MAPA is for PAs by PAs and we need your help to keep it running, please consider donating some of your time, talents or treasures. Consider joining the Board in the positions of Treasurer. Click I'm interested! to simply send us an email with your nomination.
January 12, 2026 by Tommy Wellenhofer
As part of our ongoing commitment to clarity and alignment with the evolving healthcare landscape, we’re announcing a name change for our organization. This update reflects broader developments within our profession and underscores how we describe and represent the important work we do every day.
Over recent years, leaders across our field have engaged in thoughtful discussion and research about how professional titles resonate with patients, communities, and colleagues. In 2021, the American Academy of Physician Associates (formerly the American Academy of Physician Assistants) voted to adopt “Physician Associate” as the preferred professional title, a change informed by extensive research including surveys showing that many patients feel the title better reflects the role clinicians play in delivering care.
Like many organizations across the country, we believe professional terminology matters. While this does not alter what clinicians actually do, their scope of practice, or the quality of care they provide, updating our name helps bring clarity to our role and contributes to a more accurate public understanding of who we are.
It’s important to note that this is not a shift in standards or responsibilities, it’s about language that better reflects the skills, training, and contributions of our members within team-based healthcare. “Associate” acknowledges the collaborative relationships that are central to patient care without changing the way care is delivered.
The transition to this updated name will happen thoughtfully and in phases. We’ll continue to share updates and resources to help our community, partners, and patients understand what this change means and why we believe it’s a positive step forward.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue strengthening our professional identity and improving communication with those we serve. To learn more visit Aligning Our Name With Our Profession - NCAPA
Several MAPA members met on Saturday, June 17th, 2017 to network and enjoy a Charlotte Knights game. Our annual member socials are great opportunities to meet fellow PAs, open lines or communication and further our profession in our individual practices.
2017 Officers (left to right) - Ray Brown, Samantha Levering and Truett Smith
MAPA sponsored a 5 hour lecture series on general Internal Medicine topics on Saturday, May 20th, 2017. Local cardiologists and pulmonologists presented engaging, evidence based topics. The event was well received and provided 5 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME free of charge to current members.
This year we awarded three $500 scholarships to Alec Sims and Matthew Lutz from Wingate University and Hillary Roberts from Gardner-Web University. Scholarships are funded by our membership dues. Congratulations to the recipients and best wishes on your continuing education.
On 10/1/2016 MAPA partnered with Charlotte Eye, Ear, Noes and Throat Associates (CEENTA) to provide a free six hour CME to Charlotte area PAs. ENT updates where discussed, complete with a demonstration of nasal endoscopy on our president, Ray Brown!
This year we awarded two $500 scholarships to Catherine McClellan from Wingate University and Emily Cole from Gardner-Web University. Congratulations to the recipients and best wishes on your continuing education.
Dean Minton (1928 - 2016) was an Air Force Chaplain and Baptist minister. He also had an illustrious 16 year second career as a Physician Assistant, graduating from Wake Forest Bowmen School of Medicine in 1983. He was a pioneering Physician Assistant in Charlotte, working most of his career in Psychiatry at Mecklenburg Psychiatry Associates and Carolinas Medical Center. He was involved in NCAPA, served as a past president and was the editor of MAPA's past monthly newsletter. The MAPA scholarship has been renamed the Dean Minton Scholarship in his memory.
Thank you to all who came out on Friday, January 29th to network with fellow Charlotte area PAs, mentor new grads and enjoy some food and fellowship. Fun was had by all! We are looking forward to seeing what 2016 will bring MAPA.
PA week kicks off October 6th to commemorate the anniversary of first graduating class of Physician Assistants from Duke University and coincidentally Dr. Eugene Stead, the first PA educator's birthday. What prompted you to become a PA? Share your inspiration or favorite mentor with MAPA below.
You can also download a MAPA flyer here, just fill in the name of the PAs in your office and post it for you patients to learn more about your role in the healthcare team!
