Leaders Across the Nation Celebrate PA Week and PA Profession's Impact

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) proudly announces more than 10 local and state leaders have proclaimed October 6-12 as PA Week, recognizing the critical role of physician associates/assistants (PAs). These proclamations, issued by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte, South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden, and several other local and state officials from across the country, honor the profession's continued growth and impact felt in communities nationwide.

States securing proclamations include Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee.

PAs are one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions, collectively engaging in more than 590 million patient interactions each year across all specialties and settings. With nearly 190,000 PAs nationwide, the profession continues to expand access to care and transform healthcare through patient-centered, team-based medical practice.

"These proclamations recognize the profession's work to advance high quality care, improve health outcomes, and increase access to healthcare for patients nationwide," said AAPA President and Chair of the Board Todd Pickard, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, FASCO. "From rural clinics to urban medical systems, PAs are transforming healthcare delivery and expanding access for millions of Americans each and every day."

Celebrated every year from October 6 through 12, PA Week recognizes the PA profession and its contributions to healthcare. The starting date, October 6, honors the anniversary of the first graduating class of PAs from the Duke University PA program in 1967.

U.S. News & World Report named the PA profession the #2 Best Health Care Job and the #3 occupation in the 100 Best Jobs. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, the profession over the next decade is set to experience a faster rate of growth than most other occupations in and out of the healthcare industry.

To learn more about the profession and ways you can celebrate PA Week, visit AAPA's PA Week page.

About the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
AAPA is the national professional organization for all physician associates/assistants (PAs). PAs are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. Learn more about the profession at aapa.org and engage through Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

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SOURCE American Academy of Physician Associates