Our History
In June 1999, the American Academy of Physician Assistants in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAPA-AAI) was formally recognized as a constituent organization of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Eight physician assistants attended that first meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. Guided by Barbara Heier, PA-C and Gabriel Ortiz, MPAS, PA-C, this core of dedicated physician assistants created bylaws, opened bank accounts, received tax ID and exempt notifications, created a Web site for the organization's members, and contracted with AAPA for association management services. AAPA-AAI provides member representation on the floor of the AAPA House of Delegates. The Board and leadership of AAPA-AAI play an active role in leadership training on the national level by participating at AAPA's Leadership Summit. In addition, the organization's leadership includes the only three physician assistants to represent the AAPA on the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Coordinating Committee of the National Institutes of Health. As the voice and advocate of all PAs in this specialty, we promote continuing education for our members, provide PA employment information to PAs and physicians, and strengthen the role of PAs by supporting and encouraging membership in AAPA-AAI.
