• Legislative Update: The 2026 short legislative session begins February 2. A top priority this session is advancing recognition of Physician Associates as Level 1 providers for workers’ compensation through an omnibus bill. The language has been reviewed by multiple stakeholder groups and is undergoing final legal review. Planning is underway for a Lobby Day, tentatively around Presidents Day. OSPA will also actively advocate for licensure compact legislation, which could improve Oregon’s access to future rural health funding.
• Membership and Marketing: The Membership and Marketing Committee is advancing an advocacy strategy focused on employer-paid OSPA membership, with the goal of making dues a standard benefit for PAs. The Board discussed rollout strategy and identifying an initial employer partner.
• Membership Renewal: Membership invoices have been sent. Achieving a 90% renewal rate would exceed budgeted membership revenue and directly strengthens OSPA’s legislative and advocacy work. Please renew your membership using the invoice that was emailed to you.

Amelia “Mimi” Tesulov is a second-year Physician Associate student at George Fox University, an OSPA Student Representative and Board Member, and the Class of 2026 Treasurer, where she also leads much of her cohort’s fundraising efforts. (If you’ve enjoyed the OSPA Fall Conference auction lately, there’s a good chance Mimi helped make it happen.)

Raised in Corbett, Oregon, Mimi grew up in the Gorge and carries that love of the outdoors everywhere she goes. A free weekend usually finds her exploring new hikes, paddleboarding a new lake, strength training, or competing in just about any sport she can get her hands on. She has a particular soft spot for Spikeball and once went undefeated in her undergraduate intramural league. Frisbee, however, remains her nemesis.

Mimi balances her high-energy hobbies with quieter creative time, often crocheting while listening to podcasts or audiobooks. Her most recent project was a square patchwork cardigan, usually paired with a random fiction audiobook as a mental reset. She’s currently training for a Spartan race, because apparently PA school wasn’t challenging enough.

Alongside her PA training, Mimi is enrolled in her school’s Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program and is excited to continue building her clinical and leadership skills. She has a strong interest in emergency medicine and surgery and brings meaningful global health experience from medical outreach work in Romania and Ghana. Fun family fact: both of her siblings are APPs — one CRNA and one PA — despite being the first generation in her family to pursue medicine.

When she does sit down to watch TV, her comfort rewatches include Psych, Parks and Recreation, and The Office.

Mimi brings drive, warmth, and serious follow-through to everything she does. We’re thrilled to spotlight her and grateful for the energy and leadership she brings to OSPA.

Registration is open for the WAPA & OSPA Joint Spring Conference, and we are excited to welcome physician associates and students from Washington, Oregon, and beyond for a collaborative and engaging spring meeting. Hosted and planned by the Washington Academy of Physician Associates and the Oregon Society of Physician Associates, this annual conference will take place at Skamania Lodge, a beautiful wooded riverside venue located about one hour east of Portland/Vancouver.

Attendees will have access to 17 hours of Category 1 CME, including 14 hours of in-person education and 3 hours of virtual CME for those seeking additional learning opportunities beyond the conference schedule. The program features timely education, hands-on learning, and valuable networking, including the return of our popular workshop series with sessions on motivational interviewing, POCUS, and diagnostic imaging.

A student track is available at a great value, and teams can look forward to competing in the Challenge Bowl on Monday night. Register now and join colleagues for an outstanding educational and professional experience this spring.

Conference Highlights

• Three workshop options offered throughout the conference
• Limited capacity – no additional charge!
• Wide range of educational topics, including:
• Clinical updates and best practices
• Professional development and leadership
• Practice management and emerging issues
• (Final session titles will be announced soon.)
• Exhibit opportunities available for organizations interested in connecting with attendees

Oregon Society of Physician Associates

5727 Baker Way NW, Suite #200
| Gig Harbor, WA 98332

503-650-5864

Admin@OregonPA.org