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Let me start by saying it has been an honor and a privilege to serve as VAPAA president since July. I feel truly blessed to work in an organization that has the most dedicated, hardworking, caring professionals I have ever seen.
As 2011 comes to a close I think it’s important to reflect back on what we’ve accomplished over the last year. Over the past 12 months we have completed an outstanding CME conference, revitalized our legislative efforts, lobbied Congress and reestablished contact with both Veterans Service Organizations and VA Central Office. We have also seen the establishment of the office of Director Physician Assistant Services within the VA Central Office. We have seen VAPAA membership grow which shows and increasing interest and commitment among VA PAs. These are all very positive steps for our profession and I am proud of what we have accomplished.
I also feel it’s important to look to our future to capitalize on the momentum that we have gained over the past year. We’ve established a long range goals committee to ensure we have a plan for the next five to 10 years to continue to grow the organization. We face a number of challenges in the coming years. In 2012 VAPAA will step up lobbing efforts to increase recruitment and retention of PAs. Pay disparity between physician assistants and nurse practitioners is at the top of the list. The PA pay scale must be reformed! Reimbursement for CME is another key issue. We have the same CME requirements as physicians so the VA should also fund our CME! It will be a challenge, but WE are up for the fight.
2012 also holds in store what I think will be the BEST VAPAA CME conference to date, ORLANDO!!!! Check it out, sign up early, bring your family or just come by yourself. It will be AWESOME!
Best wishes this holiday season,
Jim Cavanaugh
VAPAA President
