PA-Led Patient Advocacy
Authored By: Ron Stavale, Garret Smigelski, and Ken Gorney
As we reflect on the Thanksgiving holiday, we can’t help but think about the pivotal moment in history we’re living through. The next few years promise significant change—not just for our country and state but also for the field of medicine. Amid so much uncertainty, one thing is clear: Michigan PAs have a great deal to be thankful for.
This year, over 800 Michigan PAs have connected with their legislators through calls, meetings, and letters. Some went even further, forging personal relationships with their representatives. As Rep. Jasper Martus shared at the Fall Conference Issues & Answers, “A PA getting to know your State Rep. or State Senator is worth 100 emails.” The impact of these efforts cannot be overstated, and I’m deeply grateful to those PA leaders who stepped up, including Alison Badger, Ken Gorney, Mary Jo Pilat, Becky Cronin, Ron Stavale, Patrick Handlin, Sara Luna Salman, Michelle Petropoulos, Sara Scantamburlo, Yolonda Freeman-Hildreth, Brian Gallagher, Garrett Smigelski, Jonathan Albers, Michael White, Jonathan Borton, Susanna Storeng, Andy Booth, and Brian Guindon. Their personal sacrifices and professional leadership empower us all to serve our patients better.
Under the leadership of MAPA Political Action Committee (PAC) Chair Garrett Smigelski, we’ve seen remarkable success. Nearly every candidate we supported in the recent election secured victory—except one, who missed the win by a razor-thin margin of 58 votes. Among those elected are staunch PA champions like Rep. Reggie Miller, who sponsored the PA title update to Physician Associate. Her dedication is nothing short of inspiring; even recovering from major back surgery, she called us last week—her voice trembling with pain—to assure us she’ll return to Lansing as soon as possible to continue advocating for Michigan PAs. This kind of selflessness leaves me profoundly grateful for the unwavering support we have in our State Capitol.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has also demonstrated her commitment to our profession. This year, she proclaimed PA Week in Michigan for the first time in history. Her actions during the pandemic, including an Emergency Order eliminating the requirement for PAs to have a Practice Agreement to treat COVID-19 patients, reflect her understanding of and confidence in the care PAs provide. Living in a state led by a Governor who boldly declares, “PAs can do that!” is something we can all celebrate.
In the legislature, we are fortunate to have mental health providers championing patient-led care. Rep. Carrie Rheingans, MPH, MSW, a leader in this movement, joined us at the Fall Conference Issues & Answers session to reaffirm her commitment to advancing these critical bills to the Governor’s desk this year. Similarly, Rep. Felecia Brabec, Psy.D., MSW, Chair of the House Behavioral Health Subcommittee, has shown incredible resolve. Even while grieving the loss of a loved one, her resolve remained steadfast. When asked how we could support her, she replied without hesitation, “Get your bill done! That will make me feel better.” This relentless dedication is truly inspiring.
Rep. Jamie Thompson, LPN, despite facing a tough re-election, prioritized meeting with our team. Her appreciation for the role PAs provide in addressing mental health—both personally and professionally—was evident. Meanwhile, Rep. Kim Edwards, MSW, is a quiet yet formidable advocate for change, leveraging her personal experience working alongside psychiatric PAs in Michigan’s most challenging areas. Knowing that every mental health provider in the Michigan Legislature is an unapologetic supporter of PAs is a testament to the strong relationships we’ve built.
Finally, we want to acknowledge the re-election and ongoing recovery of one of our longest-serving champions, former Senator and now State Rep. Curt VanderWall. During his time as Senate Health Policy Chair, he consistently championed PAs and our patients. He sponsored the Mental Health Code update bill, which passed the Senate unanimously and included defining PAs as mental health providers. He currently sponsors the PA Multistate Compact bill in Michigan. After undergoing a major medical procedure last month, Rep. VanderWall is on the mend and poised to return to Lansing in January as a leading voice for the House Health Policy Committee.
As we look ahead to 2025, the extension of legislators’ term-limits to 12 years offers an opportunity for continuity with our legislative champions. This stability, combined with the efforts of our dedicated PA leaders, ensures that Michigan PAs and our patients will have allies to rely on for years to come.
Michigan remains the best state in the country for PAs to practice. As we look back on the achievements of this year, let’s also move forward with optimism. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to be involved, remember that more hands lessens the workload on those who do volunteer and the successes we will have are shared by all!