In this issue:
President’s Letter
Message from NCAPA President-Elect
Legislative Year in Review
Commit to Your Future – Renew Your NCAPA Membershipp
2018 NCAPA Winter Conference
2018 NCAPA Job Fair
Come In From the Cold – NCAPA Winter Social
NCAPA Endowment Student Scholarship Recipients
Leadership and Advocacy Grant Available
Elon University PA Program Holds White Coat Ceremony
2018 Summer Conference Hotel Room Block is Now Open
Welcome Members!
President’s Letter
by Truett Smith , MPAS, PA-C
It has been a very busy and successful year for the North Carolina Academy of PAs. Your Board, Committees, and Members have done much to improve PA practice in the state of North Carolina and on the national level, as well. In 2017, NCAPA:
- Advocated for SB 160 Handicap Placard legislation, which was signed into law specifying that PAs are named in and can sign for handicap placards;
- Advocated to improve the STOP Act, which helped to limit restrictive language for PAs prescribing opioids;
- Developed a plan, approved a budget, and began the implementation of a learning management system to provide online CME;
- Held a successful first Job Fair in conjunction with the Winter Conference;
- Implemented a new Career Center for PAs interested in pursuing new positions and for employers to find the best PA for their practice;
- Strengthened relationships with the NC Medical Society and other external stakeholders, strengthening the understanding of PAs in healthcare
- Played an integral role in the passage of the Optimal Team Practice (OTP) resolution at the AAPA HOD;
- Developed an OTP Task Force to study the feasibility of implementation of OTP in NC;
- Hosted visits with legislators and NC PA educational programs throughout the state;
- Hosted the Veterans Garden Dedication at the Stead Center;
- Enhanced our social media presence and increased member engagement;
- Donated to the hurricane and flood relief efforts in Texas and Florida;
- Increased NCAPA membership by 14%;
- Continued to offer outstanding content at our Winter and Summer Conferences and maintained great attendance;
- Held a well attended and successful 50th Anniversary Celebration of the PA Profession at the Stead Center.
This is just a small portion of what your state Academy has been up this year. Hopefully, this helps to reveal just how important NCAPA membership and involvement is for every PA in the state of North Carolina. We can’t achieve ideal PA practice in our great state without you! We have some very big plans next year and the NCAPA will be in excellent hands with our 2018 President, Samantha Rogers. I have thoroughly enjoyed being your President and Chairman of this Board. Please take time to reflect on this past year and give thanks for all that you hold dear. I hope that you all have a very joyous season and a prosperous New Year!
Sincerely,
Truett Smith, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA
NCAPA President
Message from NCAPA President-Elect
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
I hope that each one of you makes time to relax this time of year with your family and friends.
I wanted to take a minute and express how excited I am to serve you as NCAPA President in 2018. Thank you for this opportunity. I am indebted to the Presidents before me who have worked incredibly diligently and intentionally to grow our organization and elevate our profession. I plan to build upon that work as we tackle such issues as OTP, advocacy, and growing membership. I urge you to look at our Strategic Plan that was recently approved by the Board of Directors for the next 3 years.
Thank you for all that you do day in and day out for patients as a PA. You are incredibly valuable to our Academy, our State and our communities.
Sincerely,
Samantha Rogers
NCAPA-President Elect
Legislative Year in Review
by Sarah Wolfe, Assistant Vice-President, McGuire Woods Consulting
From the STOP Act and handicap placard legislation to hosting legislators at the PA programs across the state, 2017 has been a busy year for NCAPA government affairs.
On the legislative side, the Government Affairs Committee organized the second annual advocacy day at the North Carolina General Assembly, endorsed and opposed several pieces of legislation, and organized legislative visits at five of the PA programs in the state. Some highlights include:
Second annual advocacy day at the legislature a success
PAs from across the state came together to advocate for the PA profession at the legislature and to meet with DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen and Deputy Secretary Mark Benton.
NCAPA opposes removing motorcycle helmet restrictions
Joining a coalition of health care providers groups, the Government Affairs Committee voted to oppose a bill that would allow for adults over the age of 18 to ride a motorcycle without a helmet.
Understanding the STOP Act
NCAPA worked with legislators from the beginning on this bill, expressing concerns with how it was originally written, to offering solutions that would be more workable for PAs on a day-to-day basis.
Handicap placard legislation signed into law
In order to clarify an issue that came up with a DMV law that governs who may certify for handicap placards, NCAPA worked to have a bill filed that would clarify that PAs may certify for handicap placards, as they have done for several decades.
NCAPA and program directors partner to hold legislative visits at NC PA programs
Legislators from across the state visited East Carolina University, Elon University, High Point University, Wingate University (main and Hendersonville campuses), and Wake Forest University.
Additionally, on the regulatory side, NCAPA submitted several public comments to various state agencies throughout the year, including:
Medical Board moves to formally define “consultation”
As it relates to the STOP Act, NCAPA has been working closely with the North Carolina Medical Board throughout the rulemaking process.
NC DHHS submits amended Medicaid reform application to CMS
Prior to the state submitting the amended Medicaid reform application to CMS, DHHS solicited input from stakeholders across the state. NCAPA submitted a letter requesting that the Department ensures that PAs are included and reimbursed, as appropriate, throughout the Medicaid transformation process from fee-for-service to managed care.
To read additional updates from throughout the year, visit the NCAPA Legislative Action Center.
Commit to Your Future – Renew Your NCAPA Membership
It’s no accident that North Carolina has become one of the best places to be a PA, as NCAPA’s leaders have worked tirelessly over the last 40 years to create an optimal practice environment. This year, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the PA profession, NCAPA’s past, current, and future leaders joined together to celebrate all that has been accomplished and to look towards the future.
At NCAPA we are preparing for the next 50 years. In 2018, we will be embarking on a new strategic plan to build on our past successes and move the PA profession forward. There are five broad goals that will drive the work of NCAPA as we are:
- Advocating for the PA Profession and working to ensure that PAs are named in relevant health care legislation.
- Supporting PA Growth across North Carolina by engaging PAs to become leaders within their institutions and the Academy.
- Expanding Education Opportunities for PAs to bring our high quality, peer led education online and directly to you, wherever you are.
- Actively Preparing for the Future by engaging the next generation of PAs.
- Actively Engaging in the Future of Healthcareas we move to modernize PA practice and position PAs to best meet the needs of our patients.
We need all PAs across North Carolina to join NCAPA and ensure that the profession continues to grow and thrive. Continue your commitment to your own professional future.
Renew your NCAPA membership today!
2018 NCAPA Winter Conference | Core Medical Knowledge & PANRE Review
February 24-27, 2018
Sheraton Imperial
Durham, NC
The Winter Conference agenda is based on the NCCPA PANRE exam blueprint and will be geared toward a basic review of all organ systems. Even if you are not up for recertification or don’t take the PANRE, this conference is an excellent review of core medical knowledge for any health care provider. The full agenda with topics and speakers will be announced soon.
Accreditation
The NCAPA plans to request 30 AAPA Category 1 CME credits for the general sessions and additional hours in workshops from the PA Review Panel. The total number of CME credits is yet to be determined.
Credits awarded by the AAPA are accepted by the ANCC Certification Program and the AANP as Continuing Education (CE) credits for nurses and nurse practitioners.
NCAPA has reserved a block of rooms at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel for conference attendees. Rooms in the block rate are $118/night and are available until January 24, 2018 or until they are sold out. You can book your room using this link or by calling the hotel directly at 919-941-5050 and using the code NCAPA2018.
2018 NCAPA Job Fair
It’s time for NCAPA’s Annual Job Fair on February 23, 2018 from 3:00 – 6:00pm at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham. This is the Friday prior to our Winter Conference that begins the following day, on Saturday, February 24th.
Registration is now open for job seekers. And it’s free! Polish your resume and practice those interview skills. Start the New Year with a new job!
Employer Recruitment:
We are now recruiting employers looking to hire highly qualified PAs in North Carolina. If you are an employer and are interested in having a booth, you can find registration forms and more information on our website. We are offering special reduced rates for public health and government employers.
Please register and spread the word!
Come In From the Cold – NCAPA Winter Social
Join us as for networking with fellow PAs and PA students while enjoying appetizers, wine, and beer. Our first member social event of 2018 will be held on on Friday, February 23rd from 6-9pm at the Stead Center, 1121 Slater Road, in Durham, NC. Save the date! We will begin asking for RSVPs in the next issue of The Pulse.
NCAPA Endowment Student Scholarship Recipients
All of the following student grant recipients are graduating in December 2017. Congratulations to all of you!
East Carolina University: Ryan Jones
The NCAPA Endowment congratulates Mr. Ryan Jones as the 2017 NCAPA Endowment scholarship recipient for the East Carolina University (ECU) PA Program. Ryan completed his undergraduate studies with a GPA of 3.88 at Gardner Webb University, majoring in biology, with dual minors in Spanish and chemistry.
Prior to PA school, Mr. Jones was involved in work with non-profit organizations such as the American Red Cross and Charity:Water, a group that provides clean water in developing nations. Ryan served as the ECU program student representative to the Assembly of Representatives of the Student Academy of the AAPA (SAAAPA) and coauthored a resolution focusing on growing international PA student opportunities.
Ryan had been fortunate to study abroad in Costa Rica and Australia, and travel extensively in New Zealand, so it is not surprising that he maintains a global perspective when thinking about health care delivery. In addition to his goal of working in internal medicine, he intends to continue his passion of advocating for the PA profession in the international realm.
Wanda Hancock, PA-C, NCAPA Endowment Trustee, presenting the award to Ryan Jones, PA-S
Methodist University: Jennifer Cox
The NCAPA Endowment congratulates Ms. Jennifer Cox as the 2017 NCAPA Endowment scholarship recipient for the Methodist University PA Program. Jennifer completed her undergraduate studies Cum Laude with a Bachelor Fine Arts, and then pursued a Master of Business Administration. She also pursued certification as a paramedic and eventually earned an associate degree in Emergency Medical Services. As evidence for her superb performance, Ms. Cox was invited into multiple honor societies.
Jennifer is dedicated to community service, particularly with providing mentorship for troubled teens spanning from 1992 to 2008. Her prior work took her to rural Iraq and offshore in the oil industry, so she is not afraid of pursuing her current goals as a PA in primary care, extending her talents into practice management and patient advocacy.
Wingate University: Elena Garifallou
The NCAPA Endowment congratulates Ms. Elena Garifallou as the 2017 NCAPA Endowment scholarship recipient for the Wingate University PA Program. Elena completed her Bachelor of Science in psychology, with a minor in biological science at Clemson University.
During undergraduate school, Ms. Garifallou was involved in multiple leadership opportunities, particularly in the Alpha Epsilon Delta organization which was established to network with health-related professionals for the purpose of exposing students to careers such as dentistry, medicine, and pharmacy. She eventually served as the organization’s president, which was excellent preparation for her post-graduate position in the health professions advisory office at Clemson.
In PA school, Elena served as her program’s representative to the Assembly of Representatives of the Student Academy of the AAPA (SAAAPA) and ran the fundraising efforts for her and her classmates to attend the IMPACT conference last May.
Though unsure of exactly what type of practice she wants to join, Elena is convinced that working as a PA right here in North Carolina is the perfect choice for her. Regardless of that choice, she intends to devote volunteer time to working with the homeless to help provide improved access to health care and other necessary services.
Jim Hill, PA-C and NCAPA Endowment board member awards scholarship to Elena Garifallou
University of North Carolina: Alyse Moses-Lebron
Paul Chelmeski, MD, Program Director, Todd Williams, PA-C, Clinical Coordinator, Alyse Moses-Lebron, PA-S, Emily Adams, NCAPA Executive Director, and Meg Beal PA-C, Primary Care Specialist
The North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (NCAPA) Endowment awarded its first-ever scholarship earmarked for the UNC PA Program to Ms. Alyse Moses-Lebron. Students are evaluated by a scholarship committee of NC PAs on characteristics such as extracurricular activities, volunteer service, leadership and academic achievement as well as financial need.
Prior to PA school, Ms. Moses-Lebron graduated with a 4.0 from Southern Illinois University with a major in Radiologic Science. She has excelled thus far in her PA academic and professional activities, exhibiting leadership in her community by mentoring high school students and by helping the UNC PA program become integrated into the Student Health Action Coalition. She has organized food drives, provided first aid service to those affected by flooding and worked on a committee to assist students who have emergent needs. Her career goals include the delivery of direct primary care services and to continue to serve her community through ongoing outreach activities.
We congratulate Ms. Alyse Moses-Lebron for being the first UNC PA Program recipient of the NCAPA Endowment scholarship and hope that her high standards inspire others to find ways to serve those in need, both within the health care arena and through their local communities.
The NCAPA Endowment board members wish to thank all who have made these scholarships and other grants possible by their generous donations. Please consider making a donation today to support PA students and practicing PAs who continue to do the work of providing excellent health care services in North Carolina.
Leadership and Advocacy Grant Available
NCAPA PA and student members are encouraged to apply for the NCAPA Endowment Lanny Parker Memorial Fund grant to support leadership and advocacy opportunities. One opportunity you may want to consider applying for is funding to attend the upcoming AAPA Leadership and Advocacy Summit March 8th-10th. Details regarding applications are available on the NCAPA website. Deadline for application is January 15th, 2018.
Elon University PA Program Holds White Coat Ceremony
Members of the Elon University Physician Assistant Studies Program’s Class of 2019 on Friday heard a message of inspiration — how to inspire patients, and in turn be inspired by them — as they received their white coats and officially moved from the academic study of medicine to practicing it in clinical settings.
The program’s White Coat Ceremony held Dec. 8 is considered a rite of passage for those studying to become physician assistants, as well as a commitment to being a skilled and caring provider in the future. Read the full article here.
2018 Summer Conference Hotel Room Block is Now Open
The room block for the 2018 Summer Conference is now open at the Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach, SC. Rooms in our block fill up quickly, we recommend you book your room as soon as possible by going here.
Welcome Members!
Welcome to our renewing and our brand new members!
The following members have joined or renewed their membership since our last issue.
Thank you all for your support of NCAPA and all PAs in North Carolina!
Eddy Akers, Fayetteville
Roger Austin, Hudson
Jessica Babbitt, Holly Springs
Lucy Barden, Greensboro
Greg Barton, Pfafftown
Meg Beal, Chapel Hill
Marylou Bembe, Durham
Barbara Bennett, Winston Salem
Marty Bergman, Greensboro
Tracy Black, Matthews
Sarah Blake, Wilmington
Brandon Blank, Winston-Salem
Allen Brown, Florence, SC
Ashlyn Bruning, High Point
Jennifer Burnette, Burlington
Sarah Busbin, Fayetteville
Gary Butts, Statesville
Reginald Carter, Mebane
Connie Cerne, Winterville
Michael Cevasco, Mocksville
Jeffery Chance, Locust
Kathryn Claffee, Gastonia
Jay Clarke, Arden
Tom Colletti, Pittsboro
Debra Copeland Sizemore, Clemmons
John Crawley, Fayetteville
Lisa Darby-OBar, WInston Salem
Clifford Daub, Morrisville
Morgan Davis, WILMINGTON
Christopher Deans, Wilson
Chelsea DiMartino, Garner
Benjamin Donaldson, Wilmington
Brittany Donaldson, Winston-Salem
Hazel Ann Doronila, Cary
Kia Dungan, CHARLOTTE
Courtney Durbin, Charlotte
Alexandra Duvall, Tiger, GA
Abbie Eaton, Lewisville
Emily Epling, Clemmons
Stephen Fairchild, Goldsboro
Sarah Franco, Greenville, SC
Dawn Garwood, Arden
Bryan Geigler, Lewisville
Monica Gensic, West End
Reham Ghali, Apex
Rebecca Gimpert, Charlotte
Harrison Glover, Monroe
Heather Goldfuss, Oak Island
Karen Goodale, Tryon
Melissa Graybehl, Charlotte
Lauren Greenfield, Charlotte
Frances (Yvonne) Greenlee, Kernersville
Sona Hamelin, Trinity
Kelly Hammoudi, Winston-Salem
Wayne Harp, Charlotte
Danielle Hayes, Sneads Ferry
Jessica Heath, Clayton
Becky Herrmann, Fayetteville
Tara Herrmann, Durham
Shawn Hopkins, Greenville
Jessica Hoskins, Charlotte
Caroline Howell-Methvin, Mount Holly
Ruth Huffman, Wilson
Cashin Hunt, Winston-Salem
Charles Hunter, Raleigh
Paula Hunter, Brevard
Carla Hupert, Wilmington
Phebe Idol, Rocky Mount
Cheryl Jaros, Oriental
Katlyn Joyner, Yadkinville
Ann Marie Keenan, Zebulon
Amy Kornegay, Kinston
Natalia Kulik, Raeford
Anne Lake, Archdale
Donna Lang, Charlotte
Omolara Layeni, Charlotte
Heather Lee, Otto
Samantha Levering, Matthews
Rachel Louis, Albemarle
Max Ludlum, Wilmington
Albert Lundquist, Greensboro
Shaun Lynch, Cary
Charmeen Mack, Charlotte
Allison MacKay, Kernersville
Katherine Mackin, Raleigh
Mark Malzahn, Salisbury
Rebecca Mansfield, Leland
Carmella Marshall, Fayetteville
Holly Martin, Durham
Maida Martin, Thomasville
Todd Massey, Huntersville
Shelley McElhanon, Charlotte
David McKee, Asheville
Caitlyn McKenzie, Winston Salem
Ashley McKinney, Asheville
Rebecca Mercer, New Bern
Courtney Meyer, Charlotte
Karla Miller, Creedmoor
David Minor, Randleman
Kamlesh Mistri, Hickory
Joy Moretz, Oskaloosa, IA
Charlene Morris, Stonewall
Amy Murray, Asheville
Esther Murray, Hampstead
Michael Nido, Charlotte
Charles Niemeyer Jr, Gastonia
Karyl Noonan, Wilson
Allyson Norwood, Charlotte
Greta O’Buch, Jamestown
James Oles, Little River, SC
Nick Oravetz, Charlotte
Laura Orsban, Advance
Julia Parkhurst, Stanley
Robert Paul, Wake Forest
Mark Payne, High Point
Jennifer Pennington, Durham
Alicia Pielow Krol, Charlotte
Megan Pinder, Greensboro
Anita Price, Asheville
Erin Raspet, Kernersville
Kim Ray, Winston-Salem
Deborah Reece, Yadkinville
Courtney Reed, Winston-Salem
Jordyn Reisenauer, Hickory
Rachel Rice, Wilmington
Angela Richardson, Durham
Katherine Riddle, Concord
Samantha Rogers, Winston Salem
Allison Ross, Chapel Hill
Elena Ruppe, Fayetteville
John Sallstrom, Morganton
Lindsay Salter, Wilson
Frances Sanford, Greensboro
Jane Schutz, Durham
Jon Secrest, Kernersville
Dara Seelig, Winston Salem
Katherine Shea, Marion
Lila Skropeta, Cornelius
Joshua Smith, Durham
Justin Smith, Morehead City
Truett Smith, Davidson
Whitney Smith, Lillington
Thomas Spiegel, Pinehurst
Samantha Starkey, Charlotte
Allen Stephens, Morrisville
Andrew Stern, Cedar Point
Bryson Stilwell, Thomasville
Erin Stover, Greenville
Christine Strader, Reidsville
Megan Stritch, Charlotte
Allison Taylor, Durham
Kaliyann Te, Lexington
Sara Tennant, Wilmington
Allie Thompson, Winston-Salem
Blair Troutman, Concord
Elizabeth Turner, Raleigh
Pamela Turpin, Reidsville
Heather Tyndall, Kinston
Bill Vaassen, Morganton
Temple Walker, Rocky Mount
Deborah Ward, Winterville
Elyse Watkins, Advance
Ellen Weaver-Bailey, Whispering Pines
Charlotte Weitz, Jacksonville
James Westbrook, Elkin
Courtney White, Raleigh
Kathryn Whittington, Durham
Sara Wilson, Fuquay Varina
Jon Wolfe, Graham
Stephanie Woltz, Raleigh
Kianna Wood, Winston Salem
Delphine Zelaski, Stokes
