American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPAs)

Founded in 1968, the American Academy of Physician Assistants is the national professional society for physician assistants. It represents a profession of more than 100,000 certified PAs across all medical and surgical specialties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the majority of the U.S. territories and the uniformed services.

AAPA advocates and educates on behalf of the profession and the patients PAs serve. They work to ensure the professional growth, personal excellence, and recognition of physician assistants. They also enhance their ability to improve the quality, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of patient-centered healthcare.

AAPA is a member-driven organization with many stakeholders participating in the governance structure. Each leadership group – from individual members to the Board of Directors – plays a different role but shares responsibility for ensuring AAPA remains strong, relevant and responsive to the needs of the PA community.

Mission:
AAPA leads the profession and empowers their members to advance their careers and enhance patient health.

Vision:
PAs transforming health through patient-centered, team-based medical practice.

values:
• Leadership and Service: They inspire a shared vision to lead the profession, emphasize service to their members and enhance the ability of PAs to serve patients and their communities.
• Unity and Teamwork: They embrace the strength of their members and constituent and partner organizations to speak with one voice for the profession and work together to transform health.
• Accountability and Transparency: They listen, deliver results, take ownership for their actions and operate in an environment of openness and trust.
• Excellence and Equity: They commit to the highest standards and seek to eliminate disparities and barriers to quality healthcare.