This years annual conference was held May 24-29,1997 in Minneapolis Minnesota. The event
consists of a variety of activities including the annual meetings of :

• The House of Delegates (the professional legislative body)

• The Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants

• The Association of Physician Assistant Programs

• The Association of Postgraduate Physician Assistant Programs

• American Academy of Physician Assistant Specialty Organizations

Although it would appear by the numerous meeting of various organizations that this is the
focus of the annual conference, for many PAs this is primarily an opportunity for continuing
education. In addition to the vas array of lectures on clinical practice, some new lectures were
available this year.

“Health Care and the Internet”, and “PAs Online” took on the
enormous task of educating attendees on the use of the internet in their professional lives. E-mail,
CME, patient education, literature searching, and AAPA communication were some of the issues
addressed. These lectures were attended by a large number of participants with various
backgrounds in computer/internet usage.

Attendees interested in research had a variety of activities available throughout the conference.
The annual poster presentation consisted of a wide spectrum of research activities by and about
PAs.

A research roundtable discussion was held where participants interested in research met with
the staff of the Academy to discuss issues regarding PA involvement in research activities.

Specialty organizations in occupational medicine, neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynecology,
oncology, orthopedic surgery, dermatology, emergency medicine, addiction medicine,
otolaryngology, and pediatrics held their annual meetings. In addition, interest group in critical
care, geriatric medicine, urology, and nephrology met to discuss possible involvement in the
Academy.

Although this may sound like all work and no play, several official social activities were held
for attendees and their families. And as always, many unofficial gatherings of old friends and
previous classmates were attended to make the trip truly worth the effort.