Noel Smith MA

Noel Smith, M.A. is Senior Director of PA and Industry Policy and Analysis. She joined the American Academy of PAs in the spring of 2015, after two years of serving as a consultant. Noël has an advanced degree in Psychology; and has focused her career on workforce research and policy analysis. Noël leads AAPA’s research team as well as serves as a staff adviser to both the Joint Taskforce on Burnout and the Commission on Research and Strategic Initiatives. Noël oversees the management of AAPA’s surveys and research support services. In addition, Noël supports external collaborations with researchers across the globe. Noël has co-authored 20 published peer-review articles with another 11 articles in development. She is a regular speaker at PA workforce conferences. Areas of interest include understanding the prevalence and drivers of PA burnout as well as growing opportunities for PAs in leadership.