What is GAPA (Georgia Academy of Physician Associates)?

GAPA is the Georgia Academy of Physician Associates, a professional association for physician associates/assistants (PAs) in Georgia. It serves practicing PAs, PA students, and Pre-PA students who want a voice in legislation, protection of practice rights, professional education, and networking. If you are a PA or a student preparing for the profession in Georgia, GAPA is the state-level organization to know.

What GAPA does

GAPA describes its role as empowering and affording Physician Assistants a voice in legislation, protecting the right to practice, and providing meaningful connections and the edge to succeed through quality education. In practical terms, that means the organization works on:

• Advocacy — representing PAs in legislative and policy discussions.
• Practice protection — supporting the right to practice.
• Education — offering CME (continuing medical education) through conferences.
• Community — connecting colleagues and celebrating accomplishments.
• Outreach — supporting service to medically underserved patients.

Who it serves

The Pre-PA Engage Program is specifically framed as mentorship support for people navigating their PA journey, so it is relevant if you are still preparing to enter a PA program.

Membership and how to join

GAPA invites both new members and renewals. The stated benefits of joining include better serving your patients, providing outreach to the medically underserved, strengthening the profession, networking with colleagues, and celebrating your accomplishments. There is a "Join GAPA Today!" entry point on the site, and a Member Login for existing members.

If you want to check cost, eligibility tiers, or renewal terms, those details are not specified in the available site information, so confirm them directly through the membership page or by contacting GAPA.

Events and CME

GAPA runs an Annual CME Conference and a Summer CME Conference. The site lists the 2027 Summer CME Conference for 1–3 July 2027 at Sandestin Resort in Destin, with a note to "See you in Destin for 2027!" after the prior conference in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. There are also sponsor/exhibitor opportunities and a Pre-PA Fair tied to events.

For anyone tracking CME deadlines or planning travel, the events page is the place to confirm dates, location, registration, and sponsor information.

Other resources on the site

• GAPA Go and News — organizational updates and articles.
• GAPA Job Center / Career Centre — job listings.
• Donations and PAC Donations — political action committee giving.
• About GAPA, What's a PA?, President's Message, Leadership, BOD Elections, Management Team, Regions, GAPA Awards — background and governance.
• Contact — email [email protected] or PO Box 12554, San Antonio, TX 78212.

The site also links to a readable article: "The cost-effectiveness of physician assistants/associates: A systematic review of international evidence."

Quick answer

GAPA is Georgia's professional association for physician associates/assistants. It is the right organization to look at if you are a PA, PA student, or Pre-PA student in Georgia and want legislative representation, practice protection, CME, mentorship, and professional connections. Start with the membership page if you want to join, or the events page if you are looking for CME.