Washington Academy of Physician Associates

03/10/2026

Day 1 in the bag for the joint Spring Wapa/Ospa conference!

03/10/2026

WAPA supported this legislation to ensure access to preventive care for people in. Washington state

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

“He had difficulty finding his words,” said the wife of Army Veteran Cliff Lampitt. “Now I can carry complete conversations with him.”

03/06/2026

02/25/2026

02/24/2026

Congressional Alert: Protect PA Student Access to Education 🚨

Recent rulemaking tied to H.R. 1 would cap federal student loans for PA students because the current definition of a “professional program” excludes physician associates (PAs).

Under the proposed rule, PA students would be limited to $20,500 per year or $100,000 total in federal loans — far below what most PA programs require to cover tuition, fees, housing, and clinical training costs.

“This is not just a blow to future PAs, it is a dangerous setback for patients. Fewer PAs in the workforce means fewer providers available when they're needed most.”
— Todd Pickard, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, FASCO

This proposal threatens the future PA workforce and the patients who rely on them.

🗣 You Can Help:
✔️ Review the AAPA Guide for step-by-step instructions on submitting feedback
✔️ Use the Action Center to customize and send a message directly to the Department of Education
📅 Public comment closes March 2

Join us in urging the Department of Education to revise the proposed rule capping PA student loans. Our profession — and our patients — are counting on it.

02/24/2026

🌟 Speaker Spotlight: Valerie Mazziotti, PA-C, PCC 🌟

We’re excited to welcome Valerie Mazziotti to the WAPA-OSPA Spring Conference! With over 30 years of clinical experience and as a Professional Certified Life Coach, Valerie empowers Physician Assistants to build long, fulfilling careers without burnout.

🩺 Session: Staying Alive – The Art of a Sustainable PA Career

This interactive session offers practical, evidence-informed strategies for career longevity, professional satisfaction, and personal well-being. Attendees will gain tools to identify burnout risks, clarify priorities, and develop actionable plans to thrive in today’s healthcare environment.

📅 March 8–10, 2026
📍 Skamania Lodge
🎓 CME available

WAPA Registration: https://ami.jotform.com/252856760403964
OSPA Registration: https://ami.jotform.com/252857758310969

02/23/2026

🧠 Speaker Spotlight: Robert Olsen, MD

We’re excited to feature Dr. Robert Olsen, Medical Director of Best Mind Behavioral Health, at the WAPA/OSPA 2026 Joint Conference. With 25 years in mental health care and extensive experience in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Dr. Olsen is passionate about expanding access to innovative depression treatment.

📌 Session: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: How It Works and What It Does — Evidence & Clinical Observations

This session will explore the mechanics and electrophysiology behind TMS, current clinical indications, outcomes in treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and the durability of response. Learn how TMS offers a side-effect–sparing option for patients who haven’t responded to traditional therapies.

Join us March 8–10, 2026 at Skamania Lodge for cutting-edge education!

WAPA Registration: https://ami.jotform.com/252856760403964
OSPA Registration: https://ami.jotform.com/252857758310969

02/22/2026