MAPA Award winners were announced during the Fall 2026 CME Conference in Breezy Point on September 25.
PA Advocacy Award – Samantha La Mere
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) is an area of medicine that has historically had limited opportunities for PAs. This year’s award winner, Samantha La Mere, is a tireless advocate for the PA profession within the OB/GYN specialty. She works with Allina Health.
Minnesota PAs have worked diligently for social change and progress in areas such as legislation, diversity and inclusion, meeting the needs of underserved communities, equity, and social justice. The PA Advocacy award was created to recognize such contributions to the profession and the community at large in these areas.
Sam successfully advocated for Advanced Practice Provider representation on the Allina Pregnancy Council and the Allina Gynecology Council. Sam helps ensure the PA profession is included in critical decision-making. Her nominator explained that Sam champions the value of PAs in improving care delivery, clinical efficiency, patient access, and reimbursement.
Sam is also a great example of a PA seeking opportunities to advance her practice. “I am very proud to say that I was the first PA at my current job and able to advance representation of PA’s in Women’s Health, specifically in the surgical role, “ Sam said. She became the first PA to be trained in the removal of uterine tamponade devices, a procedure that was previously only managed by physicians.
Finally, Sam shared that her advocacy is inspired by one of her long-time mentors, Leslie Clayton. Sam said that Leslie has supported her throughout her career and especially as Sam navigates her role as the first PA in her OB/GYN group and she continues advocating for PAs working in Women’s Health.
Sam’s advocacy for PAs in specialty care is paving the way for future PA opportunities. When asked about her goals for the future of PAs in Minnesota, Sam replied that she hoped, “to have more PA representation in the Women’s Health Field!”
Preceptor of the Year Award – Matthew Weiseman
MAPA’s Preceptor of the Year Award goes to a PA who has been instrumental in supporting the professional growth of a PA Student within the previous 12 months.
The recipient of the 2026 Preceptor of the Year Award is Matthew Weiseman. Matt is a Family Medicine PA with Fairview.
Matt is passionate about connecting with PA students and helping them reach their unique goals as a PA. One nominator explained:
Matt creates a space where students feel comfortable trying their best, making mistakes, asking questions, and growing without fear of judgement or impatience. He has comprehensive conversations with his students that help develop critical reasoning and he builds on classroom knowledge to help students make deeper connections between pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic testing. He challenges learners to think bigger about their potential contributions to the profession. But he also takes on the role of mentor, discussing job satisfaction, wage expectations, balancing work and family life, and finding a good fit within medicine
Creating a learning environment where PA students feel supported is Matt’s goal while precepting students.“When many of us enter medicine, there is a prevailing culture of intense competition, and the belief that success requires constantly proving you are better than those around you,” he said. “It does not have to be that way.” Matt says, “we can create spaces that are collaborative, safe, and less anxiety-provoking while still holding learners to high standards.”
He is also passionate about making the PA profession more accessible to all students by foraging personal relationships with students. “In a world that is increasingly digital, I believe meaningful in-person connections, mentorship, and shared experiences remain some of the most influential factors in shaping a person’s career.”
Matt’s commitment to helping others succeed has transformed student engagement across Minnesota. Within MAPA, he serves as the Co-Chair of the Student Development Committee and Co-Chair of the Leadership and Development Committee. One nominator summarized his work ethic by saying:
Matt is not simply mentoring individuals; he is helping shape the future of the PA profession. The programs he has built, the relationships he has fostered, and the countless students and colleagues he has supported will have a lasting impact for years to come. I can think of no one more deserving of recognition as MAPA’s Preceptor of the Year.
PA of the Year Award – Ashley Bella
The PA of the Year represents the highest ideals of the profession, including caring, comprehensive medical service, and involvement in the community. Exceptional PAs who live or practice in the state of Minnesota are eligible for this award and can be nominated by patients, co-workers, or community members who recognize the exceptional contributions of the PA.
The 2026 MAPA PA of the Year is Ashley Bella. Ashley practices Hospital Medicine with HealthPartners.
Ashley’s nominator described her as a PA who consistently demonstrates compassion for both her patients and colleagues. She actively champions safe protocols, policies, and patient care plans; particularly for vulnerable patient populations. She identifies gaps in care and develops opportunities for the team to support psychiatrists and their patients.
A nominator said that she approaches challenging situations with empathy, ensuring patients receive appropriate care and support while advocating for solutions that address their unique circumstances. “I am most proud of my work on my Hospital Medicine team, where I have been able to advocate for patients and collaborate with such a supportive group of colleagues,” she said. Ashley has also earned her Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) certification and serves on the POCUS consultation team.
Ashley makes a meaningful contribution to the PA profession through education, volunteerism, and professional service. She noted that she is very proud of her work precepting PA students and helping them to become successful PAs. Ashley also shares her experiences with early-career PAs in order to foster the next generation of health care providers.
Ashley’s patients and their families speak highly of her, describing her as approachable, knowledgeable, and compassionate with a remarkable ability to communicate complex medical information in a clear and respectful manner. Her nominator stated:
The trust and positive feedback she earns from patients and families are a testament to the high-quality, patient-centered care she provides and reflect the professionalism and compassion that define the PA profession.
Past President’s Award – Clinton Billhorn
MAPA’s Past President’s Award is chosen by MAPA’s President during the previous fiscal year. The winner of the Past President’s Award is a MAPA member whose contributions to MAPA and the PA Profession are deemed exceptional.
This year’s Past President’s Award winner is Clinton Billhorn. Clinton was selected by MAPA’s 2026 President, Hayden Middleton.
Clinton knows a thing or two about being MAPA President. He served in the role during fiscal year 2025. During the 2026 fiscal year, Clinton served as MAPA’s Past President, passing on his knowledge and experience to Hayden during Hayden’s presidency.
Hayden acknowledged Clinton’s encouragement and guidance were invaluable to his leadership journey. Hayden especially appreciated Clinton’s dependability, mentorship and support saying, “Whether it was a late-night phone call, a quick response to a text, or thoughtful advice during a challenging leadership moment, Clinton Billhorn was always there.”
For Clinton, finding out he was the recipient of this year’s Past President Award was a happy surprise. “I was truthfully shocked and slightly overwhelmed,” he said. “To me, mentorship is primarily about listening and helping others embrace and demonstrate their own talents.” Clintion encourages other PAs to be true to themselves and trust their knowledge. “Our patients are much better served when we let individualism shine through,” he says.
Clinton is an outstanding leader and who continues to dedicate his time and expertise to advancing MAPA’s goals. Congratulations to Clinton Billhorn on receiving the 2026 Past President’s Award.