MAPA Member Highlight - Brittany Strelow, DMSc, PA-C, MS

Congratulations to Brittany Strelow, DMSc, P.A.-C., M.S. on her appointment to the AAPA Commission on the Health of the Public.  This Commission is charged with reviewing PA participation in external clinical guidelines developments, evaluating potential AAPA participation in external clinical outreach opportunities, and assisting with the recruitment of subject matter experts to represent AAPA. 

Background: Originally a Wisconsin native. I attended the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities for undergraduate in Kinesiology. I graduated from Pace University in New York City in 2011 and recently obtained my doctorate from University of Lynchburg in Virginia in 2021. I have been working at Mayo Clinic since 2011 originally practicing in Hematology and for the last 7 years have been working in Community Internal Medicine. I also since 2019 have taken on a dual role as a clinical co-director of development for the Mayo PA program. 

Commission on the Health of the Public: The Commission on the Health of the Public was created to assist AAPA in matters related to areas of health policy, clinical guidelines, health initiatives and health disparities as requested by the AAPA Board of Directors. The group is charged with reviewing PA participation in external clinical guidelines developments, evaluating potential AAPA participation in external clinical outreach opportunities, and assisting with the recruitment of subject matter experts to represent AAPA. This 2-year volunteer position is a way to engage in issues affecting healthcare and topics relevant to the AAPA Strategic Plan.

Motivation to apply/join commission: Like many, the COVID pandemic pushed me into new roles that I never anticipated and is a big topic of debate on guidelines. I additionally have been passionately involved with preventative medicine, quality metrics, and specifically looking at women’s health in my practice over the years. The PA profession has proven its value throughout the pandemic. I hope that my involvement will assist in ensuring the PA profession has a voice. As well as ensuring we continue to be a valued member of the healthcare team. Diversity & inclusion has been a hot topic in the media over the last few years and we’ve seen first-hand how covid has affected different populations in our county and throughout the world. PAs are an integral part in addressing not only COVID but other health disparities throughout our country.  We fill the need where others many not be able too. I felt the commission was a chance to put what I am seeing in practice into motion at a national level and be a voice for those of us practicing. Hopefully this can also help shape practice for our future learners.

Goals while on commission: My hope with the commission to gain a better knowledge of AAPA and their strategic plan and be able to share that with both MAPA and my colleagues. I have the privilege of being involved with learners and clinical practice and think my unique voice will showcase both sides. Hopefully, my involvement will inspire others to get involved both locally and nationally. I encourage you all to consider volunteering for MAPAs initiatives as well as joining one of the over 400 volunteer opportunities across AAPA to have your voice heard.