As we continue celebrating 50 years of the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates, we turn our focus to the members who have helped shape the profession through leadership, service, and advocacy.
The Focus on Fifty series is about the people behind the progress—those who stepped forward, invested in the profession, and helped strengthen the future of PAs in North Carolina.
This month, we’re proud to highlight Samantha Rogers-Knight, PA-C, whose leadership and advocacy efforts have helped advance the profession at both the state and national levels.
A Career Rooted in Leadership
For Samantha Rogers-Knight, involvement in NCAPA began almost as soon as her career did.
After graduating from the Wake Forest PA Program, she entered the profession with an understanding that leadership and advocacy were not extras—they were part of being a PA. Encouraged by mentors early in her training, she embraced opportunities that would eventually lead her into positions she never imagined for herself.
Over the years, Samantha has served in a variety of roles within NCAPA, including President in 2018, committee leadership positions, and as a delegate representing North Carolina at the national level. Today, she serves as Chair of the Political Action Committee (PAC), continuing her commitment to supporting the profession behind the scenes.
Advocacy Is Built Over Time
When reflecting on North Carolina’s history, Samantha points to something that has long set the state apart: a strong culture of advocacy.
As the birthplace of the PA profession, North Carolina has consistently played a leading role in advancing PA practice and policy. That progress, she explains, did not happen overnight.
“North Carolina has really always led the way in terms of PA advocacy.”
From early efforts to modernize PA practice decades ago to more recent milestones, advocacy has remained a long-term investment built through persistence, relationships, and dedicated volunteers.
Progress Years in the Making
One of the most significant accomplishments Samantha reflects on is the passage of PA Team-Based Practice and Compact Licensure—work that involved years of planning, collaboration, and persistence.
The effort required volunteers, staff, lobbyists, and leaders across the profession working toward a shared goal.
“We had a lot of hurdles, we had a lot of challenges along the way, but our persistence prevailed.”
For Samantha, that persistence is one of NCAPA’s greatest strengths. Meaningful change does not happen in a single legislative session or with one conversation. It happens through people who continue showing up and moving the work forward.
Everyone Has a Role to Play
Samantha believes advocacy is not limited to leadership positions or titles. Some of the most meaningful contributions come from members who choose to participate, tell their stories, and stay informed.
Whether it means attending PA Day at the Legislature, following legislative updates, or supporting the PAC, each action contributes to a larger effort.
“PAs really tell the story. They carry the message because they are on the front lines with patients.”
Those experiences help lawmakers understand the real-world impact healthcare policy has on both patients and providers.
Looking Ahead
Focus on Fifty is about recognizing the people whose work continues to shape where we are today and where we are headed next.
Samantha Rogers Knight’s story reflects the power of sustained involvement and the impact advocacy can have over time. As NCAPA looks toward the future, the profession will continue to be strengthened by members willing to lead, engage, and ensure that PA voices continue to be heard.
Fifty years in, that work continues.
Written by Thomas Wellenhofer
NC Academy of PAs Marketing & Communications Coordinator
