No PA Doctorate Debate?
SAN ANTONIO—It looks as if the AAPA House of Delegates will not debate the issue of PA-specific doctorate degrees in 2008.
The academy's board of directors spent a significant amount of time discussing a possible emergency resolution to the HOD on the issue on Friday, but ultimately opted not to make such a resolution.
In the end, the board decided not to propose an emergency resolution to the HOD on this issue this year, but will assign it to one of its councils to study during 2008-2009.
Although it appears that the AAPA is moving to address the issue, it's a little disappointing that the academy chose not to discuss PA doctorate degrees in the HOD this year. While I'm sure the appropriate AAPA council will give the issue thorough consideration, there's no substitute for open, honest debate by the entire HOD. And there's no better time than right now.
AAPA president Gregor Bennett did urge educational programs to delay the development of PA-specific doctorate programs until the academy issues a formal policy.