PA Week Message from Your President Viet Le, DMSc MPAS PA-C
Posted 3 months ago by Amy Baird
Message from UAPA President Viet Le, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C
Dear Members of the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants
As we come together to celebrate PA Week October 6th to October 12th, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible contributions each of you makes to our community and the healthcare profession. This week is a special time to recognize and honor the dedication, compassion, and expertise that PAs bring to their patients every day.
The PA profession has a rich history, rooted in the visionary work of Dr. Eugene A. Stead Jr., who was born on October 6, 1908. Dr. Stead, then-chair of the Department of Medicine at Duke University, founded the first PA training program in 1965. His innovative approach was driven by a need to address the shortage of healthcare providers and to improve access to medical care, particularly in underserved areas.
Initially, we celebrated PA Day on October 6th, Dr. Stead's birthday, to honor his legacy and the birth of our profession. However, in 2004, this celebration was extended to a full week, allowing us more time to reflect on our achievements, advocate for our profession, and engage with our communities.
As we celebrate PA Week, let us remember the pioneering spirit of Dr. Stead and the countless PAs who have followed in his footsteps. Your commitment to providing high-quality care and improving patient outcomes is truly inspiring. Together, we continue to advance the PA profession and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our patients.
I invite you to share with your Utah community what you love about being a PA, your projects, successes, and how #PAsGoBeyond!
Thank you for your unwavering dedication and hard work. Happy PA Week!
Warm regards,
Viet Le, DMSc MPAS PA-C
President, Utah Academy of Physician