Shilpa Mistry, MHS, PA-C

Candidate for President-Elect
Endorsed by the Nomination & Elections Committee

Biography

I am a lifelong Connecticut resident, raised in Glastonbury. My path to becoming a PA began at the University of Connecticut, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Neurobiology in 1999, followed by a second Bachelor of Science in Allied Health with a concentration in Cytotechnology in 2000. I later completed my Master of Health Sciences at Quinnipiac University in 2005. It was during PA school that I truly came to appreciate the flexibility, collaboration, and impact of our profession.


I began my career at Hartford Hospital as a Hospitalist PA and, after four years, moved to Yale New Haven Hospital, where I have now practiced for more than 15 years as a Senior Hospitalist APP III. Over the years, I have been involved in several hospital committees, particularly those focused on supporting and recognizing the contributions of Advanced Practice Providers. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that when clinicians feel heard, valued, and connected, it strengthens both our teams and the care we provide.


Mentorship has always been especially meaningful to me. I have had the privilege of precepting PA students from both Quinnipiac and Yale and truly enjoy helping new APPs find their footing as they begin their careers. Watching that growth — from student to confident clinician — is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do and reflects my commitment to supporting engagement at every stage of practice.
Outside of work, I am proud to serve as Co-Captain of our hospitalist team for the Closer to Free Ride, supporting cancer care and research in our community. Leading our team each year has been a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together for a shared purpose. At home, I stay busy chasing after my energetic 1½-year-old son and enjoy staying active through kayaking and biking whenever I can.


As a ConnAPA member for more than 20 years and a member of the Board of Directors for the past four years, I have seen firsthand how important connection, mentorship, and volunteer involvement are to the strength of our Academy. Those experiences have shaped my desire to create more accessible pathways for engagement, support new graduates as they enter practice, and foster a culture where service feels meaningful and sustainable. I would be honored to continue giving back to the profession and community that have given so much to me.

Platform Statement

I am honored to seek the role of President-Elect of the Connecticut Academy of PAs. As a ConnAPA member for more than 20 years and a member of the Board of Directors for the past four years, I have had the privilege of growing alongside this organization and witnessing the dedication of the PAs who make it strong. My long-standing involvement has given me a deep appreciation for our community and a thoughtful perspective on where we can continue to grow.


I believe leadership is most effective when it is collaborative, transparent, and grounded in service. I value listening, building consensus, and creating space for others to step forward. With that in mind, my focus as President-Elect would center on strengthening member engagement, supporting new graduates, and expanding meaningful opportunities for volunteerism within ConnAPA.


First, I hope to increase engagement by making it easier for members to get involved in ways that fit their lives and careers. Many PAs want to contribute but may not know where to begin or worry about time commitments. By creating clear, flexible opportunities for service and improving how we communicate those opportunities, we can make participation feel both approachable and impactful.


Second, I believe we have an important opportunity to strengthen the transition from PA student to practicing clinician. The early years of practice are formative, and building connection during that time fosters long-term involvement. Expanding mentorship, increasing our presence within PA programs, and creating intentional avenues for new graduates to share their perspectives will help ensure their voices are part of shaping ConnAPA’s future.


Finally, I am committed to fostering a culture where volunteerism feels purposeful and sustainable. When members understand how their contributions make a difference — and feel supported in those roles — engagement grows naturally. By clarifying leadership pathways, offering development opportunities, and recognizing the work of our volunteers, we can cultivate a stronger and more connected Academy.
ConnAPA has tremendous potential to deepen relationships, broaden participation, and continue elevating the PA profession across Connecticut. Having been part of this organization for more than two decades, I care deeply about its future and would be honored to serve with dedication, integrity, and a genuine commitment to supporting our members at every stage of their careers.