The new year often symbolizes new beginnings and that couldn’t be more true for Kelsey Young, a third-year dual-degree physician assistant (PA)/M.P.H. student, at the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS), who will begin her duties as chief delegate for the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (SAAAPA). Flattered to be elected chief delegate, Young is excited by the opportunity to lead other PA student delegates and to be intricately involved in the policy making process at American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). Created to foster professional growth and acknowledge the work of PAs, AAPA supports their efforts to improve the quality, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of patient-centered health care. Driven by her interest in medicine, Young decided to pursue a career as a PA because of the flexibility it offered. “For me, the position provides a better work-life balance,” said Young.
In her new role, Young will play a pivotal role in AAPA’s annual conference. Her first responsibility as chief delegate is to help prepare PA student delegates for the annual spring event. “It’s my job to inform students on the issues that will be discussed and debated during the House of Delegates session during the annual conferences,” she said.
Also on her agenda is developing a mentorship program for PAs and delegates as a way to increase communication. “I want to connect a student with a PA who is also a delegate before the annual conference so they have the opportunity to discuss some of the resolutions that are going to be proposed at the conference.” For Young, the conference is great way to get PA students involved and gain a better understanding of the issues pertaining to the profession.
As chief delegate, Young hopes to encourage more student involvement in SAAAPA leadership, as well as in the organization itself. “SAAAPA has so much to offer PA students,” she said, “every student should have the opportunity to take part in it as a leader or a member.”
