Medelita Joins AAPA in Celebrating National PA Week

San Clemente, CA (PRWEB) October 9, 2009 Medelita®, makers of innovative high-quality scrub sets and lab coats for women in health care who excel in their profession and take pride in their appearance, joins the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) in celebrating National PA Week, October 6 - 12. "National PA Week provides us the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the central role PAs have in shaping the future of health care in this country, and across the world," says Medelita founder Lara Manchik, who brings a decade of experience as a PA to her breakthrough line of medical apparel. "We're honored to join AAPA in celebrating National PA Week and the professionals who deserve this recognition. AAPA is doing an outstanding job communicating the role of PAs in transforming health care  -- not just on the floor and by the patient's bedside, but in our laws and legislation." Manchik points out that PAs have always responded to the changing needs of patient care. Launched in 1967 at Duke University Medical Center, the first PA program was developed to utilize the skills of returning Vietnam medics and fill a need for quality health care when and where it is needed most. Since then, PAs have continued to make cost-effective, quality health care accessible to more people who might otherwise have limited, or no, access. Today, you'll find PAs providing not only primary care, but also working with physicians across a spectrum of medical specialties. Says Manchik, "Patients and physicians alike are recognizing the tremendous value that PAs, with their advanced training and knowledge, bring to patient care. They assume many of the same responsibilities of doctors, keep costs in check, and spend time with patients to completely understand their needs and goals. National PA Week allows us to acknowledge this contribution." During this year's National PA Week, the AAPA is emphasizing the leading advocacy position PAs share in the current health care debate. Through grassroots efforts and awareness-raising campaigns, AAPA and its members are making sure legislators include PAs in the strategy to increase access to quality, affordable health care. "PAs are an important part of the solution to health care," says AAPA President Stephen Hanson, MPA, PA-C. "Medelita shares our commitment to educating people about what PAs do, and the difference we're making in patient care and health. As our profession continues to grow, we're making sure PAs have a prominent voice in evolving and advancing health care as well. "National PA Week brings much deserved attention to these dedicated, extraordinary professionals," adds Manchik. "Medelita applauds the AAPA and its members for their tremendous efforts and commitment to reform health care. We're proud to provide PAs quality lab coats and scrub sets that reflect their exceptional dedication and professionalism." Manchik invites PAs and all women working in health care to visit http://www.medelita.com, to read about featured women in health care, and to read about the experiences and testimonials of other PAs, physicians, dentists and NPs. She adds that Medelita will soon be launching a line of lab coats for men. About Medelita: Medelita has one purpose: to reinvent the way women of all health care professions present themselves at work by offering the highest quality, best fitting, and most comfortable medical apparel available, including scrubs and women's lab coats. Medelita caters to professional women who want their uniforms to embody the poise and confidence already displayed from within. For more information, visit http://www.medelita.com or call (877) 987-7979. About AAPA The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is the only national professional association that represents PAs across all medical and surgical specialties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the armed forces, and the federal services. AAPA provides comprehensive support and advocacy for physician assistants so that they may, in turn, provide patients with increased access to quality, cost-effective health care. For more information, visit http://www.aapa.org.