02/26/2024

Op-Ed: Melissa Bowlby, MHA, MSBS, PA-C, and Jeff Fisher, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA on Developing Future Leaders

Why it Matters to the PA Profession

As critical members of the US health system, PAs not only provide exceptional patient care and play a crucial role in the healthcare delivery system but also have a professional obligation to enhance the PA profession. As the healthcare landscape continuously evolves, PAs need to consider developing and/or enhancing their leadership skills to not only effectively navigate the challenges of our profession but also meet the demands of healthcare systems and take our profession to the next level. Identifying strategies that encourage leadership development and drawing on existing personal and professional strengths, will assist practicing PAs and PA students with the needed skills to contribute to advancing the PA profession within their healthcare systems, professional organizations, and the healthcare workforce.

One effective strategy to assist PAs and PA students with developing leadership skills is through mentorship  and professional development within their employing organizations and training programs. These opportunities can include formal mentorship programs, leadership training workshops, support and monetary resources for advanced business/leadership higher education degrees, and access to leadership roles within the organization. By offering these pathways, PAs can gain valuable experience and guidance in developing their leadership skills so that they can become confident and effective leaders in their field.

Professional organizations also play a significant role in fostering leadership skills for PAs. These organizations, such as OAPA and AAPA, can offer networking opportunities, educational resources, and leadership development programs specifically tailored to the needs of practicing PAs and can also assist students in their development. By actively participating in these organizations, through obtaining and maintaining membership along with seeking leadership positions within the organizations, PAs can expand their leadership knowledge and enhance their skills. Active involvement provides us with the opportunity to build valuable connections and gain exposure to leadership opportunities outside of professional organizations that ultimately contribute to an individual’s personal and professional growth.

Another strategy is through volunteerism in community organizations, healthcare systems, and academic training programs. PAs can gain hands-on experience in leading and coordinating healthcare teams, managing resources, and making critical organizational decisions. These types of experiences provide individuals with opportunities to not only develop their leadership skills, but also contribute to one’s overall professional growth.

To reinforce the strategies for developing leadership skills presented above, we wanted to share some of our personal stories on how we cultivated our leadership skills.

Melissa Bowlby, MHA, MSBS, PA-C

Early in my PA career, I attended an OAPA Town Hall meeting, with the focus of promoting support for the pending prescriptive authority legislation at the time and how this legislation would enhance PA practice in Ohio.

As a result of that meeting, I made the decision that night to become more involved with OAPA both as a member and a volunteer. I started paying more attention to the work that OAPA was doing, attended OAPA board meetings, and then eventually started serving on committees, the board of directors, and as a delegate to AAPA.

These experiences have allowed me to develop a network of PA mentors along with the necessary skills to advocate for the PA profession, improve my communication strategies to promote practice changes, and eventually serve as a PA educator. Being an advocate for our profession has been one of the many highlights of my career.

Jeff Fisher, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

In 1984, I joined the OAPA and found myself in a supportive community of early PA pioneers. With the encouragement of a PA mentor, I became the conference chair at just 24 years old. This experience led me to continue seeking professional service opportunities within the OAPA and serve as Past President, Medical Board Advisory member, and government affairs at a time when we were truly in the minority and not well accepted.

My involvement in the OAPA and AAPA has been instrumental in shaping my career and has provided me with valuable opportunities for professional growth and advocacy. Serving in leadership roles, advocating for the PA profession, and witnessing the accomplishments of the PA community have been incredibly rewarding experiences. I look forward to continuing my involvement in these organizations and teaching PA students to support the next generation of PAs in their professional  journeys. Promoting and encouraging leadership development is essential for advancing the PA profession.

By providing mentorship and professional development opportunities within healthcare organizations, promoting involvement in professional organizations, and supporting volunteerism, we can become effective and influential leaders in our profession. We must recognize the need to develop  our leadership skills and identify development opportunities within healthcare systems and professional organizations so that we can stand out and be recognized as leaders.

Melissa Bowlby, MHA, MSBS, PA-C, is Program Director/Associate Clinical Professor for the Ohio University PA Program. Jeff Fisher, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, is Assistant Clinical Professor at Ohio University. Both are Past Presidents of OAPA.