POCN Announces America’s Top PA 2025 Award Nominations Now Open to Honor Outstanding Physician Associates 

In coordination with the 2025 AAPA National Conference, the awards recognize Physician Associates who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in the profession.

BOONTON, N.J. – May 16, 2025 – POCN, the largest network of Physician Associates (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), is honoring PAs making an impact in healthcare with the launch of the 2025 America’s Top PA (ATPA) Awards. The annual awards recognize exceptional leadership in the PA profession through improved patient outcomes and peer community support, advancement, and clinical education. Nominations for the ninth annual awards are now open for all US-based PAs, in coordination with the upcoming AAPA National Conference, May 16-20, 2025.

“We take great pride in hosting America’s Top PA and NP Awards each year,” says Richard Zwickel, Founder and CEO of POCN. “PAs and NPs represent the fastest-growing segment in healthcare, and their influence on patient care and treatment is profound. These dedicated professionals truly deserve recognition for their significant contributions to their communities and to patients.”

Anyone with a PA in their personal or professional network who is demonstrating excellence in patient care and peer support is welcome to submit a nomination. Winners of America’s Top PAs and NPs will receive:

  • National recognition and press exposure for excellence in patient care and peer support
  • Ability to serve as an advisor to help advance educational programs for the PA community
  • Invitation to join other America’s Top PA winners, past and present, in an upcoming recognition dinner during AAPA in 2026

“This type of recognition is critical to celebrate the impact that PAs and NPs have every day and the critical role we play in shaping the future of healthcare,” says Folusho Ogunfiditimi, DM, MPH, PA-C, and 2023-2024 President of AAPA. “I’m grateful to work with POCN and its distinguished network of NPs and PAs, which inspires me to continue striving for excellence and to help create more opportunities for PAs and NPs to lead in healthcare.”

POCN will be available to coordinate nominations and provide more information on PA resources at booth #1604 at AAPA. POCN will be sponsoring a podium presentation on building professional resilience by accessing peer communities. The presentation, “Your Peers, Your Pillar: POCN Community Support Network,” will be offered Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. within the AAPA Expo Rotation Stage and presented by 2022 ATPA winner Viet Li, MPAS, DMSc, FACC, FAHA, HF-Cert.

POCN works to empower PAs and NPs in career advancement and professional development through shared connections with each other, their patients, and the most advanced resources for learning and caring.

To nominate a PA for the America’s Top PA Awards, click here. Learn more about POCN at www.pocn.com.

About POCN

Founded in 2014, POCN is the largest network of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Associates (PAs) in the U.S., with over 600,000 members across specialties. POCN was created to address the unmet need for resources that support NP and PA clinical decision-making and professional advancement. Today, POCN helps clinicians learn through peer-driven clinical and therapeutic education, earn through paid research and career opportunities, care with tools that enhance patient outcomes, and connect by staying informed and engaged with their profession. Shaped by input from the NP and PA community, POCN is committed to empowering these essential providers and elevating their role in healthcare. For more information, visit www.pocn.com.

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