Early Destiny Led PA to AMDA

The ability of nurse practitioners and physician assistants to become full voting members of AMDA won’t change anything for Erin Brooks, PA-C, who has been a Society member for years and thinks of her fellow members as colleagues. However, she hopes it will encourage other PAs, as well as NPs, to get involved in an organization that she considers her professional community.

“AMDA has always felt like a community to me. The physicians and other members are always welcoming at the annual meetings, and I always get good information on clinical and regulatory topics,” said Brooks. She added, “The publications—JAMDA and Caring—are always cutting edge in terms of what’s new, current, and important to us as practitioners.”

Brooks was fortunate to have strong physician mentors, including 2013 Medical Director of the Year Rocco Vivenzio, MD, CMD, who encouraged her participation in AMDA. She not only has attended meetings; she also has been active on committees. Currently, she is on the Annual Conference Program Planning Committee.

She hopes the change in membership status will encourage her colleagues who haven’t had the benefit of such mentors to become AMDA members. “The more involved we’re able to become, the better it will be for our residents. The membership change demonstrates to PAs and NPs the importance of our role in caring for post-acute and long-term care residents. It’s encouraging and positive for them to see the organization as being theirs.” Brooks is confident that they will share her enthusiasm for the AMDA once they become members. “AMDA members understand my value as a team member. I’ve always felt more than welcome. The physicians value my opinions, and they really want to know what is important to us and what information and tools we need.” She added, “You get the clinical and regulatory knowledge you need in a warm, welcoming environment.”

Brooks observed that physicians will also benefit from PAs’ and NPs’ involvement in AMDA. “It’s crucial to see through each other’s eyes, as our worlds intertwine on a day-to-day basis.”

On contemplating her future in AMDA, Brooks admits that she might consider running for office or serving as a House of Delegates member. “I’m not sure that I’m ready now, but it is a possibility looking down the road. Our voice is important,” she said.

Like many PALTC practitioners, Brooks was inspired by a family member. She said, “My grandmother, who passed away earlier this year, was a wonderful woman who served as a World War II Army nurse. Her medical background was quite an inspiration for me.” She added, “She gave me her old Merck manual when I went to PA school.”

Brooks actually started her health care career in high school. “I worked as a candy striper in a long-term care facility when I was a teenager. My job was to bring people to church services on Sunday, and I loved it,” she said. Later, she worked as a CNA briefly. “I guess you could say I was destined to go into LTC from a very young age.”

For more information on AMDA membership, click here.