AAPA
The SDPA is a recognized constituent organization of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA). Constituent Organizations (CO) are independent organizations affiliated with the AAPA. Within the list of 110 organizations, AAPA COs are broken up into chapters, specialty organizations, causes, and special interest groups. The SDPA is the largest of 26 specialty organizations of individuals working within a specific medical specialty. Together the SDPA and the AAPA work collaboratively to advocate on behalf of members specializing in dermatology to address challenges such as reimbursement, clinical practice, and regulation.
In 2015 the SDPA was awarded the AAPA Constituent Organization Award for Growing the PA Profession for its work on Melanoma Awareness and Advocacy for Prevention.
AAPA House of Delegates
As a CO, the SDPA is a participant of the AAPA governing body, the House of Delegates (HOD). This group governs the internal workings of the AAPA, and decides the position of the policies and causes the AAPA will take publicly. Much like the House in Congress, each delegation is allotted a number of seated delegates based on their membership numbers ranging from 2-15, with the exception of specialty organizations and special interest caucuses which are allotted 2 delegates but one seat. There is a yearly 3-day meeting during the AAPA Conference, when all of the eligible delegates discuss and debate proposed policy and new resolutions.
The SDPA’s HOD delegates advocate for and represent the interests of the members of the SDPA, and vote on policies that will benefit our profession based on the recommendations of the Board of Directors. The delegates report back to the SDPA with the results of these discussions and debates.
Throughout the year, delegates are kept abreast of governmental changes, potential opportunities to mobilize our constituency for political purposes, and upcoming AAPA policy reforms through regular communication form the Speaker of the House. Pertinent information is shared with the SDPA Board of Directors.
• Learn more about AAPA specialty organizations
• Learn more about AAPA constituent organizations
SDPA President Elect Jennifer Conner accepts the AAPA Constituent Organization Award for Growing the PA Profession in 2015
