Chris was the first civilian physician assistant in Canada, helped get the PA program in Manitoba started and just finished 3 years as president of CAPA and transitioned to the role of past president in October 2017. This interview takes place just days before he transitioned to past president at the CAPA 2017 Conference in Ottawa just after he returned from the UK PA conference. Chris has led an interesting life, even spending the previous few years traveling the world for enjoyment. He has a LOT of good information for practicing PAs in Canada. You do not want to miss this enlightening and informative interview. 

Patrick Nelson is the executive director of CAPA and is responsible for the operations of the national office, raising awareness and advocating for the PA profession with government and stakeholders, and achieving financial stability within CAPA. Prior to joining CAPA, he was the Executive Director of Public and Corporate Affairs at the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and also served as an aide to Ontario’s Minister of Health. Join us as Patrick takes us through an update of the PA profession across the provinces of Canada.

Natalie St. Pierre is the Director, Communications and Stake Holder Relations for CAPA. This interview takes place during the CAPA 2017 conference in Ottawa. Natalie reviews the critical role of advocacy and the progress CAPA is making in Ontario, Quebec and BC with PA days and PA advocacy among politicians and the general public.  Natalie and CAPA have prepared and advocacy toolkit for practicing PAs to help support individuals in contacting their local politicians and newspapers and contribute to the advocacy campaign.  She also provides a brief overview of the recently released evidence by the Conference Board of Canada showing the benefit and impact of PAs in the healthcare system.  Natalie discusses the buzz around the newly released PA video in both English and French.