CAPA recognizes the incredible work our members and our community allies are doing every day in their clinical, administrative, and educational settings. Awardees undergo a process of nomination, review and selection by the Awards Committee. Awards are presented at the Annual Membership meeting, part of the Annual CAPA CME conference.
Interested in learning more about the Awards Committee? Check out more information here.
2026 CAPA Awards Nominations will open in JanuaryDo you know a PA who consistently goes above and beyond for their patients or community? Do you know a PA who makes a significant contribution to the clinical education of PA students? Do you know a PA that works collaboratively with the healthcare team and promotes PA Practice? Do you know a student that is dedicated to PA practice in the state of Colorado? Are you a PA student that has demonstrated community service and leadership skills? Does your employer promote a PA-positive environment?CAPA will recognize outstanding PAs at the 2025 May Membership Meeting. Consider nominating a PA, PA student, employer or legislator you know (or self-nominate) for one of the CAPA awards. |
PA of the Year:This award recognizes the PA’s contributions to the profession in the clinical setting and community. Recipient must be a CAPA member. Award will be based on the PA's service to the PA profession, inspiration to colleagues and patients, provision of high quality patient care, professional leadership, and community and volunteer contributions. PA Educator of the Year:This award recognizes a PA’s contribution as a PA preceptor or educator. Recipient must be a CAPA member. Award will be based on the PA's support of educational advancement of PA students, promotion of student leadership, evidence of mentoring efforts, involvement in professional leadership activities, and community and volunteer activities. PA Leader of the Year:This award recognizes a PA that works collaboratively with the healthcare team and promotes PA practice. Recipient must be a CAPA member. Award will be based on the PA's evidence of mutual respect and trust, teamwork in providing care to patients, team, community or professional leadership, and evidence of team community contributions. PA Student of the Year:This award recognizes a PA’s student dedication to the profession in the state of Colorado. The student must be a CAPA member. Nominations will be accepted and awarded based on the PA student's evidence of mutual respect and trust; PA program, community or professional leadership, and involvement in activities that advances or supports the PA profession. PA Student Scholarship:CAPA will award two (2) $500 annual student scholarships, funds permitting, to a Physician Assistant student in the state of Colorado. Student must be a CAPA member. Applications will be reviewed by the Awards Committee and are based on the PA student's community service and involvement, leadership, academic achievement, goals as a future PA, and letter of recommendation. Financial Need will be considered on an as needed basis. PA Employer of the Year:This award recognizes organizations that are top employers of PAs, providing them with opportunities for professional growth and leadership. The award will showcase an employer that has implemented practices that create positive work environments and encourage collaborative provider teams. Legislative Award:This award honors a member of the community that through their leadership contributes to increasing access to high-quality, cost-effective, patient-centered health care. The award recognizes someone who promotes PA practice in the state in line with CAPA legislative efforts. |
PA of the Year: Alexis Keyworth, PA-C PA Educator of the Year: Valerie Paulson, PA-C PA Leader of the Year: Tatiana Emanuel, DMSc, PA-C PA Student of the Year: Emmalee Vittetoe, PAS Employer of the Year: University of Colorado School of Medicine in partnership with University of Colorado Hospital Legislative Award: Senator Rod Pelton Legislative Award: State Representative Ron Weinberg |
In order to run PA legislation, our bills need bipartisan sponsorships. The legislator award honors a member of the community that through their leadership contributes to increasing access to highquality, cost-effective, patient-centered health care. This award goes to someone who promotes PA practice in the state in line with CAPA legislative efforts. This year, we offer the 2023 Legislative Award to both Sen Winter and Sen Simpson for their work to help modernize PA practice by sponsoring SB 23-83