On May 12, MAPA President, Hayden Middleton, DMSc, PA-C, delivered the State of MAPA Address. Middleton highlighted the many ways MAPA has is working to engage its 900+ members in Minnesota. From a new website, to increased email and social media communication MAPA hopes to improve communication with PAs across the state.
Middleton expressed his gratitude for the commitment of MAPA’s committee members saying, “you’ll notice by the end of this speech, I’m going to have to take a breath because our committees have done so much great work over the last year!”
A few highlights from each committee are listed below:
Awards Committee
- Expanded scholarship opportunities by offering Executive Leadership Conference scholarships to one board member and one non-board member
- Recognized 2025 MAPA Award winners
Bylaws Committee
- Continued review of the organizational policies to reduce redundancies and clarify language
- Provided updates to the bylaws to be voted on in this year’s MAPA election
CME Committee
- The 2025 Fall CME even offered two in-depth pathways; one for inpatient medicine and the other for outpatient medicine
- Began planning for the 2026 Fall CME Conference at Breezy Point. Be sure to register for an event packed with learning, networking opportunities, and plenty of boating on Pelican Lake
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee
- Secured the NCCPA Step-Up Grant which funded a First Aid Training event with Girl Scouts of the River Valleys
- Continued outreach events to The Boys & Girls Club as well as Augsburg and St. Kate’s PA Programs
Leadership & Development Committee
- Revitalized the committee’s goals to include leadership programming
- Committee meetings now feature discussions with local and national PA leaders
- Continued supporting MAPA Elections. Be sure to vote in the 2026 election by May 14th.
Legislative Committee
- Continued to advocate with Minnesota State Legislatures for PA title change to “Physician Associate”
- Began working with new lobbyists and hosted a successful Day on the Hill at the beginning of the legislative session
Scholarship Committee
- Awarded two $1,000 during the spring Student Summit.
- Continuing to look for innovative ways to fundraise for future scholarship opportunities for students
Social Media & Marketing
- Elevated MAPA’s visibility across social media channels
- Launched a quarterly podcast called PA Pulse with MAPA
- Created a specific campaign celebrating MAPA’s 50th Anniversary
Student Relations Committee
- Launched a new Student Summit that takes place in the spring
- Hosted events such as PA 101 at the University of Minnesota and Pre-PA Coffee Hours
House of Delegates
- Representing Minnesota at the AAPA Conference in New Orleans.
- Their work will help shape national policy for PAs
Middleton thanked all MAPA members for their continued dedication to their patients and the PA Profession. MAPA truly is a unique community for PAs thanks to the leadership and commitment of its members.
“The future of physician associates in Minnesota is incredibly bright,” Middleton said, “and I’m super excited to see what we can accomplish over the next year.”
You can watch the full recording here: