From the desk of the ADPA President: The PA Paradigm Shift

James R. Kilgore, DMSc, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA

Leadership is a buzzword you often hear in both healthcare systems and academic settings. It encompasses all employees from entry-level to the C-suite. It drives many programs today, as organizations invest in their teams to enable them to lead at all levels.

The Academy of Doctoral PAs is excited to host our Fall Virtual CME Conference on Sunday,  October 26. The focus of this year's conference is "Leadership". We have a stellar group of individuals representing a multitude of focuses to provide updates on leadership, leadership opportunities, and what PAs need to do to position themselves to assume many of the evolving roles in healthcare systems and academia. By attending, you will gain valuable insights, network with industry leaders, and learn strategies to advance your career.

PAs, over the past two decades, have become an integral part of the healthcare delivery system. Their presence has expanded patient access, streamlined workflows, and reduced physician burden, ultimately improving system-wide efficiency. Despite these contributions, the administrative and leadership integration of PAs has lagged behind their clinical footprint. In many systems, the PAs remain underrepresented in strategic decision-making, onboarding design, and workforce planning. However, their role is crucial, and we are committed to changing this narrative.

In an era marked by rapid change and complex challenges, the demand for effective leadership has never been more critical. The transformative impact of doctoral-level education on leadership effectiveness across various sectors, including healthcare and education, has been well documented. This underscores the importance of advanced education in cultivating visionary leaders who can drive meaningful change in their respective fields. We believe in the potential of each PA to become a visionary leader.

We encourage all members of the ADPAs to set aside time to participate in this important virtual conference, where leaders will discuss the importance that PAs play when they assume leadership roles. PAs are uniquely positioned to bridge the clinical and administrative pyramids of healthcare organizations. The bridge between medicine and management fosters collaboration, enhancing quality, and improving outcomes.

By advancing PAs into leadership positions, organizations can more effectively achieve their missions, enhance resilience, and adapt to the evolving demands of value-based care. The broader significance of this conference lies in recognizing PAs as essential leaders whose organizational impact supports sustainable, high-quality healthcare delivery. Your participation is not just encouraged, but vital to the success of this conference and the future of healthcare leadership.