02/29/2024
OAPA Newsletter - February 2024
The latest news and information for OAPA's valued member community.
In this Issue:
- OAPA Challenge Bowl - It's On!
- **New** Special OAPA Member Discount
- Can't Miss Dates & Deadlines
- On the Legislative Front
- Student Research - Francesca Fabe, Dan Bixel, and Clay Cooper on “Immunotherapy for Pediatric Cancer Patients - Examining the Potential of this Cutting-Edge Treatment”
- Op-Ed: Melissa Bowlby, MHA, MSBS, PA-C, and Jeff Fisher, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA on Developing Future Leaders: Why it Matters to the PA Profession
- PA Program Spotlight - Mercy College of Ohio
- PA Program Spotlight - Ohio Dominican University
- Get Social with OAPA
OAPA Challenge Bowl - It's On!
OAPA is proud to announce the re-initiation of the Ohio State Challenge Bowl for PA Programs!
Directors from all programs have been informed of the event taking place on Saturday, March 16, at Ashland University and are currently forming teams to attend the event. Rosh Review has kindly donated 100 questions for the day with a winning prize of a free 1-year Question Bank for the didactic or clinical year.
11 Ohio PA Programs have expressed interest in participating, each electing one team of 3 students and 2 alternates to compete. The event will take place through multiple rounds; 3 preliminaries followed by a semi-finals and culminating in a finale between the two highest-scoring programs for all participants to watch.
For more information about the event, or to attend or volunteer, please contact Tyler Fitzgerald (Chair of Student Affairs Committee) and Daniel Bixel (Student Representative) via oapa@ohiopa.com.
**New** Special OAPA Member Discount
OAPA is now offering a special, members-only 25% discount from medical scrub provider CreateAmor!
To access the discounted scrubs from CreateAmor, view this promotional flyer for the coupon code.
We are also actively recruiting more companies who want to offer benefits to our members. Please share any ideas with us at oapa@ohiopa.com.
Can't Miss Dates & Deadlines
There is so much going on in OAPA in March - let's help you keep track of everything:
March 7 - CME Webinar on COPD Pharmacology and Updates on Treatment - Register ASAP!
March 15 - Last day for early bird registration rates for the Pharmacology Conference
March 16 - The OAPA Challenge Bowl is back in action!
March 18 - Officer Nominations Deadline - Nominate a worthy candidate or two!
March 18 - Last day to book your hotel room for the Pharmacology Conference at the group rate
March 19 - OAPA Legislative Town Hall with Josanne Pagel
Really Like to Plan Ahead?
The hotel booking link for the 2024 OAPA Annual Conference, September 27-28 at the Renaissance Westerville, is available! Secure your hotel room now, then register for the conference later this spring when registration opens. We can't wait to see you there!
On the Legislative Front
OAPA stands alone in its ability to advocate for Ohio PAs across specialties to change restrictive laws at the state level.
We continue to work hard on your behalf to pursue a more favorable practice environment for PAs, but even as political winds blow back and forth, one thing remains constant - advocacy is expensive! Find out what we are working on and sign up to attend our OAPA Legislative Town Hall!
Student Research - Francesca Fabe, Dan Bixel, and Clay Cooper on “Immunotherapy for Pediatric Cancer Patients - Examining the Potential of this Cutting-Edge Treatment”
One in 285 children in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer by the time they are 20 years old.1
By the end of 2022, 10,470 children under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States.1 This rate has been steadily rising for the past few decades, and until recently, chemotherapy and radiation regimens were the only treatment options presented to patients. The harm both methods cause to a patient’s quality of life cannot be ignored, especially in pediatric patients. There now exists other options that are less invasive and less detrimental to the patient's long-term well-being. Healthcare providers need to consider the potential of immunotherapy as a mainstay in the treatment of pediatric oncology patients.
Op-Ed: Melissa Bowlby, MHA, MSBS, PA-C, and Jeff Fisher, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA on Developing Future Leaders: Why it Matters to the PA Profession
As critical members of the US health system, PAs not only provide exceptional patient care and play a crucial role in the healthcare delivery system but also have a professional obligation to enhance the PA profession. As the healthcare landscape continuously evolves, PAs need to consider developing and/or enhancing their leadership skills to not only effectively navigate the challenges of our profession but also meet the demands of healthcare systems and take our profession to the next level. Read on for Bowlby and Fisher's case for why developing future leader is a must, and how OAPA engagement can help.
PA Program Spotlight - Mercy College of Ohio
Mercy College in Toledo, Ohio recently graduated 19 students during their August 2023 ceremony and later celebrated a first-time PANCE pass rate of 95% for the Cohort. The Mercy College faculty is actively engaged in developing their students and guiding the program as they participate in Junior Achievement on Campus and Cherry St. Mission Ministries. Read the full profile to hear more about their experience and future volunteer opportunities.
PA Program Spotlight - Ohio Dominican University
Ohio Dominican was the first university in central Ohio for a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Since 2014, they have graduated 10 cohorts and have actively supported several key community events including the 2023 OAPA Olympics and LifeTown Columbus. Learn more and see photos of their experience in the full profile.
Get Social with OAPA
Share your thoughts and help us expand the OAPA network by engaging with us on social media.
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OhioPAs/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ohiopas/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ohio-association-of-physician-assistants
With your membership commitment, we will continue to advocate and advance the PA profession. Thank you for supporting OAPA!