• President's Message
• Fall Conference CME Brochure & Registration Form
• A Call for Nominations
• Regional Updates
• Regional Director Provides Care in Haiti
• MEDEX Northwest is Seeking Volunteers
• Attention Retiree's - This Article Is For You
• Welcome to All the New MEDEX Students!
• All Three Campuses of MEDEX Northwest Graduate Together
• Student Scholarship Form
• Membership Matters
• Welcome New WAPA Members
• CME Calendar

Send comments regarding the WAPA Monitor or email address changes to WAPA.

I am delighted to be able to address the membership of WAPA as President. At the June WAPA board meeting, immediate past president Theresa Vance PA-C from Spokane turned the gavel over to me after seeing our academy through a very successful 2006-2007 year. I look forward to meeting as many PAs as I am able and hearing from you as well. I can be reached through my work email at: Genep@pacmed.org.

WAPA is very busy preparing for our fall CME to be held at the Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, Washington. This is a beautiful setting with an even better CME conference. Keep October 4th thru the 6th open for this outstanding CME. If you see Julie Atchley and her continuing medical educational committee, thank them for all their hard work.

WAPA is currently busy with reimbursement issues. Physician Assistants are not being utilized in the private psychiatric practices in this region because of PA reimbursement. My challenge is how to address this issue and how to pursue it. I am in contact with AAPAs, Michael Powe PA-C, reimbursement chair, for his expertise and consultative advice in this arena. He will be a guest speaker at our fall conference. We are excited to have him come to Washington State to educate and mentor WAPA through these issues.

In the short period I have been in my new role, I have learned that there is still a lot of ignorance and confusion about what PAs can do. After 40 years, we still have to fight every day for our professional rights. The best way to do this is through education. I believe we can educate best through our professional organizations; WAPA, WSMA and AAPA. I believe by improving access to PAs, we improve access to cost effective health care for all people.

So! On behalf of the WAPA board I would like to extend a big “hello” to you all. If you are not a member, I personally extend to you an invitation to join your state academy. Please check us out on our web site: www.WAPA.com. We are a constituent organization to AAPA, our national academy. We are fortunate to have a former WAPA past president Linda Dale MSOD, PA-C as the Western Region Representative. When you see Linda, who is from Yakima, thank her for her service at the state and national level. Through the Western Region, many leadership opportunities will be offered to our state PAs and out of state PAs as well.

In closing, I would like to remind you that National PA week is celebrated October 6-12. I want to share this year’s message from the AAPA, “thank you for 40 years of dedicated patient care”. I encourage all PAs to visit the AAPA web site, www.aapa.org for information on this important event.

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The WAPA Elections Committee is looking for nominations for the upcoming WAPA fiscal year. The 2008-09 fiscal year is from July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009.

If you are a current WAPA member and interested in running for a WAPA position or know of a PA who is interested, please contact the WAPA office at: Tel: (206) 956-3624 or 1-800-552-0612 ext. 3006; Fax (206) 441-5863; Email: LMK@WSMA.org. A job description for each position will be emailed/faxed or mailed to you.

The following WAPA Board of Director's positions are open to WAPA Members:

President: a three-year commitment/term (President Elect, President, Immediate Past President)

Secretary: a two-year commitment/term

Treasurer: a two-year commitment/term

Region 1 Director: a two-year term

Region 3 Director: a two-year term

Region 5 Director: a two-year term

2 Year AAPA Delegate (you must be an AAPA member and a WAPA member to run for this position)

Three, 1 year AAPA Delegates (you must be an AAPA member and a WAPA member to run for this position)

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REGION # 1 UPDATE
Greetings! This has been a quiet summer around Region #1. MEDEX class 11 Spokane has started their training in Seattle. Twenty six new students will be starting here in Spokane on the 17th of September. This year’s cohort of students has varied backgrounds, interests and resides throughout the WWAMI region and other areas within the U.S. WAPA will be sponsoring a welcoming picnic at Comstock Park from noon until 4pm on the 22nd of September for the new MEDEX students and their families, faculty and physician assistants from the local area.

Don Coerver PhD., PA-C
Region # 1 Director

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REGION # 3 UPDATE
In Region 3, Marcy Shapley PA-C has now completed her excellent leadership as director. I think we’d all agree not only has she done an excellent job, she’s also been a real pleasure to interact with. I’m now left with the task of filling her shoes, and in doing so, I sure am looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible. My brief background is...graduated PA school Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 1997, worked family practice greater Renton, WA area thru 2003, and have been employed full-time in allergy/asthma/immunology with Dr. Elkayam in Bellingham, WA since January 2004. My family and I absolutely love living in this region, and look forward to being here a good long time!

I put together a very (stress very) short survey to try to get an idea of how to best meet our region’s needs for CME dinners. I am very open to any ideas from anyone about topics for CME or any other issues that affect PA’s in our region that we might want to address. The Fall CME is in our region at Semiahmoo (always a great place!) October 4-6, 2007 and we’re hoping for a great turnout.

Here’s hoping for a little more sunshine before summer comes to a close!

Lisa Drinkwater, PA-C
Region # 3 Director

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REGION # 4 UPDATE
Greetings from region 4.
First of all I want to thank all of you who attended both of the dinner programs last quarter. We had a good turn out and in addition to valuable information and an exceptional meal, it was a great opportunity to network with other PA’s in the region.

I have another dinner program in the works... Save this date: October 17, 2007 at El Gaucho’s Restaurant. Please check the web site and watch for an invitation in the mail. Please don’t forget to RSVP, as space is limited.

In other issues, I have been getting a number of E-mails from prospective PA’s wanting to job shadow. Although I feel this is a great opportunity to promote our profession, I find it difficult to accommodate all of these requests. I am hoping to compose a list of local PA’s who would be willing to have a job shadow periodically in order to support the career aspirations of these potential future PA’s. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested.

I look forward and hope to see many of you at the upcoming dinner meeting or at the Fall conference in Semiahmoo. As always, feel free to contact me with any thoughts or ideas you have regarding WAPA or Region 4.

John Tomchick PA-C
Region # 4 Director

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Along with five physicians, four nurses and a lab technician, we traveled to a remote village in western Haiti and set up a clinic to care for the inhabitants of the region.

For those not familiar with Haiti, it is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, and needless to say, are in dire need of medical care.

The clinic is set up in a small dispensary in Leon, Haiti. For the most part, they are without electricity, paved roads, or running water. The “exam rooms” are primarily a table and chair with a few scattered cots for the sickest patients. Some of the exam areas were even set up outside for the purpose of better lighting. A pharmacy was set up with the majority of the medications brought from the U.S., and a lab was available for specific medical tests as long as supplies were available.

In the five clinic days I was in Haiti, we were able to see over 1200 patients. This included two outreach groups that hiked up into the mountains in order to see patients that could not make it to Leon. This included a visit to a local orphanage where we also provided medical care.

Although the majority of patients were seen for fairly common complaints such as respiratory infections, headaches, back pain, rashes and minor wounds; we did see our share of malaria, mumps, HIV infection, and other less common infectious diseases. This includes an infant who died of tetanus on our very first day.

In addition to providing primary care, we also tried to integrate a public health message into the mission. We distributed a great number of health and hygiene products to most of the patients we saw and educated them on the importance of disease prevention. We then provided de-worming medication and vitamin supplements to all patients. To the most severely malnourished we supplied packages of rice and beans.

Overall, my experience in Haiti was the most rewarding experience as a PA. Not only did it make me appreciate how lucky we are to have what we have in this country, but it also made me appreciative of the great profession I have chosen which has allowed me to provide medical care to people who need it the very most.

John Tomchick PA-C

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MEDEX NORTHWEST IS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
Do you want to be involved with healthcare education? Now is your chance!

http://www.washington.edu/medicine/som/depts/medex/

The PA profession is known for "giving back" to the community. If you are looking for a way to make a difference, consider volunteering in the education of a PA student. MEDEX Northwest is seeking dedicated PAs to work with PA students who are training in Seattle, Spokane or Yakima. Possible activities include evaluating physical exam performances, tutoring, lecturing, and proctoring various workshops. We are also open to other ideas in how you might be involved!

MEDEX Northwest is a regional program that educates physician assistants in a proven tradition of excellence. As one of the first PA programs, MEDEX is committed to educating experienced health personnel from diverse backgrounds to practice medicine with physician supervision. The program
provides a broad, competency-based curriculum that focuses on primary care with an emphasis on underserved populations.

We hope that PAs from all walks of life will join us to help make a difference in their community. We understand the changing needs of busy volunteers and encourage you to give time as you can. There are opportunities at various levels of time commitment. Have fun and contribute to a notable cause by being actively involved in healthcare education!

MEDEX pays a small honorarium of $20 an hour, if so desired, for proctoring. Some people have donated this money to the PA scholarship fund.

We understand the changing needs of today's busy volunteers and active retirees. We encourage volunteers to give time as they can while contributing to notable causes by being actively involved in the healthcare education.

We hope that PAs from all walks of life will join us to help make a difference in their community and to have a great time doing it.

To volunteer or for more information on how you can be of help please contact:
Seattle: Linda Vorvick, MD (206) 616-4001 lvorvick@u.washington.edu
Yakima and Spokane: Angela Pischel (509) 835.3931 bhawks@u.washington.edu.

- Your Time and Knowledge Can Make a Welcome Difference -

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ATTENTION RETIREE'S - THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOU!
Are you retired yet still wanting to be involved with healthcare education? Now is your chance -
MEDEX Northwest is seeking volunteers!

http://www.washington.edu/medicine/som/depts/medex/

MEDEX Northwest is encouraging community PAs to become involved in the education of junior and senior students. This organization of volunteers is "dedicated to educating future healthcare providers by helping one student at a time." We are seeking dedicated PAs to work with us in Seattle, Spokane or Yakima.

Possible activities include proctoring physical exams, tutoring, lecturing, coaching students at retirement homes, proctoring various workshops and we are always open to ideas. MEDEX pays a small honorarium of $20 an hour, if so desired, for proctoring.

We understand the changing needs of today's busy volunteers and active retirees. We encourage volunteers to give time as they can while contributing to notable causes by being actively involved in the healthcare education.

We hope that PAs from all walks of life will join us to help make a difference in their community and to have a great time doing it.

To volunteer or for more information on how you can be of help please contact: Linda Vorvick, MD (206) 616-4001 or lvorvick@u.washington.edu.

Angela Pischel for participation in Spokane and Yakima at (509) 835.3931 or bhawks@u.washington.edu.

- Your Time and Knowledge Can Make a Welcome Difference -

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WELCOME TO ALL THE NEW MEDEX STUDENTS!
It great to meet some of you at the WAPA Luncheon. We are all excited for you to begin your didactic year and the journey of becoming a Physician Assistant.

Seattle Class 40, Spokane Class 20, and Yakima Class 13 have finished their didactic year and are enjoying a brief summer vacation before transitioning from Juniors to Seniors, and starting clinical rotations in September.

Seattle Class 41, Spoke Class 21, and Yakima Class 14 have just finished their first didactic quarter (summer) in Seattle and will be heading to their respective sites to start their didactic year as Juniors starting in Mid September.

A big congratulations to Seattle Class 39, Spokane Class 19, and Yakima Class 12 on the completion of their education and training to become physician assistants. These students will be graduating in late August and we wish them luck on boards and job hunting! Make sure to include AAPA and WAPA membership dues as part of negotiating your contract. Congrats Again!

Leanne Brink PA-C
WAPA Student Affairs Liason

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ALL THREE CAMPUSES OF MEDEX NORTHWEST GRADUATE TOGETHER
Holy cow, we graduated!!! On Thursday, August 31st, 2007, for the first time, all three campuses of MEDEX Northwest graduated together at University of Washington’s Kane Hall. It is my great pleasure to congratulate Seattle class 39, Yakima class 12, and Spokane class 9. I would also like to extend my appreciation and gratitude to the families and loved ones who have supported us all through a challenging time. While we spent a year in T-479, and another year around the five-state WWAMI region, you were there supporting us unconditionally. Thank you.

In addition to representing PAs in the community, there were also countless hours of lectures, study sessions and, of course, papers to write and exams to follow them. I believe I speak for Class 39 when I say that our panel of excellent lectures made this enjoyable with their vast knowledge and smooth deliveries.

MEDEX established the Golden Apple Award to recognize those class favorites. This year, MEDEX Class of 2007 recognized: Allen Ellsworth, PharmD, PA-C, Robert Fairfax, PA-C, Fredrick Hollon, MD, Misbah Keen, MD, Cheryl Parker, PA-C, Kent Saltonstall, MD, Eric Schuermer, MD, and Kipp Young, MD.

Natural Medicine Recipient: Bridget Albright, Linda Vorvick, MD, Layton Award Winner:Neil Wiegand.

Cheryl Parker, PA-C, Linda Vorvick, MD and Kent Saltonstall, MD

Lecturers who have received three Golden Apples are acknowledged with the status of “Perpetuity for Excellence in Teaching”. They include the newest inductees: Cheryl Parker, PA-C, Kent Saltonstall, MD, and Kipp Young, MD. Past honorees include: Tim Evans, MD, Guy Garrett, PA-C, Patty Hahn, ARNP, Kaye Kvam, PA-C, Roland Lilley, MA, PA-C, Terry Mengert, MD, Steve Setter, PharmD, Angie Stewart, PharmD, and Nick Ward, MD. A special thanks to all of our outstanding lectures.

Also recognized at Kane Hall were the exceptional students honored by faculty for their unique contributions to the Class of 2007. The Layton award went to Neil Wiegand for his many contributions to the class and for his extensive community involvement as Seattle Class 39’s Community Service Coordinator. Janell Ibsen took the stage for the Mary Reed Award. Class Leadership awards were also presented to Kenneth Haverland (Seattle 39), Ranae Tabin (Spokane 9) and Kishore Virada (Yakima 9). A Spirit of MEDEX award honored Aaron Isaac and Matthew Ota (Seattle 39), Michael Liberato (Spokane 9), and Kishore Varada (Yakima 12).

MEDEX also honors those showing a career focus and passion toward underserved communities. The Barbara Gunter Flynn and Glenn M. Doornink, MD awards were presented this year to Kim Deprati (Spokane 9) and Saubia Saeed (Yakima 12). Natural Medicine awards were presented to Bridget Albright (Seattle 39), Charlene Finley , Ranae Tabin (Spokane 9), Diana Hardy and Kim Glenn (Yakima 12). Writing awards also went to Preston Lehr (Seattle 39), William Aaron Agan (Spokane 9) and Mathew Kummerfeldt (Yakima 12).

In a special and emotional presentation, Travis Nease and Aaron Issac were acknowledged for their service to our country during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As an Army Reservists, Travis was called away from MEDEX to serve in the Iraqi theater of operations. Seattle Class 39 has been honored to welcome them into our class and thank them and all veterans for their service.

So, in a grand ceremony, in front of more people than I ever care to stand in front of again, I saw my classmates for the last time with the title of PA-S. Thank you, MEDEX Class of 2007, for the memories. I look forward to seeing you all in your future roles. On a personal note, I would like to say I am happy to buy any of you a drink at Finn MacCool’s and, as always, GO DAWGS!

Jason Hussey, PA
Seattle Class 39
Jasonh7@u.washington.edu

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Student Scholarship Form
To download the 2008 Student Scholarship form, click here.

All scholarship forms need to be received at the WAPA office by December 31, 2007.

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VOLUNTEERISM: BIG WORD, BIG JOB, BIG EFFORT
I am getting the last minute packing done for a mission to Malawi, Africa. My 2 adult sons and my teenage daughter and I are joining a group of about 30 people traveling to remote villages in this poor country to give medical aid, help in some building projects, and visit a couple of orphanages, to help as best we can. I am asked all the time, “Why Africa? Aren’t there people here you can help?”

The short answer is yes. The long answer is as follows:

One morning a poet was walking along the beach and in the distance, saw a lone figure dancing about. Fascinated, he drew closer and realized that the person was not dancing, but in one graceful motion was picking up objects from the beach and tossing them into the sea. He approached, saw that the objects were starfish, and asked, “Why in the world are you throwing starfish into the water?” “If the starfish stay on the beach, when the tide goes out and the sun rises higher, they will die,” replied the young man as he continued tossing them out to sea. “That’s ridiculous! There are thousands of miles of beach and millions of starfish. You can’t really believe that what you are doing can possibly make a difference!” The young man picked up another starfish, and tossing it into the waves, said, “It does to this one.”

By volunteering for this mission, we are hoping to make a difference.

I am asking that you consider volunteering to help WAPA, the organization that promotes your chosen profession. Of course we are all too busy, we have families to think about, and our days are too short as it is. Many of us already volunteer in our churches, communities, or schools. But one person can make a difference. We all have fresh ideas, unique energies, and we can make a difference in our relationships with our physicians, the insurance companies, and most importantly, our patients. Our state chapter has won many awards over the years for being a proactive organization that has made many changes for the better. Washington State is admired for having such great practice laws. All of our progress has meant many hours of many fellow PAs volunteering their time and energies for the progress and betterment of all of us. Join WAPA and become involved in our goals.

YOU can make a difference!

Sandy James, PA-C
jamesgang80@yahoo.com

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Welcome to the following new WAPA members! We have more power to accomplish affirmative action when there are more of us. Numbers speak loudly! Thanks to each of you from the WAPA Board. I look forward to meeting you!

(Aff= affiliate member; OOS= out-of-state member)

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