Illinois Academy of PAs

Thank you, Attorney General Kwame Raoul , for standing up for PA students, the PA profession, and the patients who depend on a strong healthcare workforce.

Restricting federal student loan access for PA education would create an unnecessary barrier for future PAs and directly threaten efforts to expand access to care across Illinois and the country.

IAPA is proud to join AAPA in recognizing this important action to protect the future of PA education and healthcare access.

The voice of Illinois PAs is being heard on the national stage.

This week in New Orleans, our Illinois Academy of PAs delegates are representing Illinois in the American Academy of Physician Associates House of Delegates — helping shape the future of the PA profession through policy, advocacy, and leadership.

From advancing the profession to strengthening patient access to care, we are proud of the Illinois leaders contributing to important conversations that impact PAs and patients across the country.

Thank you to our delegates for your time, service, and commitment to the profession. Illinois is well represented.

Happy Nurses Week from the Illinois Academy of PAs!

This week, we celebrate the extraordinary nurses — RNs, APRNs, and nursing colleagues across every setting — whose skill, compassion, leadership, and advocacy strengthen health care every day.

PAs are proud to work alongside nurses as trusted partners in patient care. Together, we care for patients, support teams, solve problems, and keep our health systems moving forward.

To all nurses: thank you for your dedication, your expertise, and the countless ways you show up for patients and communities across Illinois.

Happy Nurses Week! 💙

This is a major step forward for PA practice modernization in Illinois.

Thank you to the more than 500 supporters who submitted witness slips in support of SB 3421, far surpassing the opposition and sending a clear message: Illinois PAs are organized, engaged, and ready to move our profession forward.

There is still significant work ahead before SB 3421 reaches the Senate floor for a vote, but today’s committee passage is an important milestone in our effort to modernize the PA Practice Act, strengthen the PA workforce, and improve access to care for patients across Illinois.

Thank you to our members, PA students, partner organizations, advocates, and supporters who continue to show up for this profession. And a huge thank you to our tireless advocate, Senator Javier Cervantes, for his incredible work.

The work continues — and IAPA will keep pushing forward.

American Academy of Physician Associates

Illinois PA leaders Daniel Juarez and Lena Farah had a great time meeting with the Pre-PA Club at Loyola University Chicago—sharing real talk, practical advice, and encouragement for the journey to becoming a PA. 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

As part of their commitment to the next generation of Illinois PAs, Daniel and Lena also lead IAPA Office Hours—an exclusive benefit for IAPA Pre-PA + PA Student Members offering 1:1 mentoring and coaching.

✅ Members: learn more + sign up: IllinoisPA.org/officehours

🎤 Call for Speakers — IAPA Fall CME 2026

Do you have an idea for a session that would help PAs sharpen skills, stay current, and improve patient care? We’re now accepting speaker proposals for the IAPA Fall CME Conference!

We welcome topics across specialties—especially sessions that are practical, engaging, and evidence-based (case-based presentations encouraged).

Submit your proposal here: IllinoisPA.org/fallcme

📢 IAPA Fall CME Conference
🗓️ Thursday, Oct 15 - Friday, Oct 16
📌 Chicago Marriott Burr Ridge
🌐 Burr Ridge, IL

Listen today wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/

Thank you for your advocacy, State Senator Laura Murphy!!

This week in Springfield, I was happy to meet with physician assistants from PAs Care, to learn about the team-based care they provide and how we as legislators can support them throughout the state. Thanks for stopping by!

Last week, physician associates and PA students showed up strong at the Illinois Capitol for Lobby Day—70+ advocates from across the state united to elevate the PA voice and support access to high-quality care for Illinois communities. Thank you to everyone who made the trip and shared your story! 💙🏛️