

After a career shift from private practice to a hospital setting, Shannon Urena, PA-C, identified the need to update her institution’s bylaws in support of PA scope of practice. This Op-Ed tells the story of how her journey confirmed her appreciation for the value of PA community through OAPA.

Pharmacology Conference: 2024 Call for Speakers, 2023 On-Demand CME

Celebrating 20 years of excellence, the 2024 OAPA Pharmacology Conference will be held April 12-13, 2024!

We are currently building the educational program and recruiting speakers to cover key CME topics. Review the full list and raise your hand to share your knowledge with your PA peers.

***Can't wait for April? Need pharmacology education TODAY? The 2023 Pharmacology Conference is available for purchase for on-demand viewing. Use your professional development funding and earn 12 pharmacology CMEs before the year ends.

PA Program Spotlight: University of Dayton

Now with a decade of experience in educating PAs, the University of Dayton PA program provides the highest level of care with a holistic approach, while also taking a strong focus on serving the local community. Learn more about the University of Dayton in this month’s PA Program Spotlight.

From the Executive Director’s Desk

Two months into the role, new OAPA Executive Director Tracy L. Vanneman, CAE, reflects on her experience thus far and what she looks forward to for the remainder of 2023. Find out what Tracy is working on professionally, and personally, in this letter from the Executive Director’s Desk.

OAPA thanks all of its members for their continued support. With your membership commitment, we will continue to advocate and advance the PA profession. Thank you for being a member!

Please Note: The OAPA office will be closed in November on the following dates: November 3, 6, 17, 22-24. On regular business days, phone calls are generally answered 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mon-Fri, or you may leave a voicemail. Email is always welcome at oapa@ohiopa.com.