Aligning Our Name With Our Profession

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