Just before writing this piece, I was on the APSHO FAPO page calculating my points. No, these aren’t free-food points, the spread on the NBA playoffs, or how many infractions there may be on my driving record (there aren’t any, yet). I was documenting the points I’ve earned from participating in various APSHO events and even a few points earned from supporting oncology advanced practitioners (APs) beyond our beloved Society. At this point (no pun intended), there are likely some of you wondering “What is a FAPO?”
A FAPO is a Fellow of Advanced Practice in Oncology.
As APSHO continues to position itself as the premier society for all APs in oncology, it is vitally important to recognize the wonderful contributions many have made and are continuing to make to advance this mission. But why a Fellow designation?
APSHO Fellowship is an honor bestowed on the best of our profession, recognizing their distinguished contributions to the advancement of APs in oncology through such avenues as publications, applied research, contributing to the awareness of AP practice, leadership, and taking on editorial, bibliographic, and committee responsibilities. Successful applicants are awarded the special designation of “FAPO.”
The application guidelines and a convenient points worksheet are available on the APSHO website. If you are an ASPHO member in good standing for at least five years, you are eligible to apply. The major categories where points are assigned include poster presentations, speaking at APSHO conferences and other events, publishing, serving on the Board of Directors, or serving on any one of the various APSHO member-driven communities (we have openings!), professional contributions beyond APSHO, and many more.
I see APSHO as one of the most member-focused societies I have ever belonged to. When I was first introduced to APSHO, I was new in my role and was looking for support. I was a new member and was unknown. The APSHO leadership team welcomed me as a new family member, helped me make a lot of still very meaningful connections, and actually listened to issues I faced in a large community-based oncology network. These early interactions even led to a few current programs that are an important piece of the APSHO pie. I hope all of you have had the opportunity to engage APSHO leadership and any of the membership to get plugged in, to get connected, and to learn how you can bring YOUR expertise to this society. Don’t assume the Society runs forever with you just a passenger. Get into the driver's seat and steer. Just like when driving a car, your society follows your eyes. So look around those corners, search for opportunities to give back, lend your knowledge to new APs, and serve on APSHO communities (did I mention we have openings?).
I guarantee once you take on this challenge, you will be surprised at how many points you have earned and will be proud to display “FAPO” on your lab coat at work, all while spending those extra couple of minutes explaining to your peers and patients what a FAPO is, or how APSHO supports you and how you support APSHO. Don’t look at the FAPO process as just another exercise. Look at it as your brand that tells the world you are an outstanding AP.