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The AAPA held its State of the Association & Financial Report on November 15th live via GoToWebinar. The content and format of the presentation were similar to the AAPA Business Meeting that was traditionally held at our Fall Conference, providing a financial report, giving members insight into the activities of the association, and allowing an opportunity for members to ask committee chairs and board members questions.
The meeting was moderated by Emily Loter and featured a panel of members from the BOT and each of our Committees. The BOT presenters included: John Eckman – Chair, Beth Obertino-Norwood – Vice Chair/Secretary, and Dennis Strenk – Chief Financial Officer. Committee panelists included: Connie Thorpe – Director of Professional Development, Chevanne Scordinsky – Administration Committee Chair, Meghan Pickard – Education Committee Chair, Cory Nash – MarComm Committee Chair, and N. Dominic Alessio – Membership Committee Chair.
John began by extending sincere appreciation to our members for your continued efforts in providing quality patient care, education, advocacy, and collaboration, particularly during these unprecedented times. His sentiments spoke to our ability to be nimble and celebrated our ability to have met and overcome a myriad of challenges. While our largest challenge has been to hold in-person meetings, we continue to focus on our members’ needs and will continue to deliver alternative virtual options. Beth discussed the ballot results, which included the approval of an international membership category. This category is strictly a membership category and not a credential. Dennis provided a financial overview of this year with his overarching message: we are financially strong and healthy in lieu of the pandemic.
Connie detailed progress on the 3rd edition of the Grossing Guidelines, which is currently in various stages of revision. This next version will include significant modifications and improvements including structured data elements, specimen handling/dissection guidelines with block allocation key, various appendices, and the inclusion of photographs.
Chevanne discussed the newly formed Legislative Subcommittee. A legislative packet is in development as a tool for PAs to help build relationships with their local representatives with the goal of providing a unified membership approach to licensure-related needs. The Education Committee has been particularly busy answering the need for progressive solutions during this pandemic for both meeting and non-meeting content. Meghan highlighted our position as the continued leader in PA-specific education initiatives, including the new Preceptor Program and grossing videos for students.
One of the most obvious changes this year is our recent rebranding. Cory enthusiastically detailed the lead up to the release and why “It Pays to Know” a certified pathologists’ assistant. Dominic discussed improvements to our student liaison program, as well as the prospect of outsourcing our salary survey, hoping to provide legitimacy to employers.
Watch the Town Hall replay for details
and to view the member Q&A session:
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