The Naval Society of Physician Associates (NSPA) was founded in 1976 as a constituent organization of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA). NSPA represents and promotes the interests of Navy PAs.
Every year from October 6-12, we celebrate National PA Week, which recognizes the PA profession and its contributions to the nation’s health.
This week is also an opportunity to raise awareness and visibility of the profession. Before it was a weeklong event, National PA Day was first celebrated on October 6, 1987, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class of PAs from the Duke University PA program. October 6 is also the birthday of the profession’s founder, Eugene A. Stead, Jr., MD.
PAs (Physician Associates, previously physician assistants) are defined by their commitment to putting patients first and using their medical expertise, comprehensive diagnostic skills, and compassion to improve the health of patients and entire communities.
PAs are experts who complete rigorous medical education and training. They’re drawn to this profession because it provides the opportunity to spend meaningful time with patients: listening, collaborating, and healing. They practice in every healthcare setting—hospitals, urgent care centers, outpatient offices, clinics—and they practice medicine in all specialties, from pediatrics to primary care to emergency medicine to palliative care. They are lifelong learners committed to ensuring their patients receive the most comprehensive and current medical care, including preventive care.
PAs know the importance of making sure patients feel heard and respected. That’s why PAs advocate for patients: emphasizing patient-centered care while working collaboratively within the healthcare team, prioritizing patients' individual needs, and ensuring they receive focused attention and thoughtful communication at every interaction.
PAs are leaders in public health, providing essential preventive care that leads to improved health outcomes and stronger communities. They provide screenings, check-ups, and patient education in order to identify and treat problems early. They empower patients to make informed decisions about their health, communicating information plainly and ensuring no questions are left unanswered.
The healthcare system is strained beyond capacity, a problem that will only get worse as the U.S. population grows and ages. As a rapidly growing workforce of rigorously trained clinicians who are valued members of patient-centered, team-based care, PAs increase access to quality medical care for patients across the country.
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortage of physicians between 37,800 and 124,000 by 2034. Meanwhile, PA employment continues to grow faster than average for all occupations - there are more than 168,300 PAs in the United States today, and employment is projected to grow by 31% by 2030.
(Sources: AAMC June 2021 Report; BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2020)
The Naval Society of PAs is a professional membership organization focused on the development of active duty, reserve and retired Naval PAs. NSPA represents the voice of nearly 600 current and retired Navy PAs.
To learn more about NSPA, select the links below:
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