Elon PA well-represented at the American Academy of Physician Assistants Conference

Twenty-one first- and second-year PA students and four faculty members participated in conference events held May 23-27 in San Francisco.

Elon’s curriculum is set up so students have the option to participate in the annual conference. Those who chose to go made the most of their time attending presentations, perusing the exhibit hall and networking. 

Second-year Brittany Pjetraj served on the AAPA Student Academy Assembly of Representatives; Cassandra Bogdan served as alternate. Nicole Fajardo, Elon PA Class of 2015 alumna, served as the Southeast Regional Representative for the past two years and also attended the conference.

Pete Guertin, Betsy Joyner (captain) and Andy Tillary served as Elon’s Challenge Bowl Team Members in the AAPA 2015 Student Challenge Bowl. Cheered on by classmates, they not only made it to the stage, but also to sudden death. The students also managed to find time to take in a few sites, have some fun and eat great food.

Elon PA faculty member Melissa Murfin’s role in the AAPA Commission on Continuing Professional Development and Education kept her busy during the meeting. The commission is charged with development of the annual AAPA national meeting, as well as overall consideration of resources for physician assistant professional development.

Committee members work during the conference to ensure a top-notch experience for attendees. Additionally, Elon PA Program Director Patti Ragan attended a planning meeting for the 50th anniversary of the PA profession, which will be celebrated in 2017.

Faculty presentations included:

• Polly Pharmacy and Beer Man – Melissa Murfin
• Risky Business: Understanding Risk and the Application of Number-Needed-to-Treat – Patti Ragan
• Avoiding “Testorrhea” and Practicing Evidence-Based Evaluation in the Clinical Setting – Patti Ragan​​

The 2016 AAPA Conference will take place San Antonio.