07/20/2024

Op-Ed: Madeline Meyers, PA-C, DMSc, on the Value of Volunteering with OAPA

Volunteering through OAPA has offered me numerous opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. I began volunteering on the OAPA Pharmacology Conference Committee and the Annual Conference Committee in 2021 and have helped plan the 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 conferences. Some of my responsibilities while planning these conferences have included reviewing the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) content blueprint, participating in Zoom meetings with a team of volunteers to confirm the conference agendas and guest speakers, introducing speakers at the conferences, and serving as a moderator. I also was a speaker at the 2023 OAPA Annual Conference and participated on the scholarship review committee where I had the opportunity to review applications for the General Student Scholarships and select the recipients.

Through these involvements, I am fortunate to have networked and built relationships with PA colleagues across Ohio. I have met many likeminded providers who are committed to learning as new medical treatments, scientific research, and technology continues to advance at a rapid rate. I have also meet numerous individuals who are dedicated to teaching and educating the next generation of PAs. These individuals exemplify the values within the OAPA mission statement where personal and professional development is a priority as Ohio PAs strive to provide the highest quality health care to every patient they serve.

Alongside other OAPA members, I have strengthened my leadership skills. I have honed my communication, time management, and organization skills which are all important for clinical leadership roles, optimal team practice, and patient care. I have also sharpened my presentation skills, public speaking skills, and writing skills which are transferrable to my clinical research projects and quality improvement projects. Furthermore, I have been inspired by OAPA leaders to give back to the PA profession and the community in more ways than one. I have taken on roles as adjunct clinical faculty for precepting PA students from five Ohio PA programs and mentor pre-PA students who are interested in the PA profession. My volunteer experience with OAPA has also served as a stepping stone to catapult me into other opportunities as an annual peer reviewer of the speaker proposals and continuing medical education content for the American Academy of Physician Associates' National Conference, peer reviewer of the content blueprint for the NCCPA Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Certificate of Added Qualifications exam, and peer reviewer for the PA Foundation student scholarship applications.

I would encourage all Ohio PA students and early career PAs to get involved in OAPA events and activities. There are many ways to make a difference whether that is as a leader on the board, a voice on legislative initiatives, committee chair, or simply as a committee member. When trying to decide which volunteer opportunity is right for you, my advice is to find something you are passionate about, have an open mind, and enjoy the experience. You never know where one connection might take you or what door may be opened.

Madeline Meyers, PA-C, DMSc is a highly involved OAPA volunteer and works in Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery at University Hospitals.