Celebrating the more than 140,000 physician assistants across the country

Today marks the start of National Physician Assistant Week, a celebration each year from Oct. 6-12 recognizing the PA profession and its contributions to the nation’s health. This year’s PA Week is especially significant as it falls during a pandemic. PAs, along with our partners across the health care teams, have risen to the unprecedented occasion to serve on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response, putting their health at risk every day to care for their patients.

This week is also an opportunity to raise awareness and visibility for the profession, as many are still unfamiliar with the vital role a PA plays in the health care delivery system. As medical professionals, PAs diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal health care provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile and collaborative, working closely with physicians and other health care professionals.  

Please remember to wish all the PAs you know a “Happy PA Week.”