AASPA
American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants
Made By Surgery PAs for Surgery PAs
Why AASPA?
At AASPA, Surgical excellence meets community. The American Association of Surgical PAs was established in 1972 and is the oldest constituent organization of The American Academy of Physician Associates.
Created by Surgery PAs for Surgery PAs. We pride ourselves in accessibility to aspiring, practicing and retired Surgery PAs, as we know connecting our community fosters provider wellness, surgical skill advancement and ultimately serves our patient population.
We are so happy you are here! Whether you are simply interested in the Surgical PA profession or have been practicing as a Surgery PA for many years, AASPA welcomes you with open arms!
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AASPA is the premier support organization for surgical PAs in all operative settings and specialties who seek to better their careers, advance their professional development, expand their network and optimize the quality of patient care they deliver.
AASPA was formed for Surgical PAs, by Surgical PAs. AASPA supports the surgical PA profession by addressing the needs of its membership, by marketing the profession, offering quality cost-effective CME, assisting with professional issues and providing a forum for networking and the exchange of ideas.
In addition to serving surgical PA professionals, AASPA represents PA students – both students and PA residents – in a wide variety of academic settings. AASPA provides surgical PA employers with an avenue to recruit top talent while offering affordable support opportunities to medical supply and pharmaceutical corporations. The result: increased employment and compensation for PAs, improved patient care and safety, enhanced revenue streams, decreased physician workloads and increased visibility.
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AASPA connects PAs interested in surgery nationwide. AASPA Members can join and watch recorded CME webinars to stay current, access the popular Surgical PA Journal, Sutureline, and nominate colleagues as AASPA Member of The Month while celebrating members' achievements. Members also access the AASPA Job Board, networking events, and forums to share professional ideas, contributing to the voice of Surgical PAs.
Student Members can apply for the Annual AASPA Student Scholarship to help with PA school costs.
AASPA Members get special prices for conferences and workshops.
AASPA provides a strong environment to build leadership skills. Whether you're a PA Student, a New Grad Surgical PA, a Practicing Surgical PA, or a Retired PA, there's a chance to serve on AASPA's Board of Directors!
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Our community, courses, and memberships are pretty special. We’re focused on the ways it will make a huge difference in your life.
Here are a few of the things you’ll be able to do as a member of AASPA:
Connect with experienced Surgical PAs to gain insights and practice techniques to ensure your patients receive up-to-date high quality peri-operative care, optimize your wellness and advance your surgical skills.
Access exclusive forums where you can exchange innovative ideas and best practices.
Engage in cost-effective CME programs that you can actually use as a Surgery PA!
Earn CME
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Access Webinars
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Learn Through Virtual Clinics
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Find Networking Events
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Apply for Scholarships
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Workshops
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Earn CME — Access Webinars — Learn Through Virtual Clinics — Find Networking Events — Apply for Scholarships — Workshops —
AASPA offers practical, specialty-focused surgical CME designed by surgical PAs that members can use immediately in practice.
Members have access to the AASPA Job Board, networking events, and participation opportunities in forums for exchange to contribute to the unified voice of Surgical PAs.
AASPA Members receive unlimited access to all available webinars for free AND save $100 on all annual CME Conference Recordings
AASPA offers a yearly wellness retreat to nourish the mind, body, and spirit to heal those who devote their lives to healing others.
Upcoming Retreat
Enjoy freshly prepared meals, smoothies and elixirs to keep you nourished throughout your retreat.
Spaces are Limited
Join The American Association of Surgical PAs For Our Inaugural International Wellness Retreat
Lay by the pool as you soak up the Costa Rican 🌞 sunshine, balance the body, mind and spirit through daily yoga in shala where the jungle meets the ocean 🌊 express your inner artist and decompress your spine through aerial silk lessons, optimize your energy through accupuncture and reiki sessions.
What to do next?
🗓 Spaces are limited, AASPA members save $500 and can book their spot here. Non-members still receive all the benefits this healing retreat offers and may book their spot here.
✈ Next book your flights to and from San Jose, Costa Rica arriving on Saturday April 25th, 2026 and departing on Saturday May 2nd, 2026
The 2026 AASPA Annual Surgical CME Conference + Cadaver Bioskills Labs
Get ready to sharpen your Surgical Skills in Orlando, FL!
The American Association of Surgery PAs Presents The 2026 Annual Surgical CME Conference + Cadaver Bioskills Lab
Orlando, FL at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute August 17th through August 21st, 2026
Join surgical PAs from across the nation to earn surgical CME you can actually use while attending engaging lectures, enhancing your surgical skills in hands on workshops and even getting a feel for the real thing by practicing advanced skills on cadavers!
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At AASPA we are on a mission to deliver Surgery PAs with high quality CME, provide live events to deepen the connection of the surgical PA community and offer wellness workshops to heal the healers.
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Don't forget your yoga mat as daily morning yoga classes are offered on the breathtaking terrace with a beautiful view of Downtown Orlando.
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This event will be offered live, virtually and all attendees will have access to the replays of recorded lectures.
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Check out our virtual clinic offerings!
Join us this month for AASPA’s interactive Virtual Suture Clinic, designed to sharpen your procedural skills and enhance your clinical confidence, all from the comfort of your home! Led by experienced surgical PAs from a variety of specialties, each live session focuses on practical suturing techniques, tips, and case-based learning that you can immediately apply in practice or in training.
Ready to become a member?
For Students
Students interested in healthcare gain early exposure to the role of a surgical PA through mentorship, educational resources, and real-world insight. Joining the community helps students explore career pathways, build foundational medical knowledge, and connect with PAs who can offer guidance, encouragement, and inspiration as they plan their futures.
For Pre-PAs
Pre-PA students pursuing a career in surgery receive targeted guidance from experienced Surgical PAs. Members benefit from surgical mentorship, first-hand attendance at workshops and conferences, and strengthening applications for programs with strong surgical training to aid in building a competitive edge early.
For Residents
Surgical PA residents are able to join a collaborative learning environment centered on operative and perioperative excellence. The community supports residents through case discussions, procedural education, exam preparation, and shared strategies for managing the demands of surgical training across specialties.
For Fellows
Surgical PA fellows engage in advanced clinical dialogue focused on subspecialty surgery, complex cases, and evolving techniques. Participation fosters continued mastery, leadership development, and teaching opportunities while staying current with best practices in high-acuity surgical care.
For Other Health Professionals
Other health professionals are encouraged to participate in this interprofessional community. Collaboration strengthens OR efficiency, communication, and patient outcomes while promoting mutual respect and shared learning.
What People Are Saying
“AASPA has been instrumental in my growth as a surgical PA. From high-quality, affordable CME to meaningful networking opportunities, the organization truly understands the needs of our profession. Being part of AASPA has helped me stay current, advocate for my role, and ultimately deliver better care to my patients.”
“As a PA student pursuing surgery, AASPA provided invaluable resources, mentorship, and exposure to the profession early in my training. The organization made me feel supported and connected, helping bridge the gap between education and practice while reinforcing the importance of surgical PAs in modern healthcare.”
“AASPA offers an unmatched platform for connecting with top surgical PA talent while supporting the advancement of the profession. Their commitment to education, advocacy, and collaboration benefits not only PAs, but employers, industry partners, and most importantly—patients.”
