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Tiger Up
By
Dawn Morton-Rias, EdD, PA-C
President, APAP
I have served APAP in many capacities over the past
15 years. But one month ago, I assumed the position of either the
last president of APAP or the first president of the Physician Assistant
Education Association. Regardless of my title, I am certain that this
Association stands on the threshold of a new beginning, emboldened
and strengthened by its track record.
Over the past decade, the Association has grown in size,
structure, and capacity. We have refined our mission to reflect our
dedication to excellence in PA education, faculty development, and
diversity. Our fiscal position is strong and our staff is well qualified
and committed. The dedicated leaders who have preceded me and the
members of the APAP Transition Task Force (TTF) have worked diligently
to prepare the Association for a change to independent management,
a new name, a new home, and a new beginning.
Since the November Education Forum, the board of directors
and staff have been busy actualizing the decisions that were reached
at meetings in Puerto Rico. APAP’s articles of incorporation
are being finalized to reflect the Association’s new name. The
TTF is on schedule with regard to our new office space, administrative
support, and communications. Committee charges and board liaisons
are being reviewed and revised. Evaluations of the 2005 forum programs
and workshops are being received. The board of directors and TTF will
meet early next year to continue to chart the course for the year
and for implementation of the transition. As we proceed, we will continue
to interact with our colleagues and friends in the PA profession and
develop new relationships as we grow. Association policies and procedures
will also be expanded to reflect our emerging needs. Throughout the
next phase, our commitment to member programs, services, and the Association’s
mission will be unwavering.
I spent my last hours in Puerto Rico watching the water
and thinking about what the next year would hold for me and for the
Association. I was reminded of the countless martial arts training
sessions and national and international competitions that I have had
the pleasure to watch over the past decade. Like many athletes, martial
arts competitors train long and hard in preparation for a single event.
As they prepare to enter the ring, they must make the mental and physical
transition from trainee to competitor. They must rely on what they
know and what has become second nature to emerge ready to fight without
hesitation. Some competitors listen to music to facilitate the transition,
and some chant a phrase. The competitors of one New York dojo, a school
for training in the various arts of self-defense, chant the mantra
"Tiger up" before a competition. This mantra calls up the years of
training, focus, and dedication that has served to prepare the competitor
for this moment in time. It is not unusual for the crowd shout "Tiger
up," as well. As I prepared to return home and to assume the position
of president of the Association, the phrase "Tiger up" came to me.
I call on you, the members of this fine Association, to join me in
this transition. We have learned a great deal. We have trained long
and hard. We are ready. Tiger up!
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