PAs in allergy, asthma, and immunology are the focus of this first monthly column about issues impacting PAs in various specialties.

  • The AAPA 2004 census reports that slightly less than 1% of all clinically practicing PAs are in this specialty area. Nearly 65% of the PAs in this specialty are employed by group practices. AAPA produces census reports by select specialties, which are available at www.aapa.org/research.
  • In March, the AAPA Board of Directors approved the establishment of a liaison relationship with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI). The board has selected Gabriel Ortiz from Texas as the first Academy liaison to AAAAI.
  • To bring attention to the increasing number of children with asthma, AAPA became an official supporter of Asthma Action America (AAA). To learn more about AAA, go to www.AsthmaInAmerica.com. 

American Academy of Physician Assistants in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAPA-AAI)

AAPA-AAI is a growing group of PAs committed to caring for patients with allergies and asthma and to educating both patients and health care professionals in the treatment and prevention of allergic diseases. We promote continuing education for our members, provide employment information to PAs and physicians, and strengthen the role of PAs by supporting and encouraging membership in AAPA-AAI.

Having worked hard serving our patients over the years, PAs in AAI sought each other out to share our commitment to the education, growth, and development of PAs working in allergy, asthma, and immunology.

  • Most recently, PAs from AAPA-AAI were seen and heard at the AAPA's Annual PA Conference in Orlando presenting at workshops and adjunct symposia.
  • AAPA-AAI members also gave CME presentations on Allergic Rhinitis and Its Role in the United Airway, Pediatric Asthma, and Recognizing and Treating COPD.
  • By accessing the AAPA-AAI Web site at www.aapa.org/aai, PAs and PA students can learn how to benefit from scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000.

Membership in AAPA-AAI is available to physician assistants as well as to PA students who are interested in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology. Contact us through our Web site or at aai@aapa.org.  

American Academy of Physician Assistants in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
950 N Washington St
Alexandria, VA 22314-1534
(703) 836-2272, ext. 3418
E-mail: aai@aapa.org
Web: www.aapa.org/aai

PAs in pediatrics have been one of the core specialty areas tracked by AAPA since it began conducting census surveys.
  • Busy PAs in pediatrics sometimes find it difficult to earn CME. AAPA, in cooperation with MedCases, provides 95 case-based online learning opportunities. There are 15 MedCases specifically devoted to pediatric medicine. To learn more, visit www.aapa.org/cme.
  • Each year, AAPA exhibits at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) annual meeting in order to distribute literature about hiring PAs and to answer targeted questions about the role and responsibility of PAs in a pediatric practice.
  • AAP recently sought input and support from AAPA and SPAP as it updates its policy paper on the role of PAs and NPs caring for hospitalized children. The lead author has expressed a desire to develop a policy that is collegial in tone and supported by the professions it addresses. 
Society for Physician Assistants in Pediatrics (SPAP)

SPAP is a specialty organization of the AAPA, with representation in the House of Delegates. SPAP supports and advocates for PAs whose practice involves caring for children. AAPA's liaison to the AAP serves in an ad hoc position on the SPAP Board of Directors, through whom we communicate with pediatricians to provide information on the benefits of using PAs in pediatric practice.

This year, SPAP will focus on autism as the society president's initiative. This disorder has generated a good deal of media attention, and parents and providers are interested in discussing it. By focusing additional attention on this topic, SPAP hopes to foster enhanced recognition by pediatricians and parents through autism education.

  • SPAP is supported largely through membership fees. A 1-year membership is $35 for fellow members and $10 for students. Memberships are also offered for non-PAs.
  • SPAP encourages student members to apply for its annual student scholarship competition. Up to two students pursuing pediatrics as a specialty are chosen to receive $500 scholarships.
  • The SPAP Web site (www.aapa.org/spec/SPAP) is our center of information and is updated frequently. Members have access to the Members Only section of the site, which includes job listings, a searchable database of SPAP members, and a special discount offer on the journal Contemporary Pediatrics. 

Society for Physician Assistants in Pediatrics
950 N Washington St
Alexandria, VA 22314-1534
(800) 596-4398
E-mail: spap@aapa.org
Web: www.aapa.org/spec/SPAP