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.

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:

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.

Nomination Forms:

PA of the Year
PA Educator of the Year
PA Leader of the Year
PA Student of the Year
PA Student Scholarship

PA Employer the Year
Legislative Award

2024 PA of the Year

Frances Lorenzi, PA-C

PA Lorenzi is highlighted for being an incredible clinician, patient advocate, and decorated clinician educator, leader, and mentor. Currently working with the Medical Oncology team at the University of Colorado Division of Hospital Medicine, PA Lorenzi shines as the director of the Advanced Practice Fellowship in Hospital Medicine. She has developed over 50 different core faculty talks, expanded the Monday education lecture series, and created the first ever APP education conference and orientation handbook. Because of her work, advanced practice providers who complete the fellowship are competent and well-rounded providers, well-equipped to deliver the highest care to their patients

2024 PA Educator of the Year

Kate LaPorta, PA-C

With multiple nominations, PA LaPorta excels in the education of physician assistant students. As faculty at the Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Program (CHA/PA) at the University of Colorado since 2019, she has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to her students in combination with her generous spirit, innovative teaching approach, and passion for education that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Serving as an educator during the COVID pandemic, she weathered these tumultuous times by getting creative with lesson plans to ensure students still had a worthwhile learning experience. Along with her contributions to the curriculum, she also serves as the chair of the Program Quality committee at CHA/PA and has revised course and guest lecturer evaluations to reflex best practices and ensure that studnts have an important voice in their education. Please join me in congratulating Kate LaPorta with the PA Educator of the Year Award.

2024 PA Leader of the Year

Travis Kaufman, PA-C

Major Kaufman is an active-duty US army officer, specializing in emergency medicine, global health, and strategic medical planning. He currently serves as Deputy Brigade Surgeon and Senior Medical Advisor, advising and training multinational partners through global health engagements on best medical practices to ensure interoperability within the US. Previously a White House Physician Assistant, he provided direct medical care to the highest levels of government officials, serving as the Senior Physician Assistant and Chief Medical Operations Officer for three Presidential administrations. In this role, he oversaw contingency medical planning for global Presidential and Vice-Presidential travel, successfully leading a team through 482 missions within the continental United States and 42 missions abroad. In addition to his military and medical achievements, PA Kaufman is dedicated to his community, volunteering with Boy Scout Troop 62 to mentor young men and participating in several community organizations, including Wreaths Across America and the Rotary Club USA Flag program. 

2024 Employer of the Year

Division of Hospital Medicine at University of Colorado

The Division of Hospital Medicine at UCH is an exemplary model of collaborative healthcare. The department's unwavering dedication to patient well-being and the professional development of its staff, including physician assistants, is truly commendable. The culture fostered within this department is one of inclusivity, continuous learning, and a commitment to providing the highest standard of patient care. PAs working for the Division of Hospital Medicine at UCH feel valued, supported, and encouraged to work at the top of their scope. PAs are also valued in leadership roles within the Division and at a system level, fostering an environment where everyone is given a chance to excel in their career. Additionally, the Division’s emphasis on interdisciplinary teamwork not only ensures comprehensive patient care but also cultivates an environment where every team member feels empowered. 

2024 Student of the Year

Sarah Kay Pollock, PA-S

 Nominated by several of her classmates, Sarah Kay Pollock has earned the Student of the Year award due to her academic achievements paired with her insightful, intentional, and respectful attitude. Sarah’s intelligence and work ethic has led her to excel through the rigors of PA school, earning a 4.0 GPA. She also is an advocate for the CMU PA Program and PA profession by being elected to represent CMU at the national level by earning a seat in the AAPA’s student house of delegates. Additionally, she received the Rural Health Mentorship scholarship, demonstrating her dedication to underserved populations and the autonomy of the PA profession. In her spare time, she volunteers with several organizations and supports her classmates by baking weekly homemade baked goods and supporting them in the Challenge Bowl. 

Rachel Greene, PA-S

Colorado Mesa University Physician Assistant Program

Rachel Greene has demonstrated dedication to the profession and community, exhibiting tremendous personal growth and leadership skills along with academic achievement. As part of her capstone project, she and her fellow classmates organized a cooperative food exchange between the CSU Extension and the Colorado Mesa University on campus food bank for students to provide high quality fresh foods, developed and distributed dorm friendly recipes, and significantly improved the awareness of this resource on campus. She strives to continue building relationships with local harm reduction services, food insecurity resources, and organizations she is passionate about to continue being a leader in her community and advocating for underserved populations. It is my honor to award Rachel Greene with one of the student scholarships.

Taylor Teske, PA-S
Colorado Mesa University Physician Assistant Program

Taylor Teske is also a student at Colorado Mesa University, Taylor holds many leadership positions and excels as a scholar and leader. She volunteers with a number of organizations, including the Good Samaritan Clinic, STRiVE, Colorado Health network harm reduction and needle exchange, and serving as a mentor for incoming PA students. She also serves as a CAPA Student Representative to be involved in advocacy at the state level for the PA profession. SHe also serves as the student director for the 2023-34 leadership year, organizing a PA specialty panel for students, planning a silent auction, and recruiting speakers for a winter CME conference. Please join me in congratulating Taylor on her numerous accomplishments and student scholarship.

2023 Legislative Award

Senator Cleave Simpson

Colorado District 6

https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/cleave-simpson

Senator Faith Winter

Colorado District 25

https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/faith-winter