The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is leading an effort to recognize and maximize physician assistant’s role on the health care team by placing a new focus on prevention.

National PA Week is observed each year Oct. 6-12. The week serves to celebrate the significant impact PAs make in health care, to expand awareness of the profession and to salute its growth.

“PAs recognize that a prevention-first approach to care is critical to patients’ overall health and can save the nation millions in health care costs,” said Mary Fargen, PA at Mayo Clinic Health System at the Adams Clinic. “With an education modeled after that of doctors, we typically are able to spend more time with patients and their families, helping them to avoid new illnesses and to keep chronic conditions from becoming potentially dangerous and even more costly.”

All PAs are educated and credentialed with a primary care focus, regardless of specialty. PAs practice across a range of medical settings and specialties as part of the health care team.

This week, PAs are calling on policymakers, health professionals and the residents of Mower County to ensure every provider can practice to their potential, allowing for a balance between treating illness and preventing disease.

For more information about the PA profession, visit the American Academy of Physician Assistants website at www.aapa.org.