PAs in orthopedic surgery, as well as other surgical specialty groups, and AAPA exhibit at numerous physician conferences throughout the year, including the American College of Surgeons' (ACS) conference. The purpose of having a presence at such meetings is to spend time educating physicians about the role of PAs in the surgical setting.
›A study on predicting future staff needs at teaching hospitals was published in Archives of Surgery. The computer model used was based on staffing patterns of the Surgery Services at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
›Staffing types included in the model were hospitalists, fellows, PAs, NPs, and RNs. In all four scenarios used in the model, “PAs were the least expensive workforce, followed by hospitalists, and then NPs.”
›The study pointed out that the exact conversion of services provided by residents with those provided by other clinicians is difficult to ascertain. “One program incorporated PAs into their surgical teams at the level of postgraduate year 1 or 2 and observed a 1:1 ratio of resident work hour reduced to PA work hour added.”

Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery (PAOS)

Physician assistants in orthopedic surgery are a part of exciting new developments in the area of total joint replacement. Minimally invasive techniques that allow patients to recover more rapidly are regularly introduced. PAs are working with surgeons in researching more biological restorations as well. They also are providing innovative changes to the way orthopedic conditions are treated.
›PAOS membership benefits start with access to a network of likeminded PAs. Through our Web site, members obtain guidance and advice on a variety of issues from colleagues, are provided with advocacy on local and national levels, and find a source of employment opportunities.
›PAOS's working relationship with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons allows PAs to attend its annual meeting. PAs can participate in CME sessions alongside the doctors they practice with.
›PAOS holds its own annual conference. PAs who attend our conference can advance their knowledge in orthopedics, rheumatology, pain management, and other related fields.
›The 2007 meeting, to be held in Denver, Colorado, September 17-21, will offer 25 to 29 hours of category I CME, as well as CEU hours for certified athletic trainers.

PAs in Orthopaedic Surgery, Elizabeth Darr, Manager, PO Box 10781, Glendale, AZ 85318-0781; (800) 804-7267; E-mail: Elizabeth.darr@cox.net; Web: www.paos.org.

PAs in cardiovascular surgery play an important role in patient safety in the clinical setting. According to the Institute of Medicine, more people die in a given year as a result of medical errors than from motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, or AIDS.
AAPA, in cooperation with other national organizations, is helping to underwrite an effort to bring greater attention to patient safety in the surgical setting.
›The AAPA Board of Directors has allocated funds to help establish a national, independent Council on Surgical and Perioperative Safety. The council hopes to select a chair and a board of directors and to launch its Web site by the time it reconvenes in Colorado in July.
›AAPA's liaison to the American College of Surgeons (ACS), Dan Vetrosky, participated in a meeting of the ACS Council on Surgical and Perioperative Safety in February. That council is now on the path to becoming an independent entity.
›The council was founded 3 years ago as a result of a summit on perioperative care. The group consists of representatives of seven health professions: PAs, surgeons, anesthesiologists, operative registered nurses, nurse anesthesiologists, perianesthesia nurses, and surgical technologists.

Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery (APACVS)

APACVS is an organization that represents PAs who provide quality, safe care for their cardiovascular patients. APACVS is recognized by our physician colleagues in cardiovascular surgery.
›Physician assistants in cardiovascular surgery developed and implemented the endoscopic vein harvest procedure. The resultant industry has decreased wound morbidity in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.
›APACVS is promoting its internal specialty recognition through fellow membership (FAPACVS). Other membership benefits are Certificate of Completion workshops; student scholarships; peer support; CardioVision, our quarterly journal; and an annual salary and benefits publication.
›APACVS CME meetings offer cardiovascular-specific presentations of cutting-edge information given by nationallyrecognized faculty. CME events also feature hands-on workshops in vein harvesting, heart valve replacement, and other specialty-specific skills.
›Our next meetings are scheduled for July 20-22, 2007, in Washington, DC, and January 25-27, 2008, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery, Carol Goddard, PO Box 4834, Englewood, CO 80155-4834; (303) 221-5651; E-mail: carol@goddardassociates.com; Web: www.apacvs.org.