Chapman University physician assistant student Marah Kane will represent PA students nationwide while helping shape conversations about the future of the profession.
Marah Kane, a first-year student in Chapman University’s Physician Assistant Studies Program, has been elected to serve on the 2026–2027 Student Academy Delegation to the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) House of Delegates, giving her the opportunity to represent Chapman PA students on a national stage.
The AAPA House of Delegates is the organization’s policymaking body, bringing together representatives from across the PA profession to consider policies that reflect its values, priorities and future direction. PA students are represented through the AAPA Student Academy delegation and participate directly in the policymaking process.
Kane was selected through a competitive national application process and elected by the AAPA Student Academy Board of Directors to represent PA students from across the country.
“Being elected to the AAPA House of Delegates Student Delegation is an incredible honor,” said Kane. “I am excited to represent Chapman University and work alongside student leaders from across the country to help shape the future of the PA profession. This opportunity will allow me to grow as a leader while advocating for students and patients on a national level.”
Representing PA Students on a National Stage
Kane’s term runs from July 2026 through June 2027. Throughout the year, she will collaborate with fellow student delegates, review proposed resolutions and participate in discussions surrounding issues that affect PA education, clinical practice and the advancement of the profession.
Her term will culminate at AAPA 2027, held May 21–25, 2027, in Phoenix, Arizona. The House of Delegates will convene May 21–23 during the annual conference. Student delegates form one of the largest delegations to the HOD, providing PA students with a direct voice in discussions and decisions affecting their future profession.
“Marah’s election to the AAPA House of Delegates Student Delegation is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of the leadership, initiative and professionalism she has already demonstrated as a first-year PA student,” said Dr. Michael Burney, Program Director of Chapman University’s Physician Assistant Program. “The Student Academy selected some of the most engaged and promising PA students from programs across the nation, and we are proud that Marah will represent Chapman University among this distinguished group. Her passion for service, advocacy and collaboration will make her an outstanding voice for PA students.”
A Commitment to Leadership and Service
Kane currently serves as Social Chair for the Chapman PA Student Society Class of 2027, helping organize fundraising initiatives and activities that build community among her classmates.
Her connection to Chapman began well before PA school. Kane earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology from Chapman University in 2024. As an undergraduate, she held leadership roles with Kesem, a national organization supporting children whose parents have been affected by cancer; Order of Omega, the national Greek honor society; and the Chapman University Swim Team.
Before returning to Chapman for graduate school, Kane spent a gap year building hands-on healthcare experience as a physical therapy aide, home health aide and urgent care medical assistant. Those experiences further strengthened her interest in patient care and prepared her for graduate medical education.
Now, as both a Chapman alumna and PA student, Kane is taking her commitment to service beyond campus. Her election reflects the broader mission of Chapman’s PA program to prepare compassionate, collaborative healthcare professionals who are ready to contribute to their communities and the profession. For Kane, the opportunity provides an early start to national leadership, allowing her to bring the perspective of Chapman PA students to important conversations shaping the future of the profession.
