Are you a mother working in the healthcare profession and seeking support, mentorship, and resources to thrive both personally and professionally? Look no further than PA Moms—an exceptional special interest group dedicated to empowering and supporting PA moms. In this episode, we’ll take a deep dive into the origins and growth of PA Moms, their valuable initiatives, including scholarships and an annual summit, and their relentless efforts to address burnout and workplace stressors. Discover how PA Moms can be a lifeline for mothers in the medical field.
In this episode we discuss:
- The transformation of PA Moms from a Facebook support group to an AAPA special interest group, and its future progression.
- Detailing the benefits offered to members of PA Moms, including the annual summit and scholarships.
- The discussion explores how PA Moms is tackling the issues of burnout, workplace violence, and other challenges faced by PAs, particularly those balancing family responsibilities.
- Advice for women aspiring to become PAs and how PA Moms supports them.
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Introduction
Are you a mother working in the healthcare profession and seeking support, mentorship, and resources to thrive both personally and professionally? Look no further than PA Moms—an exceptional special interest group dedicated to empowering and supporting PA moms. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the origins and growth of PA Moms, their valuable initiatives, including scholarships and an annual summit, and their relentless efforts to address burnout and workplace stressors. Discover how PA Moms can be a lifeline for mothers in the medical field.
The Birth of PA Moms
PA Moms was founded in 2016 as a Facebook support group, initially offering a close-knit community where members could provide one another with the much-needed support and understanding. Recognizing the growing demand for additional benefits and resources, PA Moms took a significant step forward in 2020 amidst the pandemic, transforming into an official special interest group affiliated with the AAPA (American Academy of Physician Assistants).
Combatting Burnout and Offering Continuing Education
As burnout and work-related stressors escalated during the pandemic, PA Moms saw the need to expand their role beyond a support group. The group began providing Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities, ensuring their members had access to valuable educational content directly within the Facebook group. This innovative approach allows members to earn CME credits while engaging in discussions and reading educational posts.
Collaborations and Member Benefits
PA Moms understands the importance of partnerships and collaborations. They have forged alliances with prominent organizations like Medalita and Fabletics, offering exclusive discounts and benefits to their members. Additionally, PA Moms has partnered with the University of Lynchburg DMSC program to provide a discount on tuition fees for members pursuing their doctorate degree. These collaborations not only provide financial support but also enhance professional growth and opportunities for PA moms.
Annual Summit and Scholarships
To foster personal connections and professional development, PA Moms organizes an annual Women’s Medical Summit. This eagerly awaited event brings together members from across the country, providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and mentorship opportunities. Highlighting the summit is an engaging panel discussion, focusing on underrepresented minorities in the PA profession and addressing the challenges they face.
In addition to the summit, PA Moms recognizes the importance of investing in the future generation. They offer annual scholarships to students pursuing careers as physician assistants. The scholarship program has steadily expanded, with the current year awarding two students with $1,000 each. PA Moms aims to provide financial assistance and support to aspiring PA moms, empowering them to achieve their educational goals.
Supporting PA Moms Through Challenges
PA Moms understands the unique challenges faced by PA moms, both in the workplace and at home. The group actively addresses the issue of burnout and workplace violence, creating a safe space for members to share their stories and experiences. PA Moms members provide real support, be it through emotional support, fundraising efforts, or acts of kindness, such as sending cards to children with cancer. The sense of community within PA Moms is a powerful force, fostering resilience and empowering members to tackle challenges head-on.
Advice for Women Studying to Become PAs
For women studying to become physician assistants, PA Moms offers invaluable advice and support. With many members successfully balancing their studies and family life, PA Moms demonstrates that it is indeed possible. The group emphasizes the significance of time management and encourages aspiring PA moms to seek support from the community. Through PA Moms, women can connect with like-minded individuals, find mentorship, and gain the confidence needed to overcome the hurdles of combining motherhood with a demanding profession.
Summing It Up
PA Moms stands as a shining example of a supportive community for PA moms in the healthcare profession. From its humble beginnings as a Facebook support group to becoming an AAPA special interest group, PA Moms has evolved into a powerhouse of resources, benefits, and initiatives. Through their annual summit, scholarships, collaborations, and unwavering support, PA Moms empowers and uplifts PA moms, creating a positive impact on their personal and professional lives. Join the PA Moms community and find solace, encouragement, and opportunities for growth in the company of fellow PA moms.
Sponsored by: CM&F Group (www.cmfgroup.com)
