Society of
Physician Assistants
in
Otorhinolaryngology / Head & Neck Surgery
|
Membership
SPAO-HNS is the official specialty organization for Physician Assistants in Otorhinolaryngology / Head & Neck
Surgery. It is recognized by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the American Academy
of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery (AAO).
The goal of SPAO-HNS is to promote the growth and development of Physician Assistants in the ENT field. This
non-profit organization was founded in 1991 and is operated exclusively for the educational and scientific
benefit of its members.
Why join SPAO?
Through our liaison with the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) and our various presentations and
exhibits, we have been able to better inform and educate ENT Physicians about the scope of practice and
training of Physician Assistants. As a direct result of these networking efforts there has been an increase in PA
acceptance and employment opportunities.
Membership Benefits
Our newsletter, The Vanguard , was first published in 1992. Since then, it has grown to a quarterly newsletter
full of useful information concerning meetings, billing information, CME news, membership updates and relevant
clinical and business information.
As an added bonus, members also receive a complimentary subscription to ENT Journal . This monthly peer-
reviewed magazine features original articles and provides excellent color pictures of interesting ENT cases.
Each member is recognized for his or her commitment to the advancement of physician assistants in ENT with a
Membership Certificate.
The Works-Benefits Survey compiles key financial and clinical information pertaining to compensation and
scope of practice as compared to participating society members nationwide.
This is a vital bargaining tool for PA's when it comes to contract negotiations and scope of practice issues.
Keep abreast of current trends in your profession.
The society offers scholarships to PA students enrolled in accredited PA programs with an interest in ENT.
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and
future goals as a PA.
Members have an excellent opportunity to network with other PA's that share similar interests at our various
meetings. They also receive an annual Membership Directory that lets them contact other members.
Membership Categories
Fellow - A Fellow member is a graduate of an accredited PA Program or NCCPA certified PA, and a fellow
member of The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) currently employed in an ENT setting.
Fellow members have floor privileges, voting, and may hold or chair committees.
Associate - An Associate member must meet the eligibility criteria outlined for a Fellow, but is not currently
employed in an ENT setting. Associate members are entitled to floor privileges, voting, and may hold or chair
committees.
Sustaining - Sustaining membership is available to any PA eligible for fellow membership that is not presently
practicing medicine or a member of AAPA.
Student - Student membership is open to any student currently enrolled in a program accredited by the
Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) as a Physician Assistant
Program or a Surgeon Assistant Program.
