KURDISH AMERICAN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT ASSOCIATION 
​(KAPAA)

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The Kurdish American Physician Assistant Association, KAPAA, is a student leadership division within KAMA. The mission of this organization is to coalesce Kurdish physician assistant professionals in North America and to assist our students in achieving academic excellence. This organization will serve as a means for guidance, inspiration, mentorship, and communication within our physician assistant society. 

MISSION

Serve the interests of current and future Kurdish American physician assistants. ​
Improve public health in the Kurdish American communities by community education and health policy/advocacy. 
Become mentors for Kurdish American students interested in and considering careers in healthcare.

GOALs

Build a network of Kurdish medical professionals
Enhance medical knowledge among KAPAA members
Encourage national and international academic and clinical collaboration
Establish a student mentorship program
Promote community health and volunteerism

KAPAA LEADERS

GAZANG ABDULlA,
​PA-C

I am a first-generation Kurdish-American, born and raised in Fairfield, CT. I earned my undergraduate degree from Hofstra University and went on to gain clinical experience as a medical assistant in primary care before pursuing my PA education. I graduated from PCOM Georgia’s Physician Assistant program in 2024, where I served as both a student ambassador and the Diversity Chair for my class. I am now a practicing PA in vascular surgery.

Sehad Saeed,
​PA-S

I was born and raised in Kurdistan and have called Nashville, also known as Little Kurdistan, home for the past 15 years. I’m currently completing the didactic year of PA school at Lipscomb University, where I serve as the Diversity Chair. I earned my undergraduate degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Biology from Middle Tennessee State University. Before PA school, I gained clinical experience working as both an exercise physiologist and a pharmacy technician.

SARA ZANDY,
PA-C

I received my BA in Psychology with an emphasis in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience at the University of Florida.  After graduation, I took a year off to gain patient care experience as a nursing assistant, which solidified my desire to work in healthcare and play a larger role in patient care. I am working towards my master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at South University in Tampa, class of 2025.  I dream of empowering Kurdish communities locally and abroad.