‘PAs Are Essential’ theme of National PA Week

“PAs Are Essential” is the theme of this year’s National Physician Assistant Week, which is celebrated annually from Oct. 6-12.

The week is used to celebrate the PA profession and its contributions to the nation’s health, according to the American Academy of PAs.

“This PA Week is especially significant as it falls during a global pandemic,” according to a release from the AAPA. “PAs have stepped up in major ways, including serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. During this challenging time, PAs have not only proven themselves as flexible, adaptable and collaborative – but also ESSENTIAL. Essential to health care. Essential to patients.”

National Physician Assistant Week began as National Physician Assistant Day, celebrated annually on Oct. 6., which is an important date for the PA profession as it’s the birthday of its founder, Eugene A. Stead Jr., according to AAPA.

The first National Physician Assistant Week was on Oct. 6, 1987. This date commemorated the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class from Duke University’s PA program.

Today, there are over 140,000 PAs practicing in the U.S. who make 400 million patient interactions each year, according to nationaltoday.com .

Here are some gift ideas from www.joincake.com to celebrate the PA in your life this week.

• Handwritten card. A heartfelt thank you card is one of the best ways to show your appreciation to a PA you know. Since PAs have had to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic, a message of gratitude will go a long way.

• Aromatherapy. With new COVID-19 measures in place, work has almost certainly been more stressful for PAs this year. Gift a PA in your life aromatherapy relaxation tools such as a candle or an essential oil diffuser.

• Travel mug. PAs are always on the go, and may need caffeine to make it through long days. Gift them a travel mug so they can stay fueled up, and take their coffee with them.

• Books. You could give a PA a book about health care so they can continue their education, or a feel-good book they can read when relaxing at home.

• PA merch. Find T-shirts, coffee mugs, lanyards and other items with PA images or quotes so they can represent their profession wherever they go.

• Gift cards. Treat a PA to a cup of coffee or lunch by getting them a gift card to their favorite restaurant or bakery.