CHCS - Perspectives Winter/Spring 2016

COLLEGE OF HEALTH CARE SCIENCES • 65 To join or learn more about the FAPA and the AAPA, visit www.fapaonline.org and www.aapa.org. lectures on topics about emergency room medicine, surgery, dermatology, and orthopedics and were surprised that we were already familiar with medical terminology the speakers were using. At the winter symposium, FAPA offers lectures designed just for students, as well as workshops such as suturing and casting. For students who enjoy competition, there is an opportunity to showcase their knowledge at the FAPA Challenge Bowl. This event is similar to a game show, where all Florida-accredited PA programs compete against one another to answer questions about various medical topics. Another aspect of my position as the FAPA representa- tive is boosting FAPA membership among my class- mates. As stated on the FAPA website, “PAs should support both the state and national organizations that represent our profession and protect your rights legislatively both on a state and national level.” As students, we are able to have a reduced membership fee of $60 that not only helps contribute to our future profession, but also covers our membership for our entire education period and includes reduced rates for both conferences. In addition to providing networking opportunities with physician assistants around the state, the academy also supports a full-time lobbyist team in Tallahassee that works year-round to protect our profession. The lobbyist team works hard to help pass legislation that promotes the physician/PA team concept and protects the health of Florida citizens. One of the current issues the lobbyists are pushing for is passing a bill that would permit physician assistants to prescribe controlled substances in Florida. As students, we are able to make our voices heard and help in the effort of passing this bill through our membership in FAPA and by educating representatives and senators locally about the PA profession. Our Orlando PA class of 2017, with more than 80 percent FAPA membership, hopes our large member- ship contingent will help FAPA make an impact during FAPA Legislative Days when this bill is presented in Tallahassee. As a student, FAPA is our stethoscope, amplifying and making clear any questions or concerns we may have about the PA profession. Through our membership and support, we can not only make a difference around the state, but nationally. I encourage all students and PA-Cs to join FAPA and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) to help make a difference in moving the PA profession forward. ■ From left: Margaret Klusman, Meghna Patel, Jennifer Cardenas, Jade Ramadan, Kunj Shroff, and Monique Medina represent NSU at the Summer Symposium.