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The following platform statements are from cadidates seeking elected positions. Please read them carefully;
Platform for President - Kristina Marsack, PA-C
As the current Treasurer of the Association of Plastic Surgery PAs (APSPA), I have gained an increased understanding for the importance of PA Constituent Organizations. The APSPA strives to enhance the practices of its members in a multitude of ways. Over the past year, we have obtained recognition from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), with potential for Affiliate Membership by 2009. Additionally, we have increased our corporate sponsorship and, consequently, increased our savings. I have made it a personal goal to improve our website, which now includes a job board, an online membership application, the announcement of CME activities, and increased communication with our members. I also conducted two surveys, one profiling our membership and the other analyzing financial aspects of plastic surgery PA positions. The goal of these surveys was to provide our members with the tools needed to negotiate a new job, a raise, or an expansion of responsibilities. I would like to announce my candidacy for President-Elect and I look forward to continuing to work on the behalf of plastic surgery PAs. My goals in this new position are to increase membership involvement and communication, strengthen our relationship with the ASPS, and continue to improve our website.
Kristina Marsack, PA-C
Treasurer, APSPA
Assistant Professor
Division of Plastic Surgery
Micheal E. DeBakey Department of Surgery
Baylor College of Medicine
Brandon Wolfenden
PA Program: Le Moyne College
Platform Statement:
I am excited to continue in the service of others and my profession by announcing my candidacy for the office of Student Member at large for the Association of Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants.
The Student Representative position in any organization is one of great responsibility. It requires being the voice of the student population throughout the entire association. Particularly, with respect to APSPA, it is important to also maintain communications with the other constituent chapters, student society presidents and AOR representatives. I am uniquely qualified to serve in this capacity.
From the time I was ten years old, I was told I would be a great leader someday. That is evidenced by my history in service to others. In high school, I served as the student body Treasurer and continue to serve my classmates as the class alumni activities chair. Upon graduation from high school I chose another path in the service of others, the United States Army. Here, I learned to further hone my leadership skills. I especially inculcated the fact that to be a good leader, you must be a good follower. Under the wing of some phenomenal PAs, my skills in medicine and surgery were enhanced as well. I served as a Platoon Sergeant under several different commands and was prepared to enter Drill Sergeant School prior to being afflicted with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and leaving the military in 2001. During my undergraduate years I served as Student Ambassador for the Office of Admissions at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry as well as being an undergraduate teaching assistant for my entire senior year while also working full time. Currently, I have the honor of serving as the AOR representative for Le Moyne College and holding the Senior Warden (VP) position in my local Masonic Lodge.
Our profession and in particular the specialty of Plastic Surgery, requires attention to detail and leadership that is ready to make things happen and continue to move things forward. I see us making great strides in creating a greater understanding in the community as to who we are and what we do for our patients. We are in a unique position to bring great credit and increased prestige to the PA profession. Highly effective communication skills and think outside of the box are some of my greatest qualities and will be an asset to the office of Student Board Member of the Association of Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants.
My experience in leadership, my courage to make decisions and do what's right and my ability to follow the direction and council of others makes me the best candidate. I pledge to use my skills and abilities to the advantage of the profession and its members.
Thank you for your time and attention and for reviewing my platform statement.
Travis L. Rogers, PA-S
Candidate for Student Representative to the APSPA Board of Directors
Just as the trials and tribulations that the first group of PA students embarked upon back in 1967 at Duke University, I too have begun my first steps down that amazing pathway. Fortunately, my journey will be aided down the path from those who have tread before me. That ongoing path has been developed by all of you, and now, I would like to assist in continually moving the PA profession forward. I would be honored to be elected as the Student Representative to the APSPA Board of Directors.
My past experiences bring forth a strong background in leadership and teamwork efforts to ensure that the goals and missions of the APSPA BOD and student body are met. With my current skills and those that are constantly being developed as I advance through my academic curricula, I will smoothly advance the progress of APSPAs philosophy throughout its constituents and the community. Currently, I also stand as a voice in the community through my volunteer efforts with the Florida Hospice of the Suncoast to both broaden my knowledge base in becoming a successful PA and educating the community about PA's as I believe it is a necessary aspect for the continuing success of the PA profession.
As the Student Representative to the APSPA Board of Directors, I would like to:
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Stand out as the combined voice for my fellow PA students throughout the nation in following the philosophy of APSPA. It is a key force that every student should have a voice to convey their thoughts and ideas for the continual development of the PA profession and APSPA. As their representative, my efforts would be devoted to preserving their voices.
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Stand out as the combined voice for my fellow PA students throughout the nation in following the philosophy of APSPA. It is a key force that every student should have a voice to convey their thoughts and ideas for the continual development of the PA profession and APSPA. As their representative, my efforts would be devoted to preserving their voices.
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Stand out as the combined voice for my fellow PA students throughout the nation in following the philosophy of APSPA. It is a key force that every student should have a voice to convey their thoughts and ideas for the continual development of the PA profession and APSPA. As their representative, my efforts would be devoted to preserving their voices.
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Proficiently inform and convey all actions of APSPA and the BOD to the PA Program student members of APSPA.
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Persistently work with the BOD and APSPA in strengthening the knowledge of APSPA and the PA profession throughout the community in new and innovative ways.
¢ Strategize and implement fresh ideas and models to increase student membership not only in APSPA, but also in FAP, SAAPA, and AAPA throughout all the PA programs.
¢ Professionally serve as a functioning and able committee member in the capacities set forth in maintaining the mission of APSPA and its student body. -
Efficiently adapt in assisting with new challenges and responsibilities that may present throughout the next year in the continual growth and involvement of APSPA and the PA profession
With your support, I am looking forward to serving as the Student Representative. I welcome the challenging opportunity that stands before me in serving the needs, goals and missions of APSPA, and I would like to begin efforts to continue the growth and accomplishments which APSPA has already succeeded.
