Westfield State PA Students & Alumni Shine at National AAPA Conference in Denver

In May 2025, 23 Physician Assistant students from Westfield State University, along with faculty and alumni, traveled to Denver, Colorado, for the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) national conference—one of the largest annual gatherings of PAs and PA students in the country. With more than 6,000 attendees, the event offered a premier opportunity for professional development, networking, and camaraderie within the PA community.

In just a few years, the number of student participants has expanded from 10 to 16 and now 23. That upward trend reflects not only student enthusiasm but also a deep institutional investment in professional preparation and program growth.

Over the course of five days, the Westfield State delegation immersed themselves in continuing medical education (CME) sessions, workshops, and keynote talks addressing emerging trends and innovations in healthcare. From sessions on clinical updates and healthcare policy to hands-on skills labs and student-focused panels, the conference gave attendees a well-rounded view of the evolving PA profession.

One student attendee reflected, “At the conference, I was surrounded by like-minded people all at different stages in their education and careers. It was great to get the perspectives of all of them and to give them my own as well. The energy was one that got me excited to be a PA and motivated me to look more into advocacy for our profession.”

Westfield State was also well-represented among the faculty attendees and presenters as the group was led by Dr. Susan McDiarmid, Interim Program Director, Director of Clinical Education and Associate Professor, and Dr. Chelsea Robitaille, Assistant Professor. McDiarmid also led a session on transitioning from clinical practice to academia—a timely and critical topic. As PA programs across the nation expand to meet workforce demands, the need for qualified faculty is rising. Dr. McDiarmid’s session offered strategies and encouragement for PAs interested in teaching, helping to address a growing shortage in PA education.

The conference also offered opportunities for meaningful connection and personal growth.

“What was really unique about this particular group of students is, they feel like they bonded during their time in Denver in ways they weren't expecting,” said Dr. McDiarmid. “One day, they woke up incredibly early in the morning, drove together to Red Rocks Amphitheater to watch the sunrise, and then continued on to Rocky Mountain National Park for a hike. They dealt with unexpected car issues—flat tires, roadside delays—and still made it back in time for conference sessions. They really navigated it all together, and those experiences created deep connections that will not only help them progress through their studies but will last their entire careers.”

“I attended most, if not all, of the pediatric lectures offered and they helped solidify my choice for pursuing pediatrics,” noted one student attendee. “Everyone I met in those lectures was amazing and I loved getting to know why they love pediatrics as I make my own choices for the future. I was also able to attend a networking session and meet two PAs in my area who work in the field.”

That sense of connection extended into the final night of the conference, when Westfield State hosted its inaugural PA Alumni & Friends event, bringing together program alumni now living in the Denver area along with recent graduates and current students.

“This event kicked off alumni engagement for the Physician Assistant program, connecting current students with recent grads and laying the foundation for future gatherings,” said Ryan Meersman, Director of Alumni Relations. “Seeing such energy and community over 1,000 miles from campus underscores Westfield State’s strength as a leader in public higher education with a dedicated alumni network.”

Another highlight of the experience was the opportunity to compete in the annual National Medical Challenge Bowl, a skills-based medical game show testing participants’ knowledge and quick wit.  The Westfield State team did well, making their way on stage as a top competitor amongst 95 teams, earning cheers from the vocal Owl supporters in the audience. Every time the Owls were the first to ring in, they answered correctly, showing off their preparation for the contest.

The 2025 conference also offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on the broader role of PAs in the current healthcare landscape.

“PAs and nurse practitioners are really filling the gap left by the ongoing physician shortage—something the U.S. has been anticipating for more than 20 years,” said  McDiarmid. “Our graduates are not just entering the field; they’re doing so in a rapidly evolving system that depends on their expertise and flexibility.”

She explained that the growing demand for PAs is driving changes in PA education—through state and national advocacy, evolving curriculum, and program-specific missions like Westfield State’s.

“At Westfield State, we’re proud to be the first public PA program in New England. Our mission is clear: serve the region. Roughly 90 to 95% of our students remain in Massachusetts or Northern Connecticut after graduation. The data shows it—our alumni stay local and are making a measurable impact on healthcare right here.”

While a few alumni now practice in places like Denver, Idaho, and California, the vast majority work in communities close to where they trained—making a direct impact in a wide range of medical settings.

“PAs are working in every specialty—not just primary care, pediatrics, or women’s health,” she added. “They’re in surgical subspecialties, emergency medicine, hospital departments—anywhere you go in your community, a PA is likely part of the care team.”

The student response to the conference was overwhelmingly positive: 100% of surveyed students found the experience beneficial to their education, and every respondent recommended that future cohorts attend. 

The AAPA Conference in Denver was more than just a professional milestone for Westfield State’s PA program—it was a transformative experience that deepened students’ connection to their profession, to each other, and to the mission they carry forward. As one student reflected, “As a student, it is such an incredible experience to see all the accomplishments in the PA profession. There are so many wonderful education and networking opportunities. It is very inspiring and motivating to know that you are entering into such a great field.”