Duke PA Student Daniel Toole Elected to the 2026 AAPA Student Academy Board of Directors
Rising second-year student Daniel Toole has been elected to serve on the 2026 Student Academy Board of Directors. Toole will represent the Southeast Region as the Southeast Regional Director.
Last year, this position was held by Duke PA second-year student Skyler Gubbels.
As a Regional Director, Toole will help raise awareness of Student Academy leadership opportunities among PA students throughout the region. He'll also work with PA programs across the Southeast Region to increase student involvement and engagement with the Academy.
Each year, The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) student members vote for PA student leaders who will represent PA students across the United States.
Toole shared his thoughts on his recent election:
What does this leadership opportunity mean to you?
"To me, effective leadership is leveraging your position to serve those you represent and those around you. So many people have selflessly invested in me and my journey, which has changed the trajectory of my life. I plan to use this position to return the favor and pour back into PA students in the Southeast Region and across the nation."
What do you hope to accomplish in this role?
"I will be sending out a monthly newsletter highlighting PA students and exciting events happening at programs throughout the Southeast Region, while also providing professional development tips from practicing clinicians to help maximize clinical preparedness. I plan to increase awareness of helpful opportunities and services available through AAPA that are currently underutilized.
I also hope to organize and support advocacy efforts throughout the region to advance our profession, recognizing that each generation of PA students plays a role in shaping what it means to be a PA-C throughout our careers and beyond.
Overall, I want my service to result in students throughout the Southeast Region feeling more empowered and confident to serve as advocates for our profession and create positive change in their communities."
Daniel also shared a message for his fellow PA students:
"Thank you to all the PA students in the AAPA Southeast Region for trusting me to represent your voices and perspectives in the Student Academy. Together, we will continue advocating for and shaping our profession as we prepare to meet the needs of our future patients and communities."