SAAAPA - Leadership Opportunities

AMSA 2008 Rural Health Scholars Program

Continuing a long tradition of educating health professions students on important health care issues not necessarily taught in standard curricula, the American Medical Student Association/Foundation presents the inaugural Rural Health Scholars program in June 2008. The purpose of this weeklong, innovative institute is to educate students about current issues in rural health, develop leadership skills for future primary care physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, and engage students in curricular reform and health policy issues. After being nominated by their deans, twenty students will be selected to participate in the program. The University of Iowa in Iowa City is hosting this year's Rural Health Scholars program. Learn more about the program on the application which are due May 16.

Medication Cards for the Elderly
Each year, numerous adverse events occur because patients lack knowledge about how and why they take their medications. Many geriatric patients are on complex medication regimens with limited instruction and understanding. By spending focused time creating medication cards, reviewing medication instructions, and answering questions, you will be doing your part to improve patient adherence and address the needs of those who may lack health literacy skills.

For this project, the PRC recommends PAs host an event for geriatric groups or individuals to help them create two medication cards: one for their wallet and one to keep at home. This event can take place in your clinic, community center, library, assisted living facilities, retirement centers, or other appropriate venues. To help facilitate this project, the AAPA can provide you with wallet-sized medication cards. Please contact Shannon Faherty at sfaherty@aapa.org to obtain these cards.

Help the PA Foundation to help communities around the nation and PA students!

By raising funds for the PA Foundation, you will help to promote the PA profession to organizations around the country. In addition to helping local charities, the PA Foundation also gives back to students through their community based grants and scholarship program Get involved to help out your fellow students and people in need by participating in Care to Share 2008. You can find out more about how to raise funds by clicking here.

Get Involved with Health Literacy

The AAPA Public Relations Committee (PRC) is inviting PA students to help in the “Quality Care Through Health Literacy” program. For its inaugural year, this campaign entails PAs reading to elementary school children in schools, libraries, bookstores, or other appropriate venues in order to promote a love of books and reading to these children. The AAPA Board has approved funds through a small grants program to help constituent organizations (COs) implement this program locally. While student organizations are not able to apply for these grants, they are able to volunteer and be involved with an event that is sponsored by their local CO (find your state chapter at the following link https://members.aapa.org/extra/constituents/chapter-menu.cfm ). The PRC would like to encourage students to proactively seek the help of their local CO to take advantage of available funding for organizing a health literacy event. For more information, click here http://www.aapa.org/cor/bookgrant.html or contact AAPA at aapa@aapa.org or 703/836-2272.

If you are interested in volunteering for state chapter leadership opportunities (board, committees, task forces), consider participating in the Constituent Organization Leader Recruitment (COLOR) program. Fill out this on-line application and AAPA staff will help you make your first connection with the state chapter.

If you have questions about the program please contact Kodi Blue Erb, 703/836-2272, ext 3127, kerb@aapa.org.

AAPA offers a PA Development Toolbox for members. This tool allows for self-assessment of one's leadership abilities and provides applications for one to work on.