As NCAPA celebrates its 50th anniversary, Focus on Fifty highlights the people, experiences, and relationships that have helped shape the Academy and the PA profession in North Carolina.
In this edition, Alisha DeTroye, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA , reflects on her path into the profession and passion for PA advocacy that has kept her involved ever since. She also looks ahead to one of the biggest celebrations of NCAPA’s anniversary year: the 50th Anniversary Gala on October 10.
Alisha has practiced in oncology for the past 22 years, but her connection to the PA profession began at Wake Forest University.
A self-described “triple Deac,” Alisha graduated from Wake Forest as an undergraduate in 2000. After spending a couple of years working at Duke, she returned to Wake Forest for PA school and most recently received her Doctor of Medical Science degree in May.
Early in her career, Alisha became involved with the regional Piedmont Association of PAs. It was through a mentor that she eventually found her way to NCAPA.
“One of my mentors invited me to come to an NCAPA meeting.”
That invitation gave Alisha the opportunity to spend time with other NCAPA leaders and become more deeply involved with the Academy. She recalls taking on a leadership role with the Membership Committee early in her involvement.
More importantly, the experience helped foster an interest that has remained with her throughout her career.
The Power of Getting Involved
Alisha’s story reflects something that has been central to NCAPA throughout its history: PAs encouraging other PAs to get involved.
What began with an invitation from a mentor grew into years of engagement with the Academy and a lasting commitment to advocacy for the profession. As NCAPA looks back on 50 years, those connections between mentors, volunteers, leaders, and members remain an important part of the organization’s story.
This anniversary year provides an opportunity not only to recognize that history, but also to bring together the people who continue to support and advance the PA profession.
Celebrating 50 Years Together
For Alisha, the upcoming NCAPA 50th Anniversary Gala offers an opportunity to do just that.
Taking place October 10, the Gala will bring together members, leaders, friends, and supporters of NCAPA to celebrate five decades of the Academy.
“This is a great opportunity to come visit our beautiful building, our beautiful garden that celebrates the roots of our profession and veterans.”
The evening will offer opportunities to network and reconnect with colleagues, enjoy food and music, participate in the silent auction, and maybe even spend some time on the dance floor.
For Alisha, it is also an opportunity to give back to the profession while celebrating the community that has grown alongside NCAPA over the past 50 years.
“Certainly an opportunity to dress up and celebrate with us.”
Be Part of the Celebration
Fifty years of NCAPA have been built through the involvement of PAs like Alisha—from mentors inviting new professionals into the organization to members stepping forward to serve, advocate, and lead.
On October 10, that community will come together to celebrate where NCAPA has been and the people who have helped make that history possible.
Join Alisha and the NCAPA community at the 50th Anniversary Gala on October 10 and help celebrate 50 years of advocacy, connection, and the PA profession in North Carolina.
