SAFPA OFFICER POSITIONS:

PRESIDENT ELECT

Maj Brittany Schott Joseph

Maj Brittany Schott Joseph joined the Air Force in 2013 as a direct commission. She has served in family health as well as being attached to the 321st special tactics squadron prior to entering the general surgery fellowship at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio Texas. She is currently stationed at Misawa AB, Japan with her husband and three children. Brittany has held a prior BOD position as Treasurer/Secretary as well as other leadership roles in her Wing. Brittany is enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue to serve her peers as president-elect ensuring SAFPA is represented within our growing career field in both the military and civilian sectors and information is disseminated thoroughly. Brittany is looking forward to supporting the current President and SAFPA’s vision for the upcoming years. 

SECRETARY/TREASURER

Captain Kylie Hamilton

I’m stationed at JB Charleston, SC. I grew up in a small town called Marion, MA and joined the military in 2009. I met my husband at Kirtland AFB, NM in 2009 and we have been married for 11 years with 3 kids (Addison 11yo, Olivia 7yo and Tabor 2yo). I have been on multiple squadron, group and wing councils to include having the opportunity to start an Airman's Council while deployed, which was an amazing experience. Additionally, I secured a Green Belt Certification and was able to take a lot of marketing courses before starting IPAP which has allowed me to successfully implement multiple levels of streamlined process improvements across all bases. Most recently I revamped our clinic RILO process allowing us to cut hours out of the process and noted a gap in lab testing for sickle cell testing. I was able to suggest a fix to AFMRA which was pushed AF wide ensuring less time and resources being wasted leading to safer medicine.

EDUCATION

IPAP grad

ASSIGNMENTS

I just reached my 2.5 year mark as a PA here at JB Charleston. Prior to that I was a 4N0 (Medic) at Kirtland AFB, RAF Lakenheath and Eglin AFB. I have been able to work in a variety of areas from Family Medicine to the Emergency Department. Additionally, I deployed to Iraq for TCN duty, and was able to volunteer a ton in the hospital for some great hands-on experience.

PLATFORM

It is with great enthusiasm that I resubmit my name for consideration as the SAFPA Secretary/Treasurer. Currently I am the interim Secretary/Treasurer for SAFPA due to BOD changes during the year. During my time I have assisted with weekly tasks with no issue. I was apart of prepping and executing the most recent AFPARC. I have exemplary organizational and marketing skills that could continue to be beneficial. This includes keeping accurate records and minutes, well-tracked attendance, & accountability for members/ tasks to ensure the Society progresses at peak performance.

Additionally, I am well versed in Excel, which will allow me to track, maintain and report all financial movements. Lastly, as a  certified Green Belt, I am able to identify issues of concern, provide solutions and guide the implementation. Being prior enlisted with 14 years of experience has imbued me with a wide perspective of the Air Force that can be beneficial when strategically and proactively looking at the future. This multi-capable background would also allow me to backfill other Society positions should deployments or unexpected life events occur for other members.  Overall, I can bring a multitude of unique talents that can provide opportunities to help us grow as a group and as individuals leading the future of our Air Force PAs. I appreciate your  consideration, and I look forward to serving with you! Thank you again for considering me.

DIRECTOR AT LARGE OF COMMUNICATIONS

1st Lt Shelby Moderow

I am currently stationed at Hill AFB, UT where I work in the WOMC clinic. I joined the Air Force in 2013 when I enlisted as an Aerospace Medical Technician. I served in the North Dakota Air National Guard for seven years while attaining my undergraduate degree. I also worked as the Chief Medical Scribe at Altru ER for 2 years while I applied to physician Assistant School. I was accepted and began at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT. I was grateful that during my rotations, I traveled somewhere new every 6 weeks across Montana, Utah, North Dakota, and Minnesota. During PA school I was the president of my class and helped my class navigate school during COVID. We engaged in the community as safely as we could promoting good health, welfare, and education about the PA career field. I had a recruiter reach out to me who recommended the HPSP scholarship. I applied and was one of ten people to receive the scholarship in that cycle. Throughout my time in PA school, I was fortunate enough to be awarded the PA Student of the Year which was a selection made among my faculty. I graduated PA school in August of 2022, and have been working at Hill AFB since September 2022. I recently finished OTS and graduated with the honor of distinguished graduate. My family lives in North Dakota and have all served in the USAF. My sister Skyler is currently an AD dentist at FRAFB and is a mother to my 10 month old niece Anya. In my spare time, I love to read, write, play piano, paint, play percussion, sing, hike, and spend time with my lovely friends and boyfriend.

EDUCATION

Associates Degree in Allied Health Sciences, Community College of the Air Force - 2018

Bachelors of Science in Biology/Pre-Health emphasis, minor in Chemistry, University of North Dakota - 2018

Masters in Physican Assistant Studies, Rocky Mountain College - 2022

ASSIGNMENTS

North Dakota Air National Guard, 119th MDG, 2013-2020; NCOIC Infection Control, EMT Program Director, & BLS Instructor

Hill AFB, UT, 2022- present; WOMC PCM & Lead CMA

PLATFORM

I am looking forward to making connections with SAFPA along with learning from other PAs in the Air Force.  Being involved in an organization early into my career will not only further my understanding, but will also build great relationships with other medical providers in the AF. I am an incredibly hard worker, compassionate leader, and creative soul.

DIRECTOR AT LARGE OF MEMBERSHIP

Captain Cindy Lauvetz

Hello, my name is Cindy Lauvetz. I am a Colorado native who commissioned through the Air Force Academy in 2017. I earned my Physician Assistant certification through the Interservice Physician Assistant Program. My first duty assignment as a PA was at Tinker AFB as a family practice provider. I recently returned from a deployment in Niger and will be joining my husband at McGuire AFB. 

PLATFORM

     I am interested in serving as your Director at Large of Membership because of its important role in growing our membership and maintaining strong relationships with current members. In particular, I'd like to focus on outreach to our newest Air Force PAs and our National Guard and Reserve counterparts. For our current members, I plan on improving engagement by keeping you informed of SAFPA opportunities and activities. Finally, I believe that your feedback is the best way to strengthen our community and will work to create an open feedback channel. 

     I have the qualities that would make a good DAL of membership. I have strong communication skills and am motivated to ensure that our members receive timely and relevant membership information. I am a strategic long-term thinker and hope to devise a way to simplify the membership program for future generations of Air Force PAs. I also work well on a team and plan to work closely with other board members to ensure appropriate coordination around membership initiatives. 

     I commit to improving your experience as a SAPFA member. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to serving as your Director at Large of Membership. 

DIRECTOR AT LARGE OF ACTIVITIES

Capt Alyse DeNittis

I am currently stationed at Nellis AFB, NV and work in the WOMC clinic. I started my Air Force career in 2010 as a     C-17 Airdrop Instructor Loadmaster at JBER, AK. I was picked up for IPAP in 2015 and my first assignment was Mountain Home AFB, ID. Straight out of PA school I was one of three providers who started the “Mountain Home Model.” I have been at Nellis AFB for one year and am the IPAP Phase 2 Alternate Director. I love working with our Phase 2 students and also precept when they do a rotation through family medicine. I am married to my husband Andrew who is an amazing stay at home Dad and avid hunter. We now have three children- Grady (3), Zoey (2) and Ellie (4 months).   We are an outdoors family who love to hike and do anything outside in the mountains or woods!

EDUCATION

Associates Degree Aviation Operations, Community College of the Air Force - 2011

Bachelors of Science in Psychology, Central Michigan University, MI - 2012

Bachelors of Science IPAP (Ft Sam Houston) - 2016

Masters of Physician Assistant Studies IPAP (Offutt AFB) - 2018

ASSIGNMENTS

Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, AK, 2010-2015; C-17 Airdrop Instructor Loadmaster

Ft Sam Houston, TX, 2015-2016; IPAP Phase 1 Student

Offutt AFB, NE, 2016-2018; IPAP Phase 2 Student

Mountain Home AFB, ID, 2018-2021; WOMC PCM (2018-2021) & HCOS PCM (2021)

Nellis AFB, NV, 2021-Present; WOMC PCM & IPAP Phase 2 Alternate Director

PLATFORM

I am excited for this opportunity with SAFPA to join an excellent team of PAs that work hard representing our profession. Being involved in this organization especially with the planning of AFPARC and other events is something I look forward to. I consider myself organized, hardworking and able to work in a team environment. I also have great communication skills and love to plan!

DIRECTOR AT LARGE OF ANG/AFRES

CHIEF HOUSE OF DELEGATES & HOUSE OF DELEGATES (HOD)

Capt Maren Smith

I am running for the Society of Air Force Physician Assistants (SAFPA) House of Delegates (HOD) position.  Currently, I practice medicine in the Warrior Clinic (primary care for active duty members) at 341st Medical Group at Malmstrom AFB.   I’m an Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) graduate and a prior enlisted radiology technologist with 17 years of active duty service.  Professionally, I am passionate about the collaborative partnership developed between patient and provider that facilitates the individual’s journey towards better health and wellness.   When I’m not working, I enjoy running with my three dogs, practicing yoga, and reading.

I have served SAFPA as the Membership Officer for the past two years, and I have enjoyed my time working with amazing colleagues to grow our organization.  Now, I ask for the opportunity to serve in the HOD position because I want to become more involved with shaping the future of our career field through policy and legislation.    My skillset for this position includes strong interpersonal skills, solid work ethic, and determination.  I would be an asset in this position because I have experience drafting, revising, and interpreting wing-level instructions, policies, and charters.  I am not intimidated by complicated or complex projects, and I have always enjoyed a good challenge.

PLATFORM

In this position, I intend to serve as a conduit between SAFPA and the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) - to keep our members informed on national initiatives, challenges, and changes, and also to voice and gain AAPA support for the initiatives, challenges, and changes facing our Air Force Physician Assistants.

Maj Meghan Dailey

I am currently stationed at JBPHH working with a resiliency team to support our intelligence community in partnership with 15 MDG PCM teams here in Hawaii.   I started my Air Force career in 2014 as a 13S Officer in the Space Career field.  Although my job was challenging and had a promising future, I have always felt a calling for service as a medical provider and applied for IPAP in 2016.

EDUCATION

Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry, Abilene Christian University (Abilene, TX) - 2008

Bachelors of Science IPAP (Ft Sam Houston) - 2018

Masters of Physician Assistant Studies IPAP (Offutt AFB) - 2019

ASSIGNMENTS

Cape Cod AFS, MA, 2014-2016; 13S, Operations Officer (2014-2015) & Deputy Chief Standardizations and Evaluations (2015-2016)

Ft Sam Houston, TX, 20156-2017; IPAP Phase I Student

Offutt AFB, NE, 2018-2019; IPAP Phase II Student

Little Rock AFB, AR, 2018-2021; HCOS PCM (2019-2020), Medical Director Public Health Operations Center (2020), UAE Deployment (2021), & WOMC PCM (2021-2022)

JBPHH, HI, (2022-Present); Director Physical Health Operations Airmen Resiliency Team

PLATFORM

I humbly and enthusiastically submit my name for consideration as your House of Delegate Representative. I have a passion for the PA career field and believe strongly that we have some of the brightest and most compassionate people working hard to serve our communities.  As a House of Delegates representative, I want to help grow our profession both in the Air Force and at the National level.  As SAFPA and AAPA members we have an opportunity to enact change and fight for the things that mean to most to us as providers. By serving as the SAFPA House of Delegates representative, I hope to utilize my experience as a leader and effective communicator to elevate your voice and advocate for our profession.  Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to serving you!

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION (DEI)

Capt Shazreena Furlough (She/Her)

Hello! I am currently stationed at Wright Patterson AFB, OH as a Family Health PA in HCOS and will be celebrating 16 years of active duty service this fall. I was born in Singapore and moved to the United States when I was 8 years old to live with my mom and stepdad. We moved a few times, but my family ultimately settled in New Hampshire when I started high school, and therefore my home of record is New Hampshire. I joined the Air Force in 2007. I enlisted under open general and was lucky enough to receive my top choice AFSC as an Aerospace Medical technician (4N). I met my husband in BMT/tech school and we will be celebrating 13 years of marriage this summer. We have two kids, Khai 8 and Zaaya 4, who keeps us very busy with their extracurricular activities and schoolwork. As a family we love the beach, theme parks and movie nights. I live for leave and I am a total foodie!

EDUCATION

Associate in Applied Sciences, Allied Health Sciences - 2012

Bachelor of Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center - 2017

Master of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Nebraska Medical Center - 2019

CERTIFICATION

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certification (in progress) 

    o University of South Florida, Muma College of Business

    o Expected date of completion: April 2023

ASSIGNMENTS

2007-2012: Aerospace Medical Technician

2007-2009: Family Health Clinic and Ambulance Services at Whiteman AFB, MO

2009: Intensive Care Ward at Bagram AB, Afghanistan

2010-2012: Family Health Clinic and Ambulance Services at Kadena AFB, Okinawa

2012-2016: Independent Duty Medical Technician

2012-2014: Ambulance Services and Flight Medicine Clinic at Kadena AFB, Okinawa

2014-2016: Flight Medicine Clinic, FOMC NCOIC, IDMT Program Coordinator at Dyess AFB, TX

2016-2017: Interservice Physician Assistant Program, Phase 1, Ft Sam Houston, TX

2017-2019: Interservice Physician Assistant Program, Phase 2, Eglin AFB, FL

2019-Current: Physician Assistant, Board Certified

2019-2021: Family Health Clinic, Warrior Operational Medicine Clinic and IPPD Team Chief at Nellis, AFB, NV

2021-Current: Family Health Clinic at Wright Patterson AFB, OH

2022: FEMA deployment to OKC Covid response, Emergency Department at Baptist Hospital, OKC

PLATFORM

It is with great enthusiasm and honor that I submit my name for consideration as the inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion SAFPA officer. DEI is not a new concept and is more than just a CBT or checking a box. It requires active and intentional thoughts and actions. As leaders, it is critical that we are committed to promoting and fostering an environment of inclusion and diversity. As PAs it is critical that we hone in on any implicit biases we may have as we are truly the catalyst of change to close the health equity gap! The spotlight on DEI has been amplified the last several years, but we (the U.S, DoD and globally) have been dealing with generations of health inequities and disparities. As your DEI officer, I am committed to the continued growth and advancement of our career field and it will require collaborative efforts with AAPA and the community, transparency and open communication with one another, and intentionally building a culture of DEI. Representation matters, and as a Muslim-Asian American woman, married to a Baptist African American man, DEI is important to me simply because our future generation depends on it. My goal is to empower our profession by providing education, resources to help all of us grow and thrive in any space. Thank you for attending my TED talk and have a great Air Force day.

Maj Sam Leos

Colleagues,

     It would be my honor to represent SAFPA as the first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. I previously served on the BOD as DAL of Communications from 2019-2021. During my term I worked to revive the TSR and build the org website.

     DEI is important to me because above all I believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, I have been discriminated against in the workplace and have had close friends treated differently than their peers and even lose their job as a PA because of their race or sexual orientation. For the past two years I have been involved with the D&I Committee at the 35th Fighter Wing and have led discussions on unconscious bias and microaggressions. As healthcare providers I believe we have a duty to develop our emotional intelligence and work to eliminate our unconscious bias in the workplace. As an organization we have the ability to influence our healthcare system and work towards eliminating healthcare inequities. I am not an expert on this topic but I am committed to educating myself further and being involved with DEI initiatives within the USAF, AAPA and beyond in order to enrich SAFPA members so that we can create diverse, equitable teams that are inclusive for all.

     Thank you for your consideration and for being an advocate for the PA profession. It is an honor to serve with you.