Message From Your President: Alan Bybee

A Message from Your President

Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I would like to thank Katie Swenson for her service as President of the Academy and congratulate her on
her appointment to the One Utah Health Collaborative Innovation Advisory Board. She is a talented and
inspired leader and will continue to be a positive force in change wherever she is.

I would also like to give a heartfelt thanks to all the departing board members for service to their
profession and to the PAs of Utah. And a warm and grateful welcome to the new board members with a
desire and willingness to serve.

On August 5 th I had the opportunity to represent Utah Academy of PAs at the University of Utah PA
graduation ceremony. Their enthusiasm and excitement for the profession was obvious. I would like to
congratulate them as well as the new graduates from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
and welcome them as fellow members of Utah Academy of PAs.

On my drive back to Ogden after the graduation ceremony I was reflecting on my own graduation from
Western Michigan University in August of 1984 and my return to Utah to start my first employment for
$11.98 per hour as a Physician Assistant. I thought it interesting that there will be more graduating
students in Utah this month than there were licensed PAs in Utah at that time. I also remember the
distinct fact that in 1984 my supervised scope of practice as a student in Michigan was more inclusive
than that I had as a Certified Physician Assistant in Utah. That was my “Why” moment, the beginning of
my quest for change.

I am excited to begin another term as President of the Utah Academy of PAs, NOW a national
frontrunner in PA modernization. This great accomplishment has been the result of several years of
leadership under Jon Baird, Timothy McCreary, Kim McFarlane, and Katie Swenson. Working closely with
Senator Bramble and our now CEO Stan Lockhart your leaders have given you the premier practice act in
the country. Our strategic vision is to continue forward the national title change in identifying our title as
“physician associate.” And to become a strategic organization in the One Utah Health Collaborative
Innovation. We will continue to grow our Red Rock CME conference, develop a student track, and
develop closer ties to our fellow PAs in Nevada. We need your help in continuing to grow our
membership and encourage coworkers to become members of UAPA as our numbers grow so does our
voice.

As our organization and profession evolves there are always ways for each of us to serve, I encourage
you to find a way to serve either your community or your profession.
Imperatively first and foremost serve your patients, do so with honesty, integrity and without
judgement. Listen to what they tell you, there is always something to learn!

Thank you for what you do for your profession.

Best,
Alan N. Bybee MPA PA-C DFAAPA
President

Utah Academy of PA’s