The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), previously named the American Academy of Physician Assistants, is a professional association for physician assistants (PAs) in the United States.

The Duke University Physician Assistant Program was established in 1965 as the first formalized PA program in the United States and graduated its inaugural class in October 1967.

In April 1968, the recent graduates of the Duke PA program, along with current students, began organizing a professional organization, incorporating as the "American Association of Physician's Assistants" in North Carolina on May 20, 1968.

Within three years, the organization expanded its membership beyond the local community and elected leadership representing various regions across the nation.

[3][4][5][6]: 6  In 1971, the name was changed to the "American Academy of Physicians' Associates"[7][8] and it published its first official journal, Physician's Associate.