GAPA Fall 2011 Pulse by GAPA

fall 2011

GAPA pulse Georgia Association of Physician Assistants • Promoting the PA Profession in Georgia Since 1975

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GAPA Launches “Get Fit with GAPA” During 2011 PA Month Volunteers Needed for Georgia State Parks “Tons of Fun” Events By Carmel Hearn

The Georgia Association of Physician Assistants has launched a new initiative, “Get Fit with GAPA,” in conjunction with PA Month. The goal of this program, which will continue into next year, is to challenge member PAs and their patients to improve their nutrition and fitness levels. Here are some of the ways GAPA members can get involved:

GAPA’s first “health check” station will be held at the “Tons of Fun” event on Saturday, October 22 at Panola Mountain State Park, southeast of Atlanta. This community event is being planned in conjunction with “Food Day” on October 24, which promotes safe, healthy foods and curbing junkfood marketing to kids.

Georgia State Parks “Tons of Fun” Events – GAPA has been offered an extraordinary

How to Volunteer for “Tons of Fun” Events in Your Area – Click here to fill out a

opportunity to partner with Georgia State Parks in its “Tons of Fun” program. This effort provides tools and opportunities to help Georgians fight the obesity epidemic. All across Georgia, state parks and historic sites will be offering healthy eating programs and fun outdoor activities to help burn calories and build muscles.

response form if you can help on October 22 or if you would like more information about upcoming opportunities that GAPA will be participating in at many of Georgia’s 60 state parks. The form is also located on the “Get Fit with GAPA” area at gapa.net or contact GAPA President Mary Vacala for more information.

Please consider volunteering to staff “health check” stations at these events. You will be providing basic services, such as blood pressure checks, along with counseling and recommendations to children and adults on healthy eating and exercise programs. What a great opportunity to network with and provide life-changing and even life-saving services to your community!

“Get Fit with GAPA” Resources for Patients – GAPA is also expanding its website resources for patients, helping them discover fun, easy and free or low-cost ways to incorporate sensible eating plans and outdoor activities into their daily lives. We’ll be starting a new “Get Fit with GAPA” Facebook group soon. This will be a forum for PAs and patients to interact, share ideas and success stories. If you have additional continued on page 4

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Get Fit With GAPA Inside this Issue:

President’s Letter ............................. 2 Legislative Update ........................... 3 Medical Board News ...................... 4 Winter ‘12 Conference .................... 5 Return to Haiti . ................................. 6 Haiti – An Unforgettable Journey to Treat the Forgotten ...... 7 GAPA 2011 Awards Ceremony . ..... 8 GAPA and Bike MS . ........................ 9 Membership Application .............. 10 GHSU PA Program Update ........... 11 South University Update ............... 12 Emory PA Program . ....................... 12 Mercer University Update............. 13 GAPA Position Statement . ........... 13 GAPA Member Serves on World Track & Field Team ............ 15

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GAPa pulse

Fall 2011

Board of Directors President................................................Mary Vacala, ATC, MSPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA President-elect.................Tina Hood, PA-C, MPAS Past President.................................Jeff Chambers, PA-C, ATC Secretary . ......Lori Gaylor, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA Treasurer . .........................scott dickerson, PA-C Board Member at Large..............Dustin Carter,. MPAS, PA-C Board Member at Large..................Harris Patel, PA-C, ATC, MMSc Board Member at Large......................Ben taylor, PA-C, PhD Board Member at Large........... Christy Wilson, PA-C Executive Director.............. Charles B. Dillehay, MBA, CAE Editorial Board Editor............ Susan Bose Stempek, MMSc, PA-C Editor...............................Mike Rayburn, MMS, PA-C President................................................Mary Vacala, ATC, MSPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA Board Member at Large......................Ben taylor, PA-C, PhD

ASSOCIATION & EVENT MANAGEMENT

www.dillehaymgt.com Management GAPA Pulse is the official publication of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants. The mission of the GAPA is to promote high-quality, cost-effective, accessible healthcare as part of a Physician directed Physician Assistant/Physician team; to provide for personal growth and professional development of Physician Assistants; and to promote and represent the PA profession in Georgia. GAPA Pulse is published by the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants and Dillehay Management Group. Subscriptions are available as a benefit of membership in the Association. Statements of fact and opinion are made on the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers or the members of GAPA. GAPA does not endorse any advertisements included in the publication. Jobs advertised by the association do not constitute endorsement of positions or prospective employers. GAPA is not responsible for and does not confirm the accuracy of any information received and does not review employers or candidates. All positions listed are expected to be in accordance with applicable laws regarding non-discrimination and identity and employability prior to employment. GAPA reserves the right to reject or edit any article received for publication. GAPA Pulse ©2011 by Georgia Association of Physician Assistants.

GAPA Headquarters 1905 Woodstock Road • Ste 2150 • Roswell, GA 30075 P: 770.640.1920, 888.811.GAPA • F: 770.640.1095 E: info@gapa.net For a complete list of GAPA’s Leadership, programs, and services, visit gapa.net

Letter from the President

Please help me extend a sincere welcome to the new Georgia Association of Physician Assistants Board. They are valuable members of a strong and dynamic leadership team. The 2011-12 Board was installed on July 22, at the annual Board meeting during the GAPA Summer Conference in Hilton Head Island, SC.

I also appreciate the Board’s vote of confidence in re-appointing me to remain on as GAPA President in 2011-12. I will fill the term of 2010-11 President-Elect Brad Schwarz who resigned to accept an employment opportunity in another state. Your new Board is as follows: • President-Elect: Tina Hood, PA-C, MPAS • Secretary: Lori Gaylor, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA • Board-at-Large: Dustin Carter, MPAS, PA-C • Board-at-Large: Christy Wilson, PA-C • AAPA House of Delegates: Randy Bundschu, PA-C; Beckie Hayes, MSPAS, PA-C; Jill LeBoeuf, PA-C; Mary Vacala, ATC, PA-C, MSPAS, DFAAPA and Tammy Webb, PA-C • AAPA HOD Alternates: Dustin Carter, MPAS, PA-C; and Christy Wilson, PA-C I hope this finds each of you healthy and busy making a difference in providing healthcare throughout our state. Fall is fast approaching and I am proud to announce that your GAPA leadership team has successfully wrapped up another phenomenal summer conference and is now diligently gearing up for some major events. The Summer Conference was a smashing success with close to 700 registrants and 60 booths. We presented the 2011 GAPA awards for leadership and outstanding service. GAPA bestowed its top awards to Physician Assistants (PAs) as well as to two Georgia physicians, and granted a scholarship award to a PA family with a child battling a severe illness. These award winners demonstrate the highest degree of dedication to the Association as well as distinguished service to the PA profession and commitment to human rights issues. I would like to congratulate all of our award recipients for their hard work, as I am proud of their efforts. Our Legislative committee, led by Jeff Chambers and Tom Bauer, is lobbying for increased delegated authority to prescribe

Schedule II medications. In order to succeed at the General Assembly, PAs will need to educate policymakers and enlist the advocacy of supervising physicians. We have initiated a campaign to secure the support of other interested groups and will continue to lobby as we are dedicated to ensuring that patients receive the personal attention they need from their medical care providers, without barriers. National PA Week is October 6-12. This is a unique occasion for every PA in our state to celebrate the PA profession. During this week we are reminded of the impact Physician Assistants make in our communities and in the delivery of healthcare. This is our opportunity to raise awareness for the profession and GAPA. Enjoy your week and use this opportunity to share the message of wellness, fitness and prevention. Our impact on wellness care should be equally as important as healthcare. As it is our tradition, GAPA is expanding PA week into a month of activities that make our organization extremely visible as we launch our media campaigns and public service announcements. The GAPA website and PULSE newsletter continue to be invaluable sources of information for PAs, MDs and patients. The Latest in Health News, a feature presentation on the website, contains diverse hot medical topics with direct links to various notable news sources. Make sure you visit the website often. The website is your resource to updates on legislative issues and our direct link to keep the membership abreast on controversial topics as they may arise (and believe me ... they do). I am most excited to participate in GAPA’s newest effort, “Get Fit with GAPA,” which is kicking off with PA Month and will continue into next year. Our goal with this program is to challenge member PAs and their patients to improve their nutrition and fitness levels. In conjunction with this effort, GAPA has been offered an extraordinary opportunity to partner with Georgia State Parks in its continued on page 4

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Legislative/Regulatory Update Implementing HB 303 and Preparing for 2012 By Tom Bauer, GAPA Legislative Consultant

Now that HB 303 has passed, Georgia Association of Physician Assistants (GAPA) staff and volunteers are working to ensure a smooth implementation of the bill, which made needed changes to Georgia’s Physician Assistant Act. In addition, GAPA is preparing to address issues in the 2012 General Assembly. Here is a list of those issues:

PA Job Description – One of the key additions to the PA Act was the corroboration that PAs can be delegated the authority to authenticate all healthcare related forms in their scope of practice (with the exception of death certificates and assigning a percentage of a disability rating). Since questions have arisen recently about “1013”s (authorization to transport persons for involuntary evaluation for mental health and other purposes) and, in at least one county, about attesting to the need for a handicapped parking permit, GAPA is working with the Georgia Composite Medical Board to determine the best way to implement this provision, prior to the renewal of a PA’s job description during the normal renewal cycle. The Medical Board is also working on other changes to the job description to implement HB 303.

Delegation of Authority to PAs to Prescribe Schedule II Medications – Scheduled medications are integral to the provision of medical care. Forty-eight (48) states allow physicians to delegate Physician Assistants to prescribe such controlled medications, and 36 allow delegation of Schedule II prescribing by PAs. About 80% of these states impose no further restrictions on PAs prescribing Schedule II medications than on other controlled substances. Eight provide further restrictions, most commonly limiting the PA to prescribing a 30-day supply. Schedule II medications are critical in the practice of medicine. Examples of such medications are, hydromorphone (Dilaudid®), meperidine (Demerol®), oxycodone (Percocet), and fentanyl (Sublimaze® or Duragesic®) and stimulants like amphetamine (Dexedrine® or Adderall®), meth-amphetamine (Desoxyn®), and methylphenidate (Ritalin®) which are utilized in certain specialties, such as:

• • • • • • • •

Emergency medicine General surgery Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) Oncology Orthopedic surgery Pain management Pediatrics Psychiatry

The legal inability of a physician to delegate to a PA the authority to prescribe Schedule II medications places an unnecessary burden on patients, physicians and PAs. For example, when the physician is away from the office, especially in rural areas, patients are unable to have Schedule II medications refilled or delayed treatment occurs. As Georgia’s population both grows and ages, and with a pending shortage of physicians, it is imperative to eliminate barriers to patient care. Georgia PAs cite the following as typical examples of the need to be delegated Schedule II prescribing: (1) Hospital discharge (e.g., surgery patients in need of pain medication or OB/GYN patients who have had caesarian sections or hysterectomies); (2) Pediatric patients (ADD/ ADHD) who come in monthly for checkups, but the physician is not onsite; and (3) Urgent care patients who need a Schedule II medication, but who must be sent to the emergency room. The PA Act would have to be amended to allow PAs to prescribe Schedule II medications. If you are in one of the above areas of medicine, feel that delegation of the authority to prescribe Schedule II medications would assist you and your physician to provide better care to your patients, and are interested in helping with this issue, please contact Tom Bauer (TBauer23@aol.com) or Jeff Chambers at (Jchamberspa@bellsouth.net).

Other Issues – Other issues in which GAPA is involved include: • Insurance Company Recordkeeping – Addition of PA name to the Record – GAPA feels that requiring third party payors to record PA involvement in patient care would better document the significant role PAs play in today’s healthcare system. This would also require a change in Georgia law.

GAPA’s Political Action Committee The Georgia Association of Physician Assistants´ Political Action Committee is one of the most powerful voices for PAs in the State of Georgia, offering legislative advocacy and direct access between GAPA members and the key legislators who make State healthcare policies. With your support, GAPA has a strong voice in key legislative processes: • Educating legislators about our profession • Assisting legislators who are supportive of Physician Assistants • Promoting awareness for policymaking changes advantageous for Physician Assistants GAPA’s 35-year history substantiates the many legislative milestones achieved through membership support of the PAC. Please consider donating to the PAC today by filling out GAPA’s secure online donation form.

• PA name on Patient’s Rx Container – GAPA thinks this is a patient safety issue, which hopefully can be solved administratively (without legislation). • Georgia Workers Compensation Board Policy on First Scheduled Visit – The Georgia Board of Workers Compensation fee schedule prohibits a PA from initially evaluating and treating a Workers Compensation injury once the patient has been evaluated in an emergency department or urgent care setting. For example, a PA in a specialty setting (i.e., orthopedics, neurology) is unable to see a new Workers Compensation patient if the patient has already come into contact with the healthcare system after the injury because the fee schedule states that patients must be evaluated by a physician on their first visit in a specialty office. Since this policy both adversely affects Georgia Workers Compensation patients and is inconsistent with current medical practice, GAPA will be making renewed efforts to address this issue. gapa.net 3

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Get Fit With GAPA resources to recommend, or would like to write a blog for our website, please email feedback@gapa.net.

Statewide Promotion Efforts – All across the state, beginning this month and extending through 2012, patients will be reading, hearing and seeing “Get Fit with GAPA” messaging in magazine ads, radio spots and on billboards. This messaging encourages Georgians to visit the “Get Fit with GAPA” area of the GAPA website for resources and to “Find a PA” by clicking on that link on the GAPA website. Please make sure your membership profile information is accurate so patients can find you, and when they do, we encourage you to create a customized diet and exercise plan for them that takes into consideration their medical history, lifestyle and budget.

“Cross the Finish Line” at GAPA’s Summer Conference! – Please also consider developing case studies or events that promote healthy eating and exercise. We will be calling for presentation submissions in the spring of 2012. If yours is chosen, you can win a FREE conference registration to the 2012 GAPA Summer Conference in Sandestin, FL where you will have the opportunity to present your findings to 700 PAs from across the USA. We’ll provide more details about this program in upcoming newsletters, emails and at GAPA.net/fit. The launch of “Get Fit with GAPA” coincides with the observation of National PA Week, which is celebrated every year from October 6-12. It is a time to support, celebrate and recognize PAs, and increase public awareness of the PA profession. The Georgia Association of Physician Assistants expands its observance into an entire month of events each October in an ongoing effort to promote high quality, cost-effective, accessible healthcare as part of a Physiciandirected PA/ Physician team. Visit gapa.net/fit to learn more and “Get Fit with GAPA.”

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Medical Board News By Kathy Kemle, PA-C, MS

Pill Mills With the tightening of laws in Florida, the illegal operations known as “pill mills” have migrated to Georgia. They are easy to spot, if one knows the signs to watch for. They are usually “cash only,” see more patients per day than is medically possible, give everyone the same three prescriptions, and often serve persons from out of state. Most also operate a dispensary or instruct their patients which pharmacies to avoid or to patronize. Very little, if any, evaluation takes place. They are frequently located in “strip” centers. Physician Assistants may be pursued to staff these organizations, so they should be on their guard and avoid any contact with them.

Job Description The Basic (now simply job description) has been passed by the Physician Assistant Advisory Committee and by the Board. It is now, (as of September 5) in the office of the Attorney General for review. Provisions for completion of forms and death pronouncement, and other measures, bring the document into agreement with the new Law and Rules. It is uncertain if PAs will need to

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Letter from the President “Tons of Fun” events. This program provides tools and opportunities to help Georgians fight the obesity epidemic. All across Georgia, state parks and historic sites will be offering healthy eating programs and fun outdoor activities to help burn calories and build muscles.

GAPA is being asked to staff “health check” stations at these events. GAPA members will provide basic services such as blood pressure checks, counseling and recommendations to children and adults on healthy eating and exercise programs. This is a fantastic opportunity to network with and provide life-changing and even life-saving services to your community! Look for more information about “Get Fit with GAPA” in this newsletter and please sign up to participate at gapa.net/fit. Mary Vacala, ATC, MSPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA GAPA President

submit a new job description to be in compliance with the changes. Watch the GAPA newsletter and website for updates. The Committee plans to address the job description of anesthetist Physician Assistants, as well.

Scope of Practice Please remember that all medical practice by Physician Assistants is restricted to the same scope of practice as that of their supervising physician. Although a PA may have skills learned in another practice, if they would not normally be performed by the supervisor, the PA may not do them. For example, a PA who worked with an orthopedic surgeon, but is now working with a cardiologist, should not diagnose or treat a bony fracture. The cardiologist could not delegate such a task to the PA, as he/she would not do it themselves.

Physician Health Program Watch for your Board newsletter for information on the newly begun provider health program. It is meant to give impaired physicians and Physician Assistants a means to self-report impairment and to seek treatment without penalty. Other states implementing this have seen marked improvement in early recognition of problem behavior and a return of physicians to active practice.

Winter Conference The president of the Medical Board, Dr. Charles White, and LaSharn Hughes, executive director, will be presenting a session at the GAPA Winter Conference to acquaint attendees with the interview process and other Board procedures. They will also be available to answer questions from the group.

New Rules for Prescriptions Written in Georgia Now in Effect Effective October 1, 2011, every hard copy prescription drug order for any Schedule II controlled substance written in this state by a practitioner must be written on security paper. If you have questions, please contact the Pharmacy Board at 478.207.2440 or click here to download a PDF of the memorandum to Georgia Pharmacists from the Georgia Board of Pharmacy.

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NEW

Winter Conference location!

Exhibitor Recruitment Contest

GAPA’s exhibitor recruitment contest is more exciting than ever. If you recruit five or more exhibitors for any one conference, you will be entered to win up to $2,500! GAPA will award a grand prize of $2,500 per conference, plus a second prize of $1,500 and a third prize of $750 to the top three recruiters (of five or more exhibitors) for that conference.

Escape to Lakeside Luxury & Leisure Registration is now open for the GAPA Winter Conference, February 1-4, 2012, at the Legacy Lodge Resort at Lake Lanier Islands, GA. This new conference destination is located just a few miles northeast of Atlanta but seems a world away with accommodations and amenities that are sure to exceed your expectations. It is the perfect escape where you and your family can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, golf and wildlife viewing. You can also find adventures nearby including the scenic Chattahoochee National Forest, North Georgia’s vineyards and wineries, and one of the Southeast’s largest shopping malls. If you register by November 15, you will receive a $100 discount. The first 100 people to register will also be entered to win a two-night stay at Legacy Lodge. Register now at gapa.net!

Your Winning Code could be on the Winter Conference Brochure!

You should recently have received the GAPA Winter Conference brochure in the mail. Please look for your personal promo code on the back cover, next to your name. Then, click on www.gapa.net/winter12promo to see if you have won a free workshop at the GAPA Winter Conference! If you did not receive a brochure, please email info@gapa.net to request one by mail.

This contest is easy! Simply scroll through your Rolodex of vendors and submit them by filling out the “Recruit an Exhibitor” online form at gapa.net (click on the “Recruit an Exhibitor” button on the homepage). We will contact the organizations you identify with information about GAPA’s exciting conferences. The more booths you help secure, the greater chance you have at obtaining a cash prize. If you have any questions, please contact GAPA’s management office at 1.888.811.GAPA.

GAPA Merchandise and Spirit Wear Show your GAPA spirit and help tomorrow’s PAs by ordering customized merchandise from GAPA’s Advance Healthcare online store. We are pleased to be able to offer a convenient shopping experience through the Advance Healthcare Shop. Get lab coats, shoes, professional equipment, custom apparel and more while helping to support GAPA’s scholarship program. Visit the GAPA Advance Healthcare stop at gapa.net!

Shop GAPA’s Amazon Store Shop for textbooks, reference manuals and much more at GAPA’s Amazon store and a portion of your purchases will help benefit the organization. Visit the Amazon store at gapa.net today.

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Return to Haiti By Jeff Chambers, PA-C, ATC

Trey Scott, PT (L) of Athens Or thopedic Clinic and Melisa Martin, MD (R), an internal medicine/pediat ric physician fro m Athens.

Our destination, Terrier Rouge, a is a small town in the northeast corner of Haiti situated between Cap-Haitien and Fort Liberte. This village was once a thriving mill town in the 1950s. However, the development of synthetic fiber for rope led to the shutdown of the local hemp factory, leaving the population destitute.

My first trip to Haiti occurred six weeks after the devastating 2010 earthquake. It quickly became apparent to me that this is an environment where Physician Assistants have the knowledge and skills to quickly make an impact on the health and well-being of a population. By early 2011, I requested a seed donation from the GAPA Philanthropy Fund for a second trip. The request was graciously granted. Medical care in Haiti is fragmented. NGOs (nongovernmental organizations) provide a large percentage of healthcare. Most Haitian hospitals are in poor repair, severely understaffed and lack basic equipment. Bethlehem Ministry, a nonprofit organization created for the sole purpose of aiding Haiti’s poor, opened a clinic about three years ago; it soon had more business than it can handle. Across the street from the hospital in Fort Liberte are two pharmacies. In order to be treated in Haitian hospitals, you must first be able to pay (or no treatment) and you must purchase your own supplies from the local pharmacy prior to your admission and procedure. Medications are usually a fallback position in case a trip to the local voodoo priest is unsuccessful. On my visit to the hospital in Fort Liberte to look at operating rooms for potential, future medical missions, we packed a truck with about two tons of food – beans, rice, cooking oil, pasta and fish – to feed two outlying villages. The Haitian diet is heavy in beans with some occasional meat (horse, goat and sometimes chicken.) Poor nutrition plays a large role in infant and early childhood mortality.

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Milledge Avenue Baptist Church in Athens, GA funded the operation. Bethlehem Ministry of Athens performs this project routinely. Not everyone gets to eat; the local leaders select those eligible based on age, number of family members, etc. This is truly the hungry feeding the starving. The need for orthopedic care in Haiti is great, and in fact, the need for orthopedic training of local surgeons is even greater. For many medical professionals, the challenges and rewards of practicing in third world countries is a “calling.” The most interesting case on my trip was a man with a large knee. The patient sustained a fractured femur one year ago. The local surgeon had placed a rod in his thighbone, but had not properly “locked” the rod allowing the rod to slip down into his knee joint. The patient was unable to move his knee for three months and was, as you can imagine, uncomfortable. The patient could not afford to go to the local hospital for surgery. My concern was the damage that the rod was doing to his knee joint and the possibility of an infected joint. We decided to go ahead and remove the rod despite not having the capability to provide general anesthesia. Dr. Martin was pressed into service as our “anesthesiologist,” while I prepared to make my incision. We were able to give sedation via IV and place a nerve block at the hip, which worked very well. As you can imagine, we had no air conditioning

and limited surgical instruments. I was assisted by the local, primary care physician, Dr. Gustav. I was able to grasp the rod with a simple hemostat and it slid right out. Thanks to our well-equipped pharmacy, we were able to give the patient IV and oral antibiotics to prevent infection. After the procedure, the patient pronounced, “Welcome to Haiti,” in broken English. Of course, he was still under the influence of Versed at the time. Nonetheless, he was very happy he could move his knee and about two hours later he left on the back of a motorcycle with rod in hand. The local physician would handle follow-up care at the clinic. I encourage all PAs to consider mission work, particularly in Haiti, where the need is great. Not only are medical professionals needed there, but also teachers, carpenters, electricians and others skilled to build and teach. Future missions for 2012 include taking a surgical team to Fort Liberte to provide orthopedic care. Discussions with the hospital and local physicians lead me to believe that this would be an excellent opportunity for GAPA to positively affect Haitian healthcare and in turn expand and strengthen the Physician/PA team concept on both the local and international stage. Please contact Jeff Chambers at jchamberspa@bellsouth.net or visit http:// www.bethlehemministry.org/home.htm to learn more about how you can participate in a medical mission trip to Haiti.

Haiti - An Unforgettable Journey to Treat the Forgotten By Tammy Webb, PA-C

In May 2011 I had the privilege to participate in a medical trip to Port Au Prince, Haiti, sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). Other team members were Clark ReidMcKee, PA, an Emory grad, now practicing in Arizona; Nancy Reid McKee, NP, also from Arizona who previously practiced at Grady; and three RNs, a nursing student, two UUSC staff members and several wonderful translators. Our first two days were spent at the Association for the Promotion of Integral Family Healthcare (APROSIFA) Along with healthcare, APROSIFA provides educational opportunities and training to produce and sell art. It was expected that most of the needs would be primary care but I would offer gynecological services as needed. The response was overwhelming. When we arrived at APROSIFA patients were already waiting. While the other clinicians provided primary care, mostly to children, I provided OB/GYN care. The tiny exam room was hot, only one stirrup was functional on the exam table and I used a hiking headlamp for an exam light. Many of the women had never had a pelvic exam. Everything had to be translated so visits were time consuming. Having no immediate availability of lab or ultrasound, I practiced with only my head, hands and heart. I used pH paper and physical signs/symptoms to diagnose vaginal infections. Not surprisingly, yeast infections and urinary tract infections were common. We had brought a lot of medications with us on the trip but not anticipating seeing OB patients, we had not brought any antiemetics. Several of us had brought small quantities of promethazine and Zofran for personal use and everyone willingly donated their personal meds so I could treat several patients with hyperemesis. For many of the women, who ranged from two to seven months pregnant, this was the only prenatal visit that they would receive. Because the need was so great, Nancy joined me in providing OB/ GYN care after the first day. In many ways, they were similar to the patients I see in the United States: anxious and nervous about their health and the health of their baby, scared about having a pelvic exam for the first time. The differences, though, were striking. These patients have limited or no opportunity for follow-up, and they have life stresses that are almost impossible to comprehend. How do you talk about healthy eating with someone who

doesn’t know where her next meal is coming from? Along with the nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy, I saw a young pregnant woman who most likely has breast cancer, with little or no options for treatment and another woman with serious vaginal bleeding for whom I had little to offer. Another woman I suspected has a twin pregnancy and I worried what would happen when she gave birth in a makeshift tent without healthcare. But I was able to provide one good prenatal visit for many women and treat a number of illnesses that would have gone untreated. The women seemed truly grateful for the care. I was honored to be able to help even in a small way. After two days at APROSIFA we moved to the Commission of Women Victims for Victims, known by the Haitian acronym KOFAVIV. Here, women who were victims of gender-based violence have created a place to serve other women. Prior to the earthquake a medical clinic existed at KOFAVIV, but it was destroyed and has not been rebuilt. In addition, they provide counseling and opportunities to make and sell crafts to keep women and girls off the street. I saw patients in a classroom where we used a desk as an exam table. Again this was the first GYN exam for many of these women. Despite practicing GYN for over 25 years and taking care of numerous sexual assault victims in a variety of settings, this was the most difficult experience of my career. I saw a three-yearold with blank eyes who did not cry, whimper or even flinch as I examined the severe physical trauma inflicted on her in a brutal sexual assault only days before; a woman in her twenties who was very happy I could confirm her pregnancy and tell her everything looked OK; a 17-year-old who had been crying for two months since a severe beating and gang rape – her parents had died, she felt all alone, and she had to live where the assault happened; and a young girl who makes an arduous journey every day to KOFAVIV because the program has done so much for her. I could listen, I could provide antibiotics for the infections, but what I couldn’t do is offer them safety. To have so many people still living in tents with unsafe conditions 18 months after the quake is an affront to any sense of human decency. KOFAVIV is an amazing program, and I am proud to have made even a small contribution – but so much more needs to be done. The one promise I continued on page 15

young girl Tammy Webb, PA-C with at Camp Oasis

“The one promise I made to my patients is that they were not alone, and I would continue to tell their story so the world does not forget.”

Makeshift exam table in

mining child PA Clark Reid-McKee exa

Makeshift lab

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GAPA Recognizes 2011 Physician Assistant Service Award Winners Year winner Darrell Physician Assistant of the nt Mary Vacala Nesbit, PA-C with Preside

The Georgia Association of Physician Assistants presented the 2011 GAPA awards at the organization’s 36th Annual Summer CME Conference and Exhibition, held in July. The organization bestowed its top awards to Physician Assistants, as well as two physicians, and granted a scholarship award to a PA family with a child battling a severe illness.

Physician Assistant of the Year – Darrell Nesbit, PA-C This award honors a Physician Assistant who has demonstrated exemplary service to the PA profession in Georgia and the community and has furthered the image of PAs. Darrell Nesbit began his medical career as a Special Forces medical operative in 1970 and was accepted to the Army Physician Assistant program in 1982. Following military retirement, he became a licensed Georgia PA in 1993. He has served GAPA as a regional contact liaison for eight years and currently serves as the president of the North GA Advanced Practitioners, a composite group of PAs and NPs. He has mentored PA students from across Georgia and South Carolina for many years. Nesbit resides in Woodstock with his wife of 42 years. “I can only wonder what I have done to deserve such recognition,” said Nesbit. “You have no idea how honored I feel to receive this kind of recognition from my peers.”

Physician of the Year – John Hungerpiller, MD Physician of the Year win ner John Hungerpiller, MD with niec e Auddie

This award is presented to a physician who has provided exemplary service to PAs in Georgia either as mentor, preceptor and teacher or in other ways has furthered or facilitated the practice of PAs in Georgia. Dr. John Hungerpiller practiced medicine in his hometown, Savannah, after graduating from Emory Medical School and completing a Vascular Surgery Fellowship at Georgia Baptist Medical Center in Atlanta. He was inducted into the American College of Surgeons in 1992. Considered by many of his professional peers as a “doc’s doc,” he was known as a passionate individual who pursued technical excellence in all he approached. Hungerpiller died of a heart attack on October 23, 2010 at age 51. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Jeanne Marotta Hungerpiller, and a daughter, Carrie Lee Hungerpiller.

Distinguished Service Award – Barbara Burk, PA-C This award honors a PA who has given time and effort in an exemplary manner to further the efforts of GAPA.

ard winner Barbara Distinguished Service Aw sident Mary Vacala Pre Burk, PA-C with

Barbara Burk practices at the Gastroenterology Associates of Gainesville. A graduate of Georgia Health Sciences University, she has received multiple sclerosis specialty certifications along with many awards including Who’s Who of Female PAs. She has worked tirelessly to bring healthcare diversity issues to the forefront and has served as a preceptor for the past six years. Burk is also a bone marrow transplant survivor. “Being a cancer survivor since I was five years old has shaped my life like no other experience and was the facilitating factor of why my career had to be in medicine,” Burk said. “With my personal and educational background I understand how this disease affects patients and their families.”

Humanitarian of the Year – Tammy Webb, PA-C This award honors a PA who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to human rights and exemplifies the PA profession’s philosophy of providing accessible and quality healthcare in locations within Georgia.

Humanitarian of the Year winner Tammy Webb, PA-C with President Mary Vacala

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Tammy Webb practices at the University Health Center – Women’s Clinic at the University of Georgia. She graduated from the Baylor College of Medicine in 1983 and has served as GAPA’s Legislative and Governmental Affairs (LGA) Committee chair and on multiple committees of the national PA organization, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). Webb recently returned from a medical mission trip in Haiti. She resides in Hull. continued on page 14

A Win-Win for GAPA and BIKE MS By Mike Tremmel, PA-C, Philanthropy Committee Co-Chair

Last year I was given the honor of cycling in Bike MS with the Shepherd Spinal Center Team. I was so struck by the magnitude of the two-day fundraising event for Multiple Sclerosis patients that I shared my experience with Sheri Chazen and Charmaine Faucher of the GAPA Philanthropy Committee. Next thing I know, we’re not only sponsoring a break point at the ride, but also forming our own team of PA cyclists in Bike MS 2011. Our dream came true and 12 PAs and friends formed the first ever “TEAM GAPA” while 20 GAPA friends/volunteers cheered on riders at the 38.2 mile break point of the 102 mile route of the race held September 17-18 at Callaway Gardens.

GAPA Team at Bike MS

First, let me share why we became involved. Approximately 400,000 Americans have multiple sclerosis, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed with MS. World-wide, MS affects about 2.5 million people. MS is a chronic, unpredictable neurological disease of the central nervous system. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. Funds we raise for BIKE MS promote new research and advances which give new hope to people affected by MS. Our GAPA presence at the break cheering point and as cyclists unites us closely with patients and families living with MS.

recovering from knee surgery, rode a 36-mile route. All of us made it through the challenging hills of the course’s last 10 miles. On day two, each of us chose between a 64-mile route and a 32-mile route. While on his 102-mile ride on day one, Marietta PA Damon Denzin was accompanied by Macon PAs Michael Brugger and Mercer PA student Danielle Young. He asked several other riders about team names and why they we were riding. He recognized many of the team names such as Home Depot and UPS, and enjoyed listening to riders explain how they were cycling on behalf of friends or family members suffering from MS. But he was more struck by the large number of teams named after individuals living with MS such as Team Drummond and Team Erin. By the way, Damon himself raised $1,050 for Bike MS. As a group, TEAM GAPA raised a total of $4750!!

Crossing the Finish Line

This year, BIKE MS celebrates its 25th anniversary. The New Orleans decorations and costumes at the 38.2-mile break point let everyone know that this year’s theme was “Pardi-Gras.” Thanks to Charmaine and her husband Spence, the King Cake they provided was a huge hit among the riders! Each rider was welcomed and encouraged by our volunteers from Pain Solutions Treatment Center including Marietta Nurse Practitioner Phillip Trapp; Marietta PA Jeff

I hope you’ve noticed our GAPA uniforms in the photos! Our cycling jerseys and shorts were designed by Nancy O’Neill of O’Neill Communications and purchased thanks to donations from Pinnacle Orthopaedics as well as an anonymous donor. The GAPA staff provided GAPA band-aids, a banner and pens. Each of this year’s team has already signed up for next year. Thanks to the generosity of GAPA members, we were able to make a powerful statement in Georgia about our concern for patients living with MS. Consider joining us in 2012!!

McEver from Georgia Urology; Marilu Sumner and Nilsa Castro with family members from Pinnacle Orthopaedics; and Negin Akbarshahi and Gwen Bauer, PA students from the Mercer PA program. While they were offered food and drink, first aid and encouragement, each cyclist became more aware of the Physician Assistant profession. GAPA was also promoted many times on the radio thanks to occasional live broadcasts from 98.5 FM. So many riders commented on the GAPA break point and truly appreciated our volunteers’ service. With all her hard work and organization, Charmaine might as well have cycled the 102 mile route!

While we were rolling our bikes towards the starting line to join over 1,500 other cyclists, we were surprised by a fly-over of four retired Army fighter planes from Ft. Benning, GA. Sheri was so overwhelmed she felt tears in her eyes and shared, “At that point I knew we were making a difference by doing something much bigger than any one of us.” Sheri took a 61-mile route accompanied by Macon PAs Ricky Cain and Steve Parker; friends Jennifer Horvath, Susan Goodman and Cynthia Edwards; and myself. Damon’s wife Lucy, recently

GAPA Team at Bike MS

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Membership Application

Pass On To A Colleague!

Payment Information NAME AND CREDENTIALS___________________________________________________ MAILING AddRESS_________________________________________________________ CITY / STATE_ _____________________________________________________________ ZIP / COUnTY_____________________________________________________________ The mission of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants (GAPA) is to promote high quality, cost-effective, accessible healthcare as part of a Physician-directed PA/ Physician team, to provide for personal and professional development of PAs, and to represent the PA profession in Georgia. Since 1975, GAPA has represented the PA profession among State and national legislators, helped PAs find jobs in Georgia, promoted public awareness and understanding of PAs among prospective employers and the general public, kept PAs up-to-date on reimbursement and legislative news, given PAs chances to earn CME credits and more. Now, GAPA offers the general public a place to learn more about hot health topics and serves as a gateway to more resources on health. Furthermore, the Association offers Physicians, hospitals and clinics a way to advertise PA job openings, and a place to learn the benefits of hiring a PA. And of course, all PAs in Georgia benefit from GAPA’s reimbursement and legislative news, CME creditearning opportunities, regional meetings, and legislative representation. If you’re a PA in Georgia and you’re not a member of GAPA, join today!

HOME PHONE_____________________________________________________________ BUSINESS PHONE_________________________________________________________ EMAIL_ __________________________________________________________________ FAX_ ____________________________________________________________________ PA PROGRAM/GRADUATION YEAR_____________________________________________ TYPE/SPECIALTY OF PRACTICE________________________________________________ SUPERVISING Physician_ __________________________________________________ Membership Categories (choose one) ____ Fellow $150/yr. Graduates of PA Programs approved by the Board of Directors and/or persons certified by the NCCPA, who are Fellow Members of the AAPA. ____ Associate $150/yr. (Non-AAPA Member PAs) PAs licensed by the State of Georgia and other PAs approved by the Board of Directors. ____ Affiliate $25/yr. Affiliate members shall include other persons not eligible for Fellow or Associate membership who desire to affiliate with the Association. ____ Student FREE (for entire student period) Persons enrolled in Board-approved programs training PAs. ____________ Total I am enclosing a ___check, OR I authorize GAPA to charge my: ___Mastercard ___VISA ___American Express Please charge $_________ on my credit card. ________________________________________________________________________ CARD NUMBER/EXP. DATE ________________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE/DATE/Billing zip code Contributions or gifts to GAPA are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal tax purposes, however, dues payments may be deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses. Since GAPA engages in lobbying, under Federal law, 55% of dues payments are non-deductible. GAPA’s membership year is from January – December.

Please mail to:

Georgia Association of Physician Assistants 1905 Woodstock Road • Suite 2150 • Roswell, GA 30075 770.640.1920, 888.811.GAPA

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To find out more about the benefits of membership or join online, visit gapa.net.

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Georgia Health Sciences University PA Program Update By Amanda Brehm, PA-S, Amanda Ness, PA-S, Class of 2013

While the GHSU Class of 2011 ends their PA school journey by taking on the Boards, the Class of 2012 has begun their year of rotations. With locations all over Georgia from Augusta to Atlanta to Cordele, the students are eager to learn from their preceptors. “I’ve really enjoyed rotations thus far. It’s been great to have a change of scenery from the classroom, and I have actually seen a lot of cool stuff already,” one student said. As the Class of 2013, we congratulate the Class of 2011 on the completion of all of their hard work, wish the Class of 2012 the best of luck on their rotations, and are looking forward to being in their shoes some day! After conquering the anatomy challenge over the summer, and with the advice of our precedents, our class is ready to take on fall semester. This fall consists of courses such as Clinical Medicine, Pharmacology, Biostatistics, and Physical Assessment (which tends to be the favorite.) Ophthalmoscopes and blood pressure cuffs in tow, the students are having a great time actively learning how to perform a physical exam. With challenging classes, volunteer projects, intramurals and other exciting events underway, the students certainly have their hands full. They still manage to have a little fun on their study breaks with events such as the PA formal and class birthday parties. Physical fitness also helps lower their stress levels. Many of the students have started attending a challenging 6:00 AM “boot camp” gym class with a retired military instructor before they have even had their morning cup of coffee. Boot camp, indeed! As

Name Change to Physician Associate

There has been a lot of discussion lately on changing the name of our profession from “Physician Assistant” to “Physician Associate.” A link has been set up by a group of PAs who are in favor of the change, and they are asking other PAs to join them in this effort. If you would like to voice your support or learn more, please click on this link: associatenamechange.com/

time-consuming as studying can be, the GHSU students understand the importance of keeping a good balance in their lives. The class has started their volunteer projects on a great note. Outstanding leadership has stepped up to take on GHSU’s Christ Church clinic. This monthly service project focuses on screening, educating and empowering the patients with their own health. Some of the goals of this year include: reaching out to more people, expanding the list of screening procedures to include optometry, enhancing the educational material for the patients, and making it more accessible to Spanish-speaking patients. The class also volunteered at the Ironman Augusta 70.3 race on September 25 by working in the medical tent. This was a great opportunity to promote and support these great athletes and get some athletic inspiration from this opportunity for their intramural flag football teams: The Osteoclasts (girls’ team) and the Schlemm Shadies (guys’ team.) September 24 marked a very important day in GHSU’s path to becoming PAs. The students’ families came to town to celebrate the White Coat Ceremony. After all the hard work they had put in over the summer, the Class was more than excited for this special event that established their acceptance into the medical community and signaled a major milestone in their journey toward becoming PAs.

Make gapa.net your homepage for news and information relating to your practice and your profession!

PA Formal

Christ Churc h core grou p

draiser Christ Church car wash fun

Connect with GAPA in Your Region!

GAPA Region Update

Please contact the GAPA Regional Liaison in your area to see when the next meeting is scheduled. Regional meetings provide a great opportunity to network with fellow PAs, learn about new products and help grow your profession. Click on RCL map at the bottom of the homepage at gapa.net for more information.

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South University Update

By Jamie Simpson PA-S1, Karah Brown PA-S2 & Beckie S. Hayes, MSPAS, PA-C

GAPA Challenge Bowl

Award Jennifer Brown wins ACE

Softball Team Champions

Emory PA Program By Michael B. Witherspoon, PA-S2

As we bid farewell to the blue skies and sunshine of summer, we welcome the leafy yards and cool sunsets of fall. With the start of the new season, comes the start of a new journey for first and second year PA students at Emory University. What is it going to be like? Is it really as hard as they say it is? Will I get along with my classmates? Will I be able to make all As? Common questions first year students ask themselves prior to starting PA school. The butterflies in your stomach, the anxiety, the excitement, all united together marks the beginning of PA school and the beginning of an amazing journey into medicine. With a revised module-based curriculum, the first year students began their didactic year in August.

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After completing a busy third didactic quarter, the Class of 2013 is currently on a much anticipated three-week break. The class had a jam-packed quarter full of applied learning experiences, serving meals at the Savannah City Mission and Ronald McDonald House, and assisting in the BBQ Brews and Bluegrass hosted by The Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center, as well as working alongside one another with Habitat for Humanity to build a house. The class recreational softball team, “Foul Play,” proudly accepted the league champion title. Additionally, participation in the first Annual Kickball Tournament hosted by the Pharmacy Program at South University proved to be energizing and fun. Approaching quickly is the long-awaited, nationally-recognized Savannah Rock n’ Roll Marathon, where many students and a faculty member are looking forward to running along with approximately 23,000 other enthusiasts in the half or whole marathon in support of various charities. On an academic note, the Class of 2013 would like to extend congratulations to Jennifer Brown for being chosen to receive the ACE (Academic, Compassion and Excellence) Award for the Summer quarter. For the upcoming quarter, the class is diligently and excitedly coordinating various activities hosted around our historic city to commemorate National Physician Assistant Week including the annual alumni luncheon on October 2. The Class of 2012 completed their fourth rotation, officially marking the halfway point of the clinical year. The class actively participated in their second on-campus week involving testing, pertinent seminars and professional development, which was followed by a welcomed vacation. The program would like to congratulate second year student Karin McGee for being chosen by faculty as the recipient of South University’s Clinical Student of the Year. Congratulations also go out to Wade Fletcher, MD for earning South University’s Faculty Member of the Year Award. The faculty, staff, and students bid Clinical Coordinator Rachelle Dye, PA-C, a farewell as she represents not only Savannah, South University, South University alumni, Physician Assistants and America in serving as a contributor in piloting an international PA Program in a large country where none have existed previously. There will be more to follow on this development. Best wishes to Rachelle for a successful adventure and for a safe return.

Do I know enough? Will I remember my physical exam techniques? What was that mnemonic? Just a few of the questions second year students ask themselves as they begin their clinical year. As a second year student, my classmates and I are extremely excited for the opportunity to take the knowledge and skills we have gained and begin to make our imprint in the medical community. From long days of lectures to long days with our preceptors, we will be distributed in hospitals and clinics across the nation. We look forward to the opportunity to learn from healthcare’s best and brightest and gain valuable experience that we will cherish forever. Special congratulations are in order for second year students Clinton Kalan (Student of the Year) as well as Amanda Rider and Stephanie Kurtz (GAPA Scholarship Award recipients) for a wonderful first year campaign. Moreover, congratulations are due for the 2011 GAPA

Challenge Bowl champions Regina Holan, Stephanie Kurtz and 3rd year student Ian Spain for a superb performance in Hilton Head. They worked very hard and came home with the program’s first GAPA Bowl trophy. Love is in the air at Emory!! Congratulations to second year students Dan and Amy Richmond, Caroline Cates, and Anna Turbes on tying the knot this year. I would also like to congratulate Michael Higgins on the birth of his beautiful baby boy. As we continue to strive for success and attain the knowledge and skill we need to become great clinicians, let us remember to thank those who have paved the way for our amazing profession. Let us celebrate their accomplishments as our own and continue to be positive leaders in our community.

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Mercer University Update By Negin Akbarshahi, PA-S1

With the demanding summer semester behind them and the students ready to delve back into their studies, the Class of 2013 kicked off the semester with a field day and the sharing of a warm welcome with new faculty members: Professors Joseph Yonke, PA-C, Heather Schmidt, PA-C, and Amy Steele, PA-C. Also, the class has already devoted a great deal of effort to spreading PA advocacy for the upcoming National PA Week, and the students have plans to trumpet the PA profession through various media and service projects. Some of their efforts include: submitting opinion editorials to local newspapers, radio stations, and social media outlets, starting an initiative within the Program to host informative presentations at local high schools, and inviting a few high school students for a tour of the PA Program. Moreover, the students will be hosting a local health fair and volunteering at a local chapter of the Ronald McDonald House. They will wrap up their week of PA advocacy by participating in the 2011 AIDS Walk Atlanta.

The summer semester is a notoriously rigorous time for the students of the Mercer University PA Program and this year was no exception. The Class of 2013 encountered a myriad of challenges right from the start of the semester, and although those few short months felt like an eternity to many, the students emerged stronger and better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in the fall semester. The students not only survived the difficult summer term, but also seemed to thrive on the inherent pressures. Many students made the trek to the 2011 AAPA National Medical Challenge Bowl, held this year in Las Vegas, Nevada, to proudly show support for their team, which ultimately placed first in the competition. Additionally, the students’ unyielding desire for medical education was apparent in the fact that many of them used their two-week summer vacation as an opportunity to learn from PAs in their community by observing various surgical procedures.

Georgia Association of Physician Assistants’ Position Statement on

Streamlining Administrative Processes Through Health Information Technology and E-Prescribing By Mary Vacala ATC, PA-C, GAPA 2011-12 President

The mission of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants (GAPA) is to promote high quality, cost-effective, accessible healthcare as part of a physician-directed Physician Assistant/Physician team. More than 2000 Physician Assistants (PAs) across the State of Georgia are dedicated to ensuring that patients receive the personal attention they need from their medical care providers. PAs have made a significant impact in the delivery of healthcare and will continue to change the way healthcare is delivered in this country. PAs have become indispensable members of the healthcare team and are forecast to be crucial members of healthcare reform. There are now more than 73,000 certified PAs in the US, and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) projects that by 2018 there will be more than 100,000 practicing PAs.

GAPA recognizes the potential of health information technologies to create efficiencies in the delivery of healthcare, improve the quality and safety of patient care and lower costs. Our organization supports related policy that will protect the provider/patient relationship and ensure high quality care for Georgians. GAPA recently surveyed its membership and found that administrative barriers such as the timeconsuming process of prior authorizations are putting patient health at risk, and at times, forcing providers to change their course of treatment. The results of this statewide survey mirrored results from an American Medical Association survey that called for streamlining administrative processes around access to medications. Access barriers like prior authorization and step therapy often delay and interrupt patient

Region 7 Update

By Wallace Green, PA-C

Hopefully everyone had a great summer. School’s back and everyone should be settled in for the fall, so let’s get the season started off again. We will be planning a dinner program soon, so please be on the lookout for an email blast.

The Class of 2013 is not the only group that has been busy. The Class of 2012 has already completed over half of their clinical rotations and look forward to their elective rotations in the upcoming spring semester. Also, they have committed to a topic for their Capstone Project and their research is underway. There is no doubt that the Mercer University PA Program is ambitious and strives to provide the best PA education possible. Although students may feel disoriented at times, the passing of another semester brings each class one step closer to becoming successful PAs.

care, and cause unnecessary time constraints on providers. According to a national study published in Health Affairs in 2009, these barriers are estimated to cost physician practices $31 billion annually. Through Health Information Technologies, GAPA supports efforts to streamline these administrative processes in order to protect the patient/provider relationship, allowing for crucial information to be available at the point of care, including the patient’s individual formulary information, notification on what products and services require prior approval, and a real time, electronic process for administering prior authorizations. GAPA welcomes and supports widespread adoption of integrated e-prescribing, so long as transparency exists, and access to preferred treatments chosen by patients and their healthcare professionals is preserved. GAPA also encourages its membership to work together with patient and provider groups, as well as elected officials and other stakeholders, to ensure access to quality care, and simplify associated administrative processes. gapa.net 13

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GAPA 2011 Awards Ceremony Rural PA of the Year – Lesley Maples, MSPAS, PA-C This award honors a Physician Assistant who has provided accessible, quality healthcare in a rural community of the United States. Rural is defined as a community of fewer than 10,000 people.

Lesley Maples, Rural PA of the Year winner nt Mary Vacala MSPAS, PA-C with Preside

Lesley Maples graduated from South University’s PA Program in 2004 and works in family practice and emergency medicine at the Miller County Medical Center and Miller County Hospital. He is also a National Health Service Corps 4th year loan repayor. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting and water sports. Maples and his family reside in Climax.

Physician/PA Partnership Award – Gary A. Levengood, MD/ Diana K. Dean, PA-C This award honors a Physician/PA team that exemplifies the unique relationship of trust, collegiality and mutual respect that is essential to the PA profession. Dr. Gary Levengood is the founder and president of Sports Med South in Lawrenceville. He is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons. As a former professional soccer player for the Georgia Generals, his interest in sports medicine began as an active participant and coach. “I have complete faith that PAs make healthcare more efficient,” said Levengood. “It is a fact that PAs help get our patients beyond better.”

Physician/PA Partnership Award winner Diana K. Dean, PA-C with President Mary Vacala

Diana K. Dean has worked in orthopedics since 1991. A magna cum laude graduate from the Medical College of Georgia, she is board-certified with special recognition in surgery by NCCPA. Diana is active in fundraising for the Special Olympics and other charity events for diabetes and cancer. She and her husband live in Gainesville. “I love working as a PA and taking care of patients and cannot imagine doing anything else,” Dean professed. “Having compassion for each patient and helping people is an honor and privilege.”

Circle of Honor – Randy Bundschu, PA-C The Circle of Honor is a distinguished award given to someone with a proven record of involvement and achievement with GAPA. Randy Bundschu works for the Emory Clinic in the division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. He is a 1978 graduate of Emory University’s PA Program and has received numerous awards on state and national levels. He has previously served as secretary of GAPA, as well as a registered lobbyist for the organization. Bundschu and his wife, Susan reside in Decatur. “I thank my PA and NP co-workers for supporting my involvement and time away from work,” Bundschu acknowledged. dy Bundschu, PA-C Circle of Honor winner Ran ala with President Mary Vac

Dylan Maples Memorial Scholarship Award – Melissa Fussell, MPAS, PA-C This scholarship was established this year in memory of Dylan Maples, who was two years old when he passed away when he drowned in his family’s pool five years ago. The child was the son of Lesley Maples, a GAPA member and the 2011 Rural PA of the Year. “The fact that people remember him makes it really special to know that Dylan is not forgotten,” said Maples. “Educating people about the risks is the key to possibly preventing something like this from happening to another child.” In April 2009, Melissa Fussell felt a mass in her daughter’s stomach. Isabelle was diagnosed with a Wilm’s Tumor and subsequently completed 11 radiation treatments and 31 weeks of chemotherapy that she completed in January 2010.

Dylan Maples Memorial Scholarship Award winner Melissa Fussell, MP AS, PA-C with daughter Isabelle and hus band Bruce

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Fussell graduated from South University in 2004 and practices at OB/GYN Specialists of Columbus, managing both inpatient and outpatient obstetrics and gynecology patients. She and her husband, Bruce, have been married for 11 years and call their daughter Isabelle an “inspiration.” GAPA congratulates all of the 2011 award winners. The Association will issue an email alert to members next spring announcing the call for nominations for the 2012 awards.

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GAPA Member Serves at 2011 World Track & Field Event GAPA member Harris Patel, PA-C, ATC, recently returned from Daegu, Korea, where he served as a member of the USA medical team for the 2011 IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) World Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Although this was his first trip to Korea, Harris is no stranger to the world travels of the USA Track and Field Team. In fact, he has travelled as part of the official medical support staff for the team to Berlin, Germany; Bejing, China; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Helsinki, Finland; and Sherbroke, Canada. This year, Harris was one of two Physician AssistantAthletic Trainers (PAC-ATC) selected for team USA. The United States sent 66 male and 63 female athletes to represent our country in the World Track & Field Championships. In conjunction with the rest of the medical team, Harris worked to provide medical coverage, as well as injury prevention and rehabilitation to each athlete. “Thorough medical coverage for 129 of the finest USA athletes can lead to long and demanding days,” Harris observed. “On average, the medical staff worked 16 to 18 hours daily; however, comprehensive medical support is a vital element in achieving success for both the athlete and, more importantly, for the United States team as a whole.” Although rigorous and performing purely as a volunteer, Harris said that being selected to

serve was an extremely prestigious honor.

“It is an honor to represent the USA across the world,” he explained. “We are dressed in red, white and blue from head to toe, and work as a team to be exceptional American ambassadors. At any world championships, USA athletes from across the nation come together for one purpose and as one team – needless to say, it is an invaluable experience to be a part of.” The USA team, comprised of 19 World Championship reigning medalists and 16 Olympic reigning medalists, went into the competition with a multitude of talent and equally high expectations. The considerable effort and expertise of the medical staff helped to ensure maximum athletic performance and achievement for the USA for a total of 25 championship medals (12 Gold, 8 Silver, 5 Bronze), the second highest medal count at a World Championship. This is exciting news for the USA Track & Field Team going into an Olympic year and gaining momentum towards the London games. Harris Patel is employed as a Physician Assistant and Certified Athletic Trainer at Sports Medicine South in Lawrenceville. For more details on our USA Team please visit www.usatf.org. GO USA!!

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Haiti – An Unforgettable Journey

made to my patients is that they were not alone, and I would continue to tell their story so the world does not forget.

The last day we spent time with girls at Camp Oasis, a facility for girls orphaned in the earthquake. We were able to watch trauma counselors work to teach the girls stress reduction techniques. We were also able just to spend time with the girls and hand out donated goodies. As expected, I saw the poverty and devastation. As expected, I saw survivors of unspeakable violence. What I didn’t expect were lush green hillsides and beaches to rival any in the Caribbean. We had the honor of watching a parade on Haitian Flag Day and the national pride was

enormous. Haitians were gracious and friendly. We met the founder of Camp Oasis, Lionel, a Haitian businessman who is working to protect children and to reestablish production in his beloved country. The staff at APROSIFA and KOFAVIV is inspiring in their work. The Haitian people are working hard to rebuild their country. I believe partnerships like the ones UUSC has developed are an ideal way to provide assistance. However I have struggled with what kind of impact short-term medical trips have in the long run. I continue to explore ways to make a more lasting impact. Haiti is in my heart now and I look forward to an opportunity to come back. Hopefully there will be more opportunities in the future.

USA Medical Team

el, PA-C, ATC with Jason GAPA Member Harris Pat Gold Medal winner Richardson, 110 Hurdles

Sandestin – Your Summer CME Vacation Destination

Mark your calendars for a great family getaway the week of July 9-13 in at GAPA’s 2012 Summer Conference in Sandestin, FL. Relax and unwind at a family-friendly destination while you learn new skills and practice procedures under the guidance of expert instructors. GAPA is known for providing the perfect learning environment with small group settings and hands-on workshops at some of the Southeast’s best locations. The Summer 2012 Conference will be held at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, on the Northwest Gulf Coast of Florida, where you’ll discover plenty of magnificent lodging options spanning the three and a half miles between Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Choctawhatchee Bay. Preregister now and we’ll send you a brochure early next year when registration opens. gapa.net 15

GAPA 36th Annual Summer Conference - Skill-Building Fun! shovels, plus lots of imagination as conference attendees and their families hit the beach and honed their sandcastle building skills at GAPA’s newest family fun event. GAPA’s panel of “expert” judges awarded some cool treats for the amazing results.

More than 650 attendees came from 39 states to participate in GAPA’s 2011 Summer Conference on Hilton Head Island, SC in July. The Conference featured 27 speakers and 62 exhibits. Events included 22 skill-building workshops where 389 attendees received hands-on instruction in suture techniques, EKG, basic dermatology, joint injections and many more. But attendees also got to practice skills such as sandcastle sculpting and swimming! The tools of the trade were plastic pails and

Attendees also enjoyed GAPA-style fun with great food, fun for kids and live music provided by Still Cruzin’, the Party Band of the South. GAPA’s 5K Fun Run and Walk helped raise over $2,200 for the Political Action Committee and the annual GAPA and American Red Cross Blood Drive produced 35 units, helping up to 108 patients. The annual Golf Tournament was a popular favorite and the annual Student Medical Challenge Bowl featured PA students from Emory, Mercer, Georgia Health Sciences University and South University competing for the coveted trophy! Attendees and family members also participated in a new community service project involving a beach walk, cleanup and nature study. Plus,

Georgia Association of Physician Assistants

GAPA offered a swim safety program at the Westin pool for PAs and their families, as well as to any other guests at the hotel. The program was funded by the Dylan Maples Memorial Scholarship. For more information on the scholarship and other awards presented during the Conference, please read the related article in this newsletter.

Mark Your Calendars for these Upcoming Conferences: 2012 Winter February 1-4 • Lake Lanier Islands, GA

NEW Winter Conference location!

Escape to Lakeside Luxury & Leisure

The first 100 registrants will be entered to win a two-night stay at the Legacy Lodge & Resort at Lake Lanier Islands, GA!

2012 Summer July 9-13 • Sandestin, FL

Enjoy exceptional education at one of the southeast’s most majestic lakes. Thousands of dollars in prizes will be given away during the conference. Bring the family along for boating, fishing, hiking, golf, wildlife viewing and more.

gapa.net