President's Message
Welcome to the Downeast Association of Physician Assistants website. Behind this site are many volunteers who are working to keep this organization active and relevant to Maine Physician Assistants. DEAPA has been very busy recently, and each DEAPA committee has set strategic goals for the upcoming year to keep DEAPA on track with its mission.
DEAPA is the only organization advocating on behalf of Physician Assistants in Maine. The Government Affairs Committee members are responsible for most of the advocacy. The committee members are busy monitoring legislation, attending meetings, and participating in work groups that impact the profession.
DEAPA’s Publications and Website Committee has stepped up publications with E-News Blasts on an “as needed” basis as well as quarterly newsletters to keep every member in the know with what is going on in the state that may impact our ability to practice. These publications are one of many benefits of being a DEAPA member. Our membership committee works to make members benefits relevant and valuable to Maine PAs.
The DEAPA Winter Conference is a highlight of every year. The CME Committee works to fulfill the continuing education portion of the DEAPA mission by providing an informative and educational experience that includes a broad spectrum of CME topics. This conference also gives PAs a chance to network and connect with DEAPA leadership.
Keeping the nuts and bolts of DEAPA tuned up is the work of the Budget & Finance Committee, the Nominations & Elections Committee, as well as the Constitution and Bylaws Committee. Each committee’s work is vital to DEAPA staying on track and continuing with our mission.
As a constituent organization to the American Academy of Physician Assistants our House of Delegates Committee keeps us connected with the national academy and allows Maine to have a voice at the national level.
Each year DEAPA’s Awards & Scholarship Committee entertains nominations for multiple awards and a scholarship. DEAPA recognizes leaders in the PA profession throughout the state and promotes PA education via our scholarship program as well as maintaining a strong working relationship with the University of New England Physician Assistant Program.
Our Ethics & Impairment Committee works with the Medical Professionals Health Program to assist PAs on the road to recovery from substance use. This program is an excellent source of assistance for PAs struggling with substance abuse in Maine. DEAPA donates financially on an annual basis to assist in the maintenance of this program.
Many dedicated individuals are behind the work that is keeping DEAPA strong. Membership in DEAPA is a primary source of income for the organization. Your support by joining DEAPA allows us to continue forward with our mission and assists us in keeping the PA profession strong in Maine.
Whether you are a PA, want to be a PA, or are just curious what a PA is…please enjoy the website and contact us if we can be of assistance. We want to hear from you and welcome your inquiries.
Sincerely,
Erika M. Pierce MMS, PA-C
DEAPA President