North Carolina PAs dedicated to patient health while leading the way for the profession.
Aleece Fosnight, MSPAS, PA-C, CSCS, CSE, NCMP was born in Medina, Ohio. Her family moved to Brevard, North Carolina when she was nine years old, making North Carolina “home.” Aleece attended PA school at the University of Kentucky, graduating in 2011. In 2014, she completed the University of Michigan Sexual Health Postgraduate Certificate in Sexuality Counseling and Education.
Aleece has “always felt compelled to step up and (assist) others to feel empowered with their desires, goals, and expectations.” She became a member of the Association of Physician Assistants in Obstetrics and Gynecology and joined AAPA. Aleece provided a PA voice regarding national OBGYN issues, but felt she was neglecting PAs in her “own backyard.” Recognizing the necessity of local and statewide PA support, Aleece joined NCAPA to focus her leadership efforts more locally. She feels that it is “vital to understand the laws and regulations within the state (you) practice” and ensure that legislation changes benefit PAs. “It is important to support your local PA organization through membership because we are stronger together.”
When it comes to NCAPA, Aleece believes that the Academy “has been very instrumental in being a leader among other PA state organizations, focusing on moving the PA profession forward through OTP and other legislative advocacy endeavors.” Her PA path includes being a part of NCAPA so that she can help pull more of her PA colleagues together and ensure that legislation changes benefit PAs in North Carolina. Aleece hopes for “more independent practice, with more PAs opening up their own clinics and breaking through traditional medicine rules to better take care of our patients and increase access to health care.”
Aleece continues to live in Brevard today and has opened up the Fosnight Center for Sexual Health in Asheville, NC, where she specializes in sexual medicine, including urology and gynecology. When we asked her what she loves most about being a PA, she reports:
“The ability to make a difference in someone’s life – not just on the medical side, but being able to allow space for my patient to be vulnerable in a safe place, being their cheerleader when they accomplish a goal, validating their concern when no one else did, being that person that listens, and giving them permission to be themselves. There is nothing like that feeling and I am so honored to be a part of my patient’s journey every day.”
We here in North Carolina are fortunate to have so many driven and dedicated PAs. Thank you for being there for your patients and helping to lead the way!