The key to acceptance within your community is being the expert that you are
about health care. Become involved in an educational outlet or offer yourself
as a speaker on a timely health topic. Begin by simply stating who you are and
what you do and invite questions after the presentation. If you are an AAPA
member Commonly asked Questions
about Physician Assistants will be an invaluable resource.
It is easiest and appears most professional to participate in a formatted program, like the ones endorsed by the PSPA. These are guided programs, sometimes with a script available upon which you can incorporate your own style of teaching. This is also an easy way to work in parallel with other colleagues (making perhaps a media event) and avoids “reinventing the wheel.”
If appropriate, have available The Physician Assistant Up-Close brochures to hand out. These are eye-catching and colorful, explaining exactly what physician assistants do. It is preferable, though, to actually have dialogue with individuals to answer questions.
If young children are present, use PSPA coloring books as a fun way to introduce or reinforce the concept of what a PA does in cartoon form.
Contact your local Public Relations leader to
get examples of what you can present for a high school career day.