Celebrating National PA Week & NAPA's Momentum

Dear NAPA Members,

Happy National PA Week! October 6-12 marks a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of over 190,000 PAs across the nation and over 1,300 in Nevada. Being a PA continues to be recognized as one of the best jobs in the country—ranking #2 in healthcare and in the top five overall according to U.S. News & World Report. This week, we honor not only our profession but the dedication, expertise, and compassion each of you brings to patient care every single day.

PA Student Spotlights

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thrilled to introduce our new student leadership who will help guide NAPA into the future:

• Natalya Dagher, PA-S (Touro University, Class of 2027) - Chief Student Director
• Lindsey Chaney, PA-S (UNR Med, Class of 2027

We are also proud to announce that Alexis Schotik from Touro University, Class of 2025 is this year's NAPA scholarship recipient. Alexis has served as a student representative on the NAPA Board of Directors for the last two years and was actively engaged in Pre-PA club prior to PA school. She continues to participate in community outreach initiatives, demonstrating the leadership and commitment to service that exemplifies our profession. Congratulations, Alexis!

Legislative Advocacy & Practice Modernization

NAPA has been hard at work on your behalf. We are actively pursuing grant opportunities to support our legislative efforts and laying the groundwork for the 2027 Nevada legislative session. Successful advocacy doesn't happen overnight—it requires building relationships, educating lawmakers, and creating momentum well in advance.

Members of NAPA's Board of Directors have been in direct communication with Nevada's state and federal representatives, including state senators, assembly members, U.S. Congressional legislative aides, and the Governor's office. We are advocating for PA practice modernization at both the state and national levels, and collaborating with other medical organizations and AAPA to advance critical priorities, including:

• PA Compact - Enabling license portability across state lines to improve access to care and workforce flexibility
• Title Modernization - Updating our professional title to align with national standards and reflect the evolving scope of PA practice
• PA scope of practice - Protecting and advancing PA scope within the state and nation

These three initiatives will be key focus areas for the 2027 legislative session, and the groundwork we're doing now is essential to our success. Your membership directly funds this advocacy work and amplifies our voice in Carson City and Washington, D.C.

Organizational Name Change

At the end of this month, we will be officially announcing our organizational name change to the Nevada Academy of Physician Associates. This change aligns us with the national shift to the title "Physician Associate" and better reflects the modern scope and collaborative nature of our practice. We are currently working with AAPA to develop a new logo to accompany this transition, which will be released when finalized. More details to come soon!

Supporting New Graduates

We know that transitioning from student to practicing PA comes with financial challenges. To support our new graduates, NAPA is offering 50% off membership for 2025 graduates through the end of the year with proof of graduation. Instead of $150, new graduates pay just $75 to join our community and stay connected to the resources, advocacy, and support that NAPA provides. We value your membership! 

Join or renew today: nevadapa.mypanetwork.com/page/285-join-napa

Member Benefit: Epocrates Discount

From now until December 31, 2025, NAPA members can also enjoy 50% off Epocrates Plus subscription using code NAPADrive25 at checkout—a valuable resource for your daily practice.

Stay Connected

Follow us on social media to stay up to date on advocacy efforts, events, and opportunities:

• Instagram: @nevada_pas
• Facebook: facebook.com/nevadaPA
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/nevada-academy-of-pas

Join Us in Moving Forward

This National PA Week, we invite you to celebrate not only what we've accomplished but what lies ahead. Together, we're building a stronger voice for Nevada PAs—with patients, in the legislature, and across our communities. Whether you're renewing your membership or joining for the first time, your support makes our advocacy possible.

Thank you for all you do for your patients, your colleagues, and our profession.

With Gratitude,

Alyssa Nishihira, PA-C

President
Nevada Academy of Physician Assistants (NAPA)