Taking the First Step toward PAEA Involvement

Kevin Lohenry, MPAS, PA-C
Director at Large

According to Wikipedia, the word volunteerism means “ the willingness of people to work on behalf of others without the expectation of pay or other tangible gain.” It has been my experience that most physician assistants have a heart for volunteerism, but I have often heard my colleagues ask the question, “How do I get involved with PAEA?” I often felt that way myself when I entered PA education, but I was fortunate to have mentors who illuminated a path that allowed me to get involved at my first APAP Education Forum, in 2001. I started by working as a session moderator for several educational sessions at the Miami meeting and, at that meeting, my colleagues nominated me to become the chair of the Midwestern Consortium.

As many of you know, a consortium chair position is a great way to become familiar with many of the issues that affect us in PA education. It also offers a way to get to know many of your colleagues throughout the region. After a year as chair and continuing to volunteer as a moderator for educational sessions, I learned from another mentor that attendance at one of the APAP committee meetings was an excellent way to learn about committee responsibilities and become known to committee members. I attended the APAP Finance Committee meeting in 2004 and applied to join one year later when an opening became available. I received an appointment to that committee and served for a year before deciding to run for an open board position.

I find it interesting that my increasing participation in the Association, which I had originally thought would be difficult due to my limited experience in PA education, was made possible when I took the first step and became a moderator. This process mirrored my experience with the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, where I initially volunteered on the CME committee. That experience led to my being elected president elect two years later.

The one thing I have consistently found at both organizations is that they are composed of outstanding volunteers who would love to see more people become involved. Many of the members of the committees and the board are people who started with stories similar to mine — but it takes that first step. Perhaps you can start off by volunteering for the PAEA Education Committee as a session moderator? Perhaps you would prefer to use your talents on a particular committee? It never hurts to put together an application for one of the committee openings (which are always posted in the Networker) and, if you are not selected the first time, then remember what the former American educator Thomas Palmer once wrote in his text, “Teacher’s Manual,” in 1840. It was the classic quote: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” The volunteers who make up all of the PAEA committees, subcommittees, and board will be thrilled to have your help!