Stephen H. Hanson, MPA, PA-C

One of the benefits of being in leadership is the opportunity to be exposed to the thought leaders in our field. This was never more evident than at a visit of Harvey Fineberg, MD, PhD, to the most recent AAPA Board of Directors meeting.

The speed of change in recent years for the PA profession has taken my breath away. I have simply been astounded at how quickly positive change has come in numerous areas that affect PAs' ability to serve their patients and communities.

My personal PA experience has been very diverse, and it took me more than 27 years to find my "dream job," as a surgical PA in a burn unit. I'm grateful each and every day for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the patients I serve.

Gaps in our research into the characteristics of the PA profession diminish our effectiveness as advocates for the profession in the legislative and regulatory arenas.