For Immediate Release:
December 23, 2008
Contact:
Brooke Braun
703/836-2272, ext. 3502
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Stephen H. Hanson Chosen as President-elect of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
(Alexandria, VA) – The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) announced today that California physician assistant Stephen H. Hanson, MPA, PA-C, has been elected to the position of president-elect following a special election process to fill the vacancy created by the untimely November death of former president-elect Paul Robinson.
“The unexpected and tragic loss of my best friend, Paul, was devastating to me and to all who knew him. Paul would have first and foremost wanted us all to continue what the board has started and move the Academy forward,” said Hanson. “Being chosen to fill his shoes is a bittersweet moment, and I promise to serve the mission of AAPA and to honor Paul’s memory by bringing to my new responsibilities the energy and innovative approach to the challenges facing the Academy and our profession I know Paul would endorse.”
Hanson will assume the office immediately, serving as president-elect through June 9, 2009. Hanson’s AAPA president term will be June 10, 2009 through June 9, 2010, and the immediate past president term will be June 10, 2010 through June 9, 2011.
Four other candidates (James Anderson, Sandra Keavey, Patrick Killeen, and Robert Wooten) also ran for the president-elect position. In accordance with AAPA bylaws, the voters were the 2009 delegates to the AAPA House of Delegates and their votes were cast electronically between December 12 – 19, 2008.
Hanson, who lives in Bakersfield, CA, has many past years of AAPA leadership experience. He served on the AAPA Board of Directors from 2000 – 2005, holding the positions of Second Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates and Vice President/Speaker of the House of Delegates from 2002 to 2005. Most recently, he was the Liaison Coordinator from 2006 – 2008, managing AAPA’s 17 medical liaisons to physician organizations. He has been a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants since 1982. Hanson is a graduate of the PA program at Stanford School of Medicine. He is currently employed in burn surgery by Sherman Oaks, California-based Grossman Medical Group’s new Bakersfield, California center and with Dr. Irene Sanchez in occupational medicine, also in Bakersfield.
“I look forward to working with the members of the board in advancing the mission and vision of the AAPA. I have always been a strong advocate for the patients who give purpose to our lives. I am excited to be working with the leaders and staff of the Academy to implement the new strategic plan designed to enhance its role supporting members’ growth as they focus on providing the highest level of patient care. I’m honored to be a part of this team,” Hanson said.
As president-elect, Hanson will immediately join 12 other AAPA Board of Directors members to lead AAPA in implementing its vision, mission, and strategic goals.
The American Academy of Physician Assistants is the only national organization to represent physician assistants in all medical and surgical specialties. Physician assistants are licensed health professionals who practice medicine as members of a team with their supervising physicians. PAs deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services to diverse populations in rural and urban settings. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and prescribe medications. Founded in 1968, the Academy works to promote quality, cost effective health care and the professional and personal growth of PAs. For more information about the Academy and the PA profession, visit the AAPA’s Web site, www.aapa.org.
