Physician Assistant Education Association: Past, Present, and Future.

The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), known as the Association of Physician Assistant Programs (APAP) until 2006, is the professional organization that represents physician assistant (PA) programs in the United States. Its mission is to "pursue excellence, foster faculty development, advance the body of knowledge that defines quality education and patient-centered care, and promote diversity in all aspects of PA education." PAEA has played an important role in promoting and shaping the educational mission of the PA profession. PAEA experienced a modest beginning, but it has evolved quickly as it increased its governance structure, staff, budget, and member services to support a rapidly growing profession over the last couple of decades. PAEA's current progress has positioned the profession well to increase our national visibility and our ability to affect the future of health care delivery. The future of PA education and PAEA will certainly be impacted by our continuing ability to adapt to change and to be visionary in our approach to the significant challenges we will face. Collectively, the Association staff, volunteers, and members will strive to fulfill its mission.