LibGuides: Physician Assistant: Organizations and Opportunities

Professional Organizations

Professional Organizations
Specialized Organizations

Professional Organizations

To further your involvement in your field, you might want to join a professional organization. A professional organization would assist you in research, networking, mentorship, and much more. You can read about the specific organizations on their individual websites listed below. As a student of the University of Bridgeport, you would qualify for the Student Membership rate, which is either free or at a reduced cost.

American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
The national professional association representing all PAs across all medical and surgical specialties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the armed forces, and the federal services. It provides comprehensive support and advocacy for physician assistants so that they may, in turn, provide patients with increased access to quality, cost-effective health care.
Connecticut Academy of Physician Assistants
This is the association for Physician Assistants in Connecticut.
Physician Assistant Educational Association (PAEA)
The only national organization representing physician assistant educational programs in the United States. PAEA provides services for faculty at its member programs, as well as to applicants, students, and other stakeholders. There are a variety of volunteer projects that you can take part in through this organization.

Association of Family Practice PA & and NPs
This organization focuses on Family practices. Their mission is to foster the educational and professional interests of Family Practice Clinicians collectively known as Advanced Practice Clinicians, by promoting clinical and academic excellence and providing a forum for assembling and distributing information important to the profession.
American Academy of Nephrology Physician Assistants
This organization specifically focuses physician assistants within the specialty of nephrology.
American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants–
AASPA is the oldest specialty for PAs. The website includes employment opportunities, CME, information on PA residencies, and more.
Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants (ANSPA)
This organization focuses on PA’s within the field of neurological surgery and neurology.
Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery (APACVS)
This organization is endorsed by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American Association for Thoracic Surgeons. It’s focus is supporting PA’s who have a focus on Cardiovascular Surgery.
Association of Physicians Assistants in Obstetrics and Gynecology
This organization focuses on PA’s within the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Gastroenterology Physician Assistants
This organization focuses on PA’s within the field of Gastroenterology.
Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants (SEMPA)
SEMPA works closely with the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Society of Physician Assistants in Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery
SPAO-HNS is recognized by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery (AAO)
Society of Physician Assistants in Rheumatology (SPAR)
SPAR’s mission is to enhance the health and well-being of the people with rheumatological disorders through the representation and advancement of the Physician-PA Team.