American Academy of Physician Assistants Holds First International Conference at Metro Toronto Convention Centre
June 24, 2012
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) 40th Annual Conference, known as IMPACT 2012, held their first international event May 26-31 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The event attracted an estimated 4,000 physician assistants from the U.S., as well as their Canadian counterparts.
"We believe it is a good thing for U.S. and Canadian physician assistants to share ideas and look at healthcare challenges from different perspectives," said Robert Wooten, AAPA president.
He added, "Physician assistants increase access to quality healthcare that benefits patients and is cost-effective for the healthcare system. Hosting IMPACT 2012 in Toronto provides an opportunity for Canadian physician assistants to meet and share ideas with their American counterparts."
IMPACT 2012 is the world's largest physician assistant conference of its kind at which attendees develop and enhance their knowledge and skills to improve patient care.
A physician assistant is a medical professional, educated alongside physicians, who works as part of a team with a doctor.
Physician assistants perform physical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret lab tests, perform procedures, assist in surgery, provide patient education and counseling and make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes.
They practice in nearly every medical specialty and setting and play a key role in coordinating patient care.
Though the physician assistant profession has existed in the U.S. for more than 40 years, its influence is spreading to other countries, including Canada, where the profession is gaining traction.
"The AAPA has selected a world-class city with Toronto and the MTCC as their first-ever international venue for IMPACT," said Barry Smith, president and CEO of the MTCC.
He added, "Attendees will have access to the amazing amenities our diverse city has to offer, and their participation in IMPACT 2012 will benefit our local economy with $10 million in visitor spending."
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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