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PAthways: A Mentorship Program for Aspiring Healthcare Professionals on Colorado’s Western Slope

Ready to Inspire the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders?

Colorado’s Western Slope is facing a critical shortage of healthcare providers. Over 78% of counties in the region are designated Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas, directly affecting more than 415,000 rural residents. The need is especially urgent in primary care, where provider-to-patient ratios far exceed state averages. 

Your experience can help change that. 

The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and the Physician Associate Foundation (PAF) invite you to become a mentor through the PAthways Program—a unique opportunity to guide aspiring healthcare professionals, share your journey, and help shape the future of care in communities that need it most. 

Why Mentor?

By joining PAthways, you’ll: 

  • Help address real healthcare access challenges in rural Colorado 
  • Share your knowledge and experience with the next generation of PAs 
  • Receive a stipend for your time and effort 
  • Get $200 off AAPA 2026 registration 
  • Gain the personal and professional fulfillment of mentoring future leaders 
About the PAthways Program

Launched with support from the Colorado Health Foundation, PAthways is designed to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure on Colorado’s Western Slope by providing mentees with: 

  • Financial support 
  • Mentorship from experienced PAs 
  • Clinical shadowing opportunities 

Through these resources, the program aims to not only build a more robust and diverse healthcare workforce in rural Colorado, but also to increase each mentee’s likelihood of being accepted into the graduate program of their choice. 

AAPA represents more than 178,000 physician associates nationwide, practicing in every specialty and setting. 

Mentorship Details

This is a one-year commitment where each mentor is paired with a local mentee to co-create a personalized mentorship plan. Key topics include:

  • Application planning and tutorials
  • Undergraduate coursework and exam prep
  • Volunteering, patient care, and shadowing
  • Personal statement and resume development
  • Mock interview practice
  • Financial aid and scholarship resources
Who We’re Looking For

We welcome mentors who are:

  • Practicing PAs in Colorado
  • Passionate about mentoring
  • Experienced in clinical or academic settings
  • Able to offer clinical shadowing opportunities
  • Available for 1–2 hours per month over 12 months
  • Willing to present to local undergraduate students about the PA profession
Get Involved 

Ready to make a difference?