Frostburg State University’s Beth Smolko Elected President-Elect of AAPA

Jun 11, 2019 10:15 AM

Dr. Beth Smolko, director of the Frostburg State University Physician Assistant Program, has been elected as the president-elect of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

Founded in 1968, AAPA is the national professional society of physician assistants (PAs) in the United States advocating and educating on behalf of the profession and patients served.

“As the national leader of a major medical organization, I am honored to be representing the interests of over 130,000 PAs across the country,” said Smolko.

Smolko will begin her three-year tenure as president-elect on July 1.

FSU received accreditation-provisional status for its new PA Program in March. The program, a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies, is offered through the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown. The first classes for the initial group of 25 students began in May.

“I am confident that my role as president will be of great benefit to the Frostburg Physician Assistant Program,” said Smolko. “Every time I speak at a conference or am interviewed for radio, TV, print or social media will provide an opportunity to promote the University.”

PAs are medical professionals who practice in every medical setting and diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications and increasingly serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider.

You can find more information about FSU’s Master of Medical Science (MMS) Physician Assistant Studies
Program online.

Situated in the mountains of Allegany County, Frostburg State University is one of the 12 institutions of the University System of Maryland. FSU is a comprehensive, residential regional university and serves as an educational and cultural center for Western Maryland. For more information, visit the Frostburg State web site or the FSU Facebook page. Follow FSU on Twitter @frostburgstate.