Statement on Diversity
The American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants (AASPA) recognizes that having diverse members is essential to our profession and to the growth and strength of our organization. We have a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusivity for all members. AASPA celebrates and respects the differences of all members as this is what drives our passion to lead in the PA profession.
The AASPA supports this commitment to diversity in many ways. Our organization is committed to having diverse representation members and leadership positions. The AASPA has formed a robust Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee whose members support continuing education efforts for the entire organization. The efforts of this committee also include mentorship for all leaders and future leaders.
COVID-19 Resources
Personal Protective Equipment is Important!
The AASPA believes that all healthcare workers should be allowed to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), whether it is supplied by the institution for which you work or self-supplied (if it meets national guidelines for safety). The AASPA supports the safety of all healthcare workers, especially those working in settings with greater exposure to infectious diseases. The use of PPE as a means of preventing infection is based upon scientific evidence, and the use of adequate PPE should not be impacted by challenges with supply.
We have compiled a list of resources below for managing patients with COVID-19
Clinical Resources
The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) is providing free education to inform, prepare, and equip healthcare clinicians during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Educational materials will be updated on this site as they become available.
SCCM COVID-19 Resources for Non-ICU Clinicians
Page with recommendations for treatment and management of patients with COVID-19 from the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Guidelines
Resource detailing state-by-state expansion of telehealth and licensing waivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alliance for Connected Care State Telehealth Expansion
Article about managing critically ill adults with COVID-19.
Management of Critically Ill Adults With COVID-19 Article
Page with resources for COVID-19 from the Joint Perfusionist Task Force.
Joint Perfusion COVID-19 Task Force
If you are being redeployed to the emergency department to help out, EMRAP offers some great resources to help you get up to speed.
EM:RAP COVID-19 Resources
Link to the "Joint Statement" for resuming elective surgery after COVID-19. This can help provide those working in surgery with additional guidance on the management of non-emergent operations during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Joint Statement: Roadmap for Resuming Elective Surgery after COVID-19 Pandemic
Health Care Provider Assistance Resources
Hilton Hotels, in collaboration with American Express, is donating free hotel room nights to healthcare providers who might need a place to sleep or isolate during the pandemic.
Hilton and American Express Donating Rooms to Frontline Medical Professionals
Marriott, in collaboration with American Express and JPMorgan Chase, has created "Rooms for Responders" and is donating free hotel room nights to healthcare providers who might need a place to sleep or isolate during the pandemic.
Marriott Rooms for Responders and Community Caregiver Programs
Crocs, the shoe company, is donating shoes to healthcare providers.
Crocs Sharing a Free Pair for Healthcare
Medelita, the amazing scrub company created by a PA(!) is offering a discount to healthcare providers. Use the code FRONTLINES for the discount.
Medelita Website
Talkspace, a therapy program, is providing free services to healthcare workers.
Talkspace COVID-19 Resources
The Parking Spot, a parking club, is offering essential healthcare workers free parking at any of their facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Parking Spot Free Parking Offer
Surgical PA Organizations
PA Resources
The FDA is seeking to build a coalition of public and private healthcare organizations with expertise in product use, risk management, standard setting, and many other areas of quality care and safety. Together, we can development and implement effective risk reduction strategies for preventing surgical fires. They welcome other organizations who want to join in the Preventing Surgical Fires Initiative.
To find out more about the "Preventing Surgical Fires" initiative or to get involved, contact the Safe Use Initiative at [email protected].