CHARLESTON, WV – (October 11, 2016) West Virginia State Medical Association (WVSMA) is pleased to welcome physician assistants (PA’s) as their newest category of membership. WVSMA has been collaborating with the West Virginia Association of Physician Assistants (WVAPA) for the past 18 months to establish the new membership category. The new collaboration will provide an opportunity for physicians and physician assistants to work together to promote public health issues and improve healthcare delivery to West Virginia patients in through advocacy. This step towards improved advocacy efforts aligns with the essential physician and PA relationship within the healthcare delivery team.
Established in 1867, WVSMA has been a strong voice in physician advocacy for almost 150 years and has the largest number of physician members of any organization in the State. With the goal of focusing on public health for West Virginia patients, they also provide the highest level of continuing medical education to providers and seek to promote the medical profession while improving the life of West Virginians.
On October 1, 2016 a reception to celebrate the collaboration of WVSMA and WVAPA was held at the University of Charleston. This celebration was also the kick-off to the beginning of National Physician Assistant week. PA week is celebrated from October 6-12 annually. PA week is celebrated the same dates annually because October 6 marks two very special events in PA history. The first class of physician assistants graduated from Duke University on October 6, 1967. Also, October 6, 1908 is the birthdate of the PA profession’s founder, Eugene A. Stead, Jr, M.D. WVSMA is happy to celebrate PA week with WVAPA to highlight the PA profession and what they have contributed to the field of medicine over the past 49 years.
WVAPA President, Rafael Rodighiero, PA-C greeted the reception group by saying, “All of us at the WVAPA are very excited about this new partnership that has been formed between the WVAPA and the WVSMA. By developing this closer relationship with our physician colleagues, we will be able to improve the delivery of patient care in West Virginia. PAs are a vital part of the healthcare team. It is great to see both of our professions working so well together, and understanding that “team” medicine produces the best outcome for our patients.”
In 2017, WVSMA will be celebrating its 150th anniversary and the PA profession will also celebrate their 50th anniversary next year, this is a very important time for both professions to reflect on their accomplishments and look towards the future of healthcare delivery for West Virginia patients.
“We are extremely pleased to partner with the WV Association of Physician Assistants (PA’s) and to welcome PA’s into our medical family,” said Rahul Gupta, MD, MPH, WVSMA President. “The PA and medical professions are closely aligned in mission and practice, so we are natural allies in working together collaboratively for the betterment of the health of all West Virginians. Our members are enthusiastic about his partnership and we are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
