MGH Institute physician assistant students and faculty were at the Massachusetts State House last week to advocate for legislative changes to eliminate barriers to provide patient care. First-year physician assistant students joined PA Course Coordinator Jessica Spissinger and Department Chair Deanna Denault to take part in the annual Massachusetts Association of PAs (MAPA) Lobby Day for the first time as part of their course learning about the profession. After the group's experience, it won’t be the last.

“I am very proud of the students’ level of enthusiasm and engagement,” said Spissinger. “Clinically practicing PAs continue to face legislative barriers to clinical practice which impede patient care. Students are aware of these challenges and are eager to join clinically practicing PAs to advocate for changes to outdated legislation which will ultimately lead to better patient care.”