Was PA advocacy on your radar in PA School?
No...not even close. But I believe this might place it in context for you: I come from a lineage of hard-working European relatives from both sides of the family. So it is in my DNA. Despite their/our humble beginnings, it seemed like there was always a sense of commitment and collective effort toward ensuring that every family member had an opportunity to succeed. In my case, to get an education as the 1st born American generation. This emphasis learned at an early age on working together and becoming a “person of value” rather than “success” has contributed to a deep sense of responsibility towards myself and my shared community fellow members. That would be the simple explanation I can think of for that query.
While I came late to the idea of a career in medicine at a young
age, my inspiration and motivation for pursuing a career as a PA is
steeped in a sense of purpose that extends beyond personal and professional
aspirations, but more like "paving the way" to the next generation by repaying a
profession that has been very good to me.
Truthfully, I am a self-proclaimed lifelong PA advocate. I have
always looked at advocacy as an investment in my own professional advancement and
personal growth as an individual. Again, I want to inspire the next
generation of talented PAs and PA educators who align with the idea of giving
back and enhancing our role in the healthcare industry.
Why did you decide to become a PA activist or advocate as some
would say?
Initially in my career, I was viewed as a long-standing “spectator” member
and inactive participant in our professional affairs for more than a decade
when a friend suggested I should become a “participant” so my voice could be
heard given that I was so critical and opinionated about our state chapter organization
track record handling our legislative destinies. I accepted the challenge and this
career move proved to be not only a pivotal but a foundational incident to my
development as an engaged vested professional. Looking back, I would say that
made me a better person than I was then. I must say it was a one-of-a-kind learning and a fabulous eye-opening experience. Akin to the old metaphor of "learning how the sausage is made".
Certainly, I am most proud and honored to have served in various
roles as a previous member of The Michigan Academy of Physician
Associates/Assistants on their Board of Directors. It was an exciting time of
growth, development, and innovation that we all benefited by creating a more
PA state-friendly practice through our partnering strategic efforts with
various stakeholders. I feel humbled and honored to have been a small part of
passing PA Act 379 as well as to have worked alongside a great group of selfless
talented peers by benefiting from their respective expertise and talents.
Having this window of opportunity to observe their dedication and leadership
inspired me to think about ways to continue to contribute to the PA family even
to the day I retire.
What have been or are some of your interests as a proactive PA
advocate? Any advocacy activities that you’re excited to pursue?
First, I want to acknowledge that our role as board members is
to be devoted fiduciaries to our constituent peers. We simply are in the room
to be their voices and represent our members to the best of our abilities in nonpartisan ways. To me, and others alike this is an extremely important responsibility and
one that I take seriously to this day and not lightly at all.
Building on those past experiences, I remain committed to
continuing to tackle other issues that impede the PA profession's progress
throughout the healthcare industry. As of today, I think PAs face a significant
challenge in removing PA practice barriers and archaic restrictions in Puerto Rico.
With this ongoing challenge to our community, I am excited about working with other
incredibly talented nationwide fellow PAs seeking to advance our mission of
excellence in bringing access to 3.5 million disenfranchised Puerto Rican
patients. Sadly, due to their ineffective island healthcare infrastructure. Have been
following this unresolved conundrum, and I vow to assist in moving the needle forward
in creating a favorable “practice climate” for ourselves in Puerto Rico through
the continuum of my career.
Is there anything you learned from previous Board leadership and
servant advocacy that you think will help you in your efforts?
Throughout my career, I have learned many lessons, from team-based co-leadership, co-creating, and the idea that diverse teams
produce better outcomes. We have tremendously talented and accomplished leaders
in our community, and I look forward to these enriching collaborating experiences.
What do you see as the greatest challenges in the profession?
Where are the greatest threats or opportunities?
The accepting embracement by the medical establishment of our brand has always been a source of contention in many respects over the past 5 decades. Albeit somewhat lesser today. And yet one of the greatest opportunities to continue to educate others. Our ability to be fully recognized and embraced is just a matter of time. Also, despite our past progress and ongoing efforts in dispelling misinformation, we must be cognizant that health disparities and inequities will remain an ongoing challenge. Patient-provider concordance and the availability of culturally competent care have proven to lead to better health outcomes. Championing our talented workforce diversity has the potential and has shown to play a critical role in helping our profession meet the evolving healthcare needs of our nation and around the globe too.
Many would like to give back to the profession. As someone who is starting out or is a busy practicing clinician, What advice do you have for those who want to get involved?
There are many compelling reasons to consider volunteering your time either at the state or national level. One of the greatest rewards and most impactful benefits associated with serving your profession is working alongside thought leaders and visionary peers leading to forging long-lasting friendships. There are various ways to get involved that don’t necessarily require a significant time commitment as many mistakenly believe (I know because I was one of them). Consider the profound difference you can make by dedicating even a tiny fraction of your time to the betterment of your professional family. Very few career experiences will compare to this--I know. I have lived it.
