Earlier this month, I had the privilege of travelling to Denver, Colorado, to attend the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) conference on behalf of CMAPs, and as a member of UMAPs. From the moment I landed, it was clear that this wasn’t just any professional gathering – it was a celebration. Signs welcoming PAs adorned lampposts, billboards, shop windows; the entire city seemed to roll out the red carpet. For someone visiting from the UK, where the PA role is under attack, the visibility and respect shown to the profession was nothing short of extraordinary.
It didn’t take long before people started asking what brought me, a Geordie, to the Mile High City – and it wasn’t fellow northerner Sting playing at Red Rocks! Whether it was Uber drivers, bartenders, hotel staff or tour guides, I proudly said: “I’m a PA.” Every time, I was met with enthusiasm and genuine curiosity. There was no awkward pause, no need for explanation. It felt so empowering to belong to a profession held in such high regard by the public.
An Inspiring Start
My conference experience kicked off bright and early Saturday morning with a 7:30 a.m. coffee meeting alongside the AAPA leadership team. I was honoured to sit down with Jason Privelige (AAPA President), Lisa Gables (CEO), Todd Pickard (President-Elect), and David Pace (Chief Strategy Officer). Colleagues from the CMAPs and UMAPs dialled in as we delved into an honest discussion about the history of the PA profession, current challenges in the UK, and how our organisations – AAPA, CMAPs and UMAPs – might support each other with collaborative communications, research, and long-term strategies. It was a powerful conversation – one that left me feeling hopeful and energized for the future.
Buzzing with Professional Energy
Walking into the Colorado Convention Centre, you couldn’t miss the wave of PAs proudly wearing their AAPA lanyards and displaying their specialties on name badges. It sounds like a cliché, but the atmosphere was electric – charged with purpose, positivity, and ambition.
The scale of the conference was impressive. Every hallway featured posters, interactive stands, and resources showcasing the diversity and impact of the PA profession. I connected with key figures from AAPA’s media relations team, the PAsGoBeyond campaign, and the organisation’s philanthropic arm. It was all about building bridges and cultivating relationships that will hopefully extend across the Atlantic.
Of course, I carved out some time for CPD – there were at least five sessions running every hour, all linked to clinical specialities like our GMC curriculum domains. I attended an engaging dermatology session titled “Dermatology Look-a-likes,” a clinical update on IBD, and a comprehensive dysphagia recap, amongst others. The educational value was immense.
To top it off, the conference didn’t neglect wellbeing – mindfulness zones, free massages, yoga sessions, and quiet spaces were peppered throughout the venue. There were smaller workshops offering career-building insights, networking opportunities, and even hands-on courses like POCUS and advanced life support, tailored to every kind of PA.
Empowerment, Advocacy, and Affogato
Lunchtime was spent in the expo hall, where I explored booths representing various PA caucuses (societies that influence legislation and byelaws within an organisation) – from PAs for Women Empowerment to the LGBTQ+ PA Caucus – and I learnt how each one actively supports its members. Amongst the booths were advocacy groups, drug companies, and organisations such as Planned Parenthood, some with lavish displays, espresso machines serving affogato, and plenty of free pens (naturally). It was fascinating to see how many organisations are proactively courting PA engagement and supporting the profession.
Though the International Medical Group Summit was postponed, I’m looking forward to joining the virtual event and continuing those conversations.
Another unexpected highlight? Connecting with a small but mighty delegation from the Netherlands, who had travelled all that way to soak up the same energy. I’ll be reaching out soon on behalf of CMAPs to keep that international dialogue going.
The Emotional Takeaway
The AAPA conference was more than professional development. It reminded me of why we do what we do, and how far we’ve come. Yes, we face significant challenges in the UK. Yes, we still have much to fight for. But the sense of community, purpose and pride I witnessed both there in Denver and reflected in our CMAPs and UMAPs population is something powerful.
Even as I boarded my flight home, spotting AAPA water bottles in backpacks, I felt that lingering buzz. A quiet emotion crept in too – acknowledgement of the hardships we’ve endured, the losses, and the ongoing uphill battles. But mostly, I felt determined. We might have kept our heads down for a while, but our pride is still there. We just need to nurture it.
And Finally… a Bit of Fun
No trip to Colorado is complete without some sightseeing. I managed to join a free walking tour of Denver and learnt the story behind the city’s iconic blue bear. The sculpture is titled “I See What You Mean”, pushing its nose and paws against the glass, looking to see what’s happening inside. This really resonated with me. We as UK PAs and AAs are looking in at how good things can be for our professions, and although it is not without some challenges here in the UK, we want to be part of something special, like they’ve built at the AAPA. I even made it out to the spectacular Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the picturesque town of Golden. A perfect way to balance out a whirlwind weekend of learning, networking, and inspiration.
I’m incredibly proud to have represented CMAPs at AAPA 2025, and even prouder of what our community can achieve when we stand tall, speak up, and support each other.
