Physician Associate: A Change Whose Time Has Come

Final Statement of 100 PA Leaders*

Submit your name

June 2010

Our profession’s original name was physician associate. Physicians demanded that “associate” be changed on the grounds that it did not properly describe the desired scope of PA practice. Forty years later we have outgrown the "assistant" title. It no longer accurately represents the profession. It is inaccurate and confuses consumers. The title is misleading and carries negative connotations which we can and should avoid. As we move into a new model of healthcare delivery it is of the utmost importance that our profession’s name accurately describes our role.

We, the undersigned physician assistant leaders assert that the time to change the name of our profession has arrived. While we can debate much about a name change, we have all agreed to the below statements and thoughts. We also fully agree that the name change advocated below will advance the profession. We call on the leaders of the profession and all PAs to announce and start to implement this change as soon as possible. At a minimum poll the entire profession. We are leaders who believe it is increasingly unwise to wait longer to make this long-needed change. Collectively, the below-signed PAs have given much of their lives to the profession and are dedicated to its advancement.

Why We Need a Change

Our profession’s original name was physician associate. Physicians demanded that “associate” be changed on the grounds that it did not properly describe the desired scope of PA practice. Forty years later we have outgrown the “assistant” title. It no longer accurately represents the profession. It is inaccurate and confuses consumers. The title is misleading and carries negative connotations which we can and should avoid. As we move into a new model of healthcare delivery it is of the utmost importance that our profession’s name accurately describes our role. Why a Change Is Justified

Why a Change Is Justified

  • The PA role is truly one of partnership; of association and collegiality. We work as associates and have for many years. Our profession’s birth-name in 1965 was physician associate.
  • “Physicians assistant” is a generic term. It can mean anything: a person in the office that bills patients, a records assistant, the person that sets up and cleans the exam room, all the way to a certified, licensed PA. The profession must move from this generic name to one that aptly and more accurately describes our function.
  • In our society, “assistant” denotes a technical job, not a profession.
  • PAs are held to the same legal and medical standards as physicians.
  • The title is confusing and misleading to our patients and the public in general. Since the name practically guarantees that “physician assistants” will be confused with “medical assistants”, patients are at risk of thinking they are receiving substandard care or expect that after the “assistant” a physician will also be seeing them. Most times this does not happen, nor does the physician or the PA expect it to happen. It is time to have the name mirror the reality that exists.
  • The internationalization of PAs is important to the profession. Having to explain that the common meaning of the name “assistant” under-represents our true practice is a barrier, in international forums, to full understanding.
  • The above problems also may keep prospective applicants and others away from becoming PAs as they would not want to go through extensive schooling only to become someone’s assistant.
  • Almost all professions at the level of training of a PA (pharmacy, PT, OT, NP) are or soon will be at the doctorate level. Our education and practice is professional, as should be our title.
  • “Assistant” obscures the PA’s true role in the practice. Physicians who might otherwise consider a PA do not hire one as they feel they need someone more than just another “assistant”.
  • All professions should be able to name their profession. “Physician Assistant” both demeans and misrepresents our profession. It is time to claim the name that is both appropriate and our birthright and discard the one that was forced upon us.

The Process

  • The profession, ideally through the AAPA Board or HOD, should immediately adopt a policy that states that “Hereafter the profession will work to be retitled “Physician Associate,” as it more accurately reflects the profession in the 21st century”.
  • If the Board or House is reluctant to do this on their own, then the entire profession should be polled using the AAPA’s full database.
  • This renaming can be done over a number of years, with the ability reserved to use either title in the interim if necessary, depending on state legislation, etc.
  • The PA profession should advise organized medicine that this change is not an effort for independent practice but is a move to more accurately describe the scope and status of the profession and place it at a level where it belongs. It should also be explained that the name physician associate had been chosen for us by organized medicine to represent the PA profession 45 years ago. PAs should stress that after 45 years of delivering quality medical care across the entire spectrum of practice, we are choosing a more appropriate name and that we would expect nothing less than the full support of organized medicine, which will also benefit from the change.
  • PA programs should include the name physician associate whenever possible—along with the title physician assistant if need be.
  • “Physician Associate” allows us continued use of the initials “PA”, which are well-known to the public.
  • “Associate” does not imply that PAs are equal to physicians. Associate professors are not full professors. Associate deans are not full deans. There are precedents for this.
  • The profession should consider funding State-level efforts to effect this change.
  • The argument that a change will open laws at the State level is a hollow one. This action can be introduced as a “cosmetic” name change amendment which will have no impact on PA practice law. If opposed, the profession can educate the legislature as to the source of the opposition, that we are asking for no increased privileges, and the current title is confusing consumers and others
  • This name change should be done BEFORE the profession embarks upon any large public relations campaign. We can effectively brand the profession through the use of the new name, avoiding any confusion of our status when compared with medical, podiatry, chiropractic and other assistants.

Therefore, we the undersigned PAs declare that because of the above reasons and more, the PA profession should adopt the name “Physician Associate” and begin an educational campaign to other medical professionals and the public regarding Physician Associates.

  1. Victor H. Germino, PA.  PA Class #1, 1965-67  Duke University Medical Center PA program. One of the founders of the PA profession.
  2. Robert M. Blumm, MA, PA-C, DFAAPA, Immediate past president APSPA, Past president AASPA, Immediate past president ACC, Past president NYSSPA, Past AAPA Liaison To ACS, ACC Liaison to ACS, Past Chair Surgical Congress  AAPA, Editorial Board Advance for PAs, Clinician 1, Advanced Practice Jobs, past editorial board member Physician Assistant, Clinician News, Author, National Conference Speaker, Consultant, Paragon Award Winner Physician /PA Team, John Kirklin M.D. Award for Excellence in Surgery
  3. Robin Morgenstern, PA  Past AAPA Secretary, Past President Illinois Academy of PAs, past Director of the PA Program of Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Past Midwest Advertising manager Clinician Reviews Journal.
  4. Maryann Ramos, MPH, PA-C, Founding President NJSSPA, Secretary of the AAPA House of Delegates, Delegate or Alternate for many years; Current Member, Nominating Committee; Current Legislative Chair for Physician Assistants for Latino Health – Puerto Rico; Past President American Academy of Physician Assistants in Occupational Medicine; Established Liaison between occupational physicians and PAs and Affiliate PA Membership in ACOEM;  Awarded the Meritorious Civilian Performance Medal, US Army Medical Corps, 2008; Past Federal Civilian PA of the Year 2002(AAPA Veteran’s Caucus); Past PA of the Year (AAPA President’s Award 1980)
  5. Blaine Carmichael, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, Co-Founder Association, Past president, Vice President and current Delegate at Large of Family Practice Physician Assistants, Founder Bexar County PA Society, Founder, Que Paso – What’s Happening PAs of San Antonio, Moderator of PRIMARY PA forum, Board Member, American College of Clinicians, Founding member of PA History, Texas PA of the year, 1990, has published widely and speaks at many national, state and local PA conferences
  6.  Dave Mittman, PA. Past AAPA Director, Past President NY State Society of PAs, Co-Founder and creator Clinician Reviews Journal and Clinician 1. Co-Founder ACC. First PA in the USAF Reserves.  Lifetime PA Achievement Award/President’s Award NJSSPA and NYSSPA. Co-Author of first international article regarding PA practice in America published in the BMJ. AAPA National Public Education Award Winner-1983
  7.  Stephen Henry, PA-C, RNP, Co-Founder California Academy of PAs. Two times President of CAPA.  Founding member of Veterans Caucus, Founding Member Occupational Medicine Caucus AAPA. Founding Member ACC. Years in HOD, Numerous committee Chairmanships.
  8. Harvey Fine, PA-C Founding President, California Academy of Physician Assistants.
  9. David M. Jones, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA, Member, Past Governmental Affairs Council, AAPA Legislative Co-Chair for at least 10 years, Oregon Society of PAs (Chair for the 2009 session), Past President of OSPA (twice), AAPA Co-Rural PA of the year 1988; second term as a member of the PA Committee, Oregon Medical Board
  10. Roy Cary, PA-C, DFAAPA Co-founder and past president of The American Academy of Physician Assistants in Legal Medicine. Co-founder in Cary & Associates, LLC and holds a position as Senior Partner. Mr. Cary is also a member of the Physician Assistant Advisory Committee of the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners. Retired Air Force Major.
  11. James R Piotrowski, PA-C, MS , DFAAPA , Co-founder Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants , Past president of ANSPA , Past Vice President and board member of FAPA , Co-founder of the FAPA-PAC , Past member Florida BOM PA Committee, Past Trustee of the AAPA PAC and Chairman of the AAPA-PAC , Past PA member of the council of AANS and CNS,  Past editor of the ANSPA ’s Journal.
  12. Lisa D’ Andrea Lenell, PA-C, MPAS.  Internal Medicine PA, Adjunct Faculty Midwestern University, National Radio Host ReachMD XM160
  13. Michael Halasy, MS, PA-C Health Policy Analyst/Researcher. Author of well known PA Blog
  14.  Gary Falcetano, PA-C, Bariatric Medicine, Stockton NJ, Managing Director – Collaborative Clinical Communications, LLC. Captain (Ret.) US Army Reserve, Past Group Publisher Clinician Reviews / Emergency Medicine / Urgent Care, journals.
  15.  Charles O’Leary, PA-C, Hominy Family Health Center [FQHC], 35-year practice same site; LTC [Retired] US Army/OKARNG [2 tours Afghanistan, awarded BSM/CMB]; past-OAPA Vice-President, Past OAPA Newsletter Editor, 1992 Oklahoma Rural PA of Year, OU-Tulsa Medical College PA Preceptor, Past Hominy School Board President, Past Commander American Legion Post 142
  16. Gerry Keenan PA-C, MMS, Emergency Medicine, AAPA Professional Practices Council, Charter member SEMPA. Charter member AFPPA. Charter member ACC.  Bar Harbor, Maine
  17. Martin Morales, PA MHA. Director Physician Assistant Services, Long Island Jewish Medical Center / North Shore LIJ Health System. 
  18. Stephen E. Lyons MS, PA-C,  W .Cheyenne Clinic Coordinator, Take Care 
  19.  Robert Nelson, PA-C. Executive Director, Island Eye Surgicenter, LI, NY. Administrator a various surgicenters in NY metropolitan area, Author, Speaker, Director at Large-Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society, Member Corporate Development Planning Committee OOSS, Consultant,   Surgical PA 30 years.
  20.  Eric Holden, PA-C, MPA, EMT-P, DFAAPA. 23 years of practice in emergency medicine. Member of state, federal, and international disaster medical teams. Medical provider at level 1 and 2 trauma ctrs, HMO’s, community E.D.’s, rural/under served E.D.’s, and solo provider at high acuity inner city facility. Author of multiple articles in peer reviewed medical journals.
  21. Rebecca Rosenberger, MMSc, PA-C, Current President AAPA- Allergy Asthma and Immunology
  22. j. Michael Jones, MPAS-C,   Chair PA Section American Headache Society, Director Cascade Neurologic-Headache Clinic..
  23.  Pamela Burwell, MS, PA-C. Distinguished Fellow, AAPA . Founder and Director, Peacework Medical Projects. AAPA Humanitarian of the Year. Arizona PA of the Year
  24.  Eleanor H. Abel, RPAC, MS, CRC Upstate Medical University, Syracuse.  Director At Large, NYSSPA. Liaison and membership chair for NYRCA. Medical provider with 22 years of experience in Hematology/Oncology and previously employed in Surgery and also Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Specialize in pain management, advocacy for people with disabilities, Past coordinator and current assistant coordinator for the NYSSPA Public Education Committee
  25. Ronald H. Grubman, PA-C  Founder, Conmed Inc., 1984.  President and CEO for 23 years. Conmed acquired and currently a public company on the NYSE.  
  26. Ken Harbert, Ph.D., CHES, PA-C, DFAAPA Dean, School of Physician Assistant Studies. South College, Knoxville, TN
  27. Eric Schuman, MPAS, PA-C. Adult & Pediatric Neurology Kaiser Permanente Portland, Oregon.  Adjunct Assistant Professor, Oregon Health & Science University Physician Assistant Program
  28. Charles A. Moxin, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, Past President Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants, Past AAPA HOD delegate for Family Practice, Past Editorial Board member for Arthritis Practitioner, Author, National Conference Speaker, Pharmaceutical Advisory Board member
  29.  Kenneth E. Korber, PA PhD(c): Director of Strategic Development – CE Outcomes LLC, Curriculum Architect – First PA Postgraduate Fellowship in Cardiovascular Care, Clinical Associate University of Illinois College of Medicine, Past Member Board of Directors: Association of PAs in Cardiology, Member – Association of Postgraduate PA Programs, Founder – AAPA Medical Writers Special Interest Group; former Faculty – AAPA Chapter Lecture Series. 
  30. Kenneth DeBarth, RPA-C, Past President NYSSPA, Past NYSSPA Newsletter Editor, Past Secretary/Treasurer South Dakota Academy of PAs, founding editor SDAPA newsletter, past chair AAPA Professional Practices and Relations Committee, former owner Heuvelton Medical Group, NY.
  31. Ryan O’Gowan, PA-C, FAPACVS. Acting Manager, NP/PA Critical Care Workgroup. Program Director Physician Assistant Residency In Critical Care Umass Memorial Healthcare 
  32. Frank Rodino, PA, MHS, Past Public Education Chair AAPA, Past NYSSPA President. Currently President and CEO Churchill Communications: A Medical/Scientific Communications Company
  33. Thomas Roselle, PA-C, DFAAPA  Past NYSSPA Consultant, PA Entrepreneur, Clinic Owner. Current Secretary, PAs in Otolaryngology Specialty Group.
  34. John Sallis,  MBA, MMS, PA-C   PA consultant -Negotiation management
  35. James Doody, PA-C  Director of Pediatrics and Primary Care 1st Health Centers, Assistant Clinical Professor University of Colorado Health Science Center, former Director of Pediatrics Lake Grove School, Editorial Board Member Physician Assistant Magazine, Provider liason Medical Home Initiative for State of Colorado.
  36. Karen Fields, MSPAS, PA-C  Founder of Medical Mentoring (medicalmentors. net); Cofounder PAWorld.net 
  37. Richard Mayer, PA.  Vice President Provider and Network Development. Lenox Hill Hospital, NY NY
  38. Sharon Bahrych, PA-C, MPH, listed in Marquis’s Who’s Who of American Women, published author of 60 lay and medical journal articles, state and national CME presenter,co-founder of APAO, clinical trials researcher with a NIH rated grant, currently working on a PhD.
  39. George Berry, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA. Pediatric Trauma Coordinator  Regional Pediatric Trauma Center, Schneider Children’s Hospital North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System 
  40. Lisa F. Campo, MPAS, PA, DFAAPA  Past President NYSSPA. Former Chief Delegate/ delegate AAPA HOD; former Committee member Wagner College PA Program Advisory and Admission Committees; President LCFC-LLC Consulting; Advanced Clinical Physician Associate the Mount Sinai Medical Center; practicing PA 30 years.
  41. Kristina Marsack, PA-C, President, Association Plastic Surgery PAs, past-Treasurer, APSPA
  42. John W. Bullock, PA-C, DFAAPA. 2010 AAPA Federal Service PA of the Year Award Winner.  Past Chief Consultant to the US Air Force Surgeon General for Physician Assistants, Founding member and past Vice President of PAs in Orthopaedic Surgery. 
  43. William Gentry, MPAS, PA-C Senior Physician Assistant-Neurology  Audie L. Murphy Veterans Medical Center
  44. Harmony Johnson PA-C, MMS  Current President, PAs for Global Health
  45.  Chris Hanifin, PA-C. Immediate Past President, new Jersey State Society of PAs.
  46. Francis Crosby, Jr, PA-C, MPAS.  Founding member, United Kingdom Association for Physician Assistants (UKAPA); Member of Pilot Program for PA utilization in UK; Advisor to University of Wolverhampton (UK) PA Training program; AAPA; Delegate or alternate for many years, Publications award winner, 1987;  Fellow Member, Society of Air Force Physician Assistants; Past VP of SAFPA; Past Chair of Nomination Committee; Past Chair of Membership Committee; Past BOD member; Associate Member, Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh; Retired from USAF as Lt Col; Former Commander, Medical Operations Squadron.
  47.  David L. Patten, PA-C,  COL, SP, TXARNG. Deputy Commander for Texas Medical Command
  48. Michael France, CCRC, MPAS, PA-C, Director of Clinical Research, Alamo Medical Research, MAJ USAF Retired 
  49. Robert L. Hollingsworth, DHSc, MS, PA-C.  Owner, Sole Provider Red Springs Family Medicine Clinic, N.C. Preceptor for the Physician Assistant Programs at Methodist College in Fayetteville, N.C, Duke University in Durham N.C. and East Carolina University, in Greenville, N.C. Active preceptor for several Nurse Practitioner Programs within the state. Former Instructor: Methodist College Physician Assistant Program
  50. James C. Allen, IV, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA; Director, Physician Assistant Clinical Training Programs, University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston/Correctional Managed Care; Former Secretary Bexar County PA Society 2003-2005; Dual Certified Aerospace Physiologist; US air Force Aerospace Physiologist of the Year 2003; Past President Towner-Shafer Society, US Air Force 1993-1994; Retired US Air Force Major
  51. Michelle Ederer, MA, RPA-C  Past President, New York State Society of PAs.
  52. Cindy Burghardt, MS, PA-C, Nephrology PA for Renal Associates, San Antonio, Texas.
  53. Shepard B. Stone, P.A. Colonel, SP, CTARNG. Aeromedical Physician Assistant. Aviation Task Force- Currently deployed-KuwaitPhysician Associate-Yale Medical School
  54. Charlene Morris, DFAAPA, MPAS, PA-C, Past President AFPPA, CME Chair SPAP, Past AAPA Liaison to AAFP, Author/Lecturer.
  55. Jonathan E. Sobel, RPA-C, FAPACVS President-Association of PA’s in Cardiovascular Surgery
  56. Geoffrey Hoffa, PA-C, MHS Board Member of the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants.  First PA Associate member American Society of Transplant Surgeons. Past Chair, Public Relations Committee ASAPA, Current member of the AAPA HOD. 
  57. Robert M. Chavis, PA Commander / 05 USPHS/Army, Past Chairman Academy of USPHS Physician Assistants, Past Medical Director USMAPS, Delegate UN World Indigenous People Conference, Wolfclan Chief Nottoway/Meherrin/Tuscarora Nations,
  58. Keith G. Plummer MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA Director of Emergency Medicine, Johnston Memorial Hospital, Oklahoma
  59. Joseph A Hlavin PA-C, MS Neurosurgical PA. Former President, Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants (ANSPA), 1998 – 2000, 2006 – 2008 AANS Neurosurgeon Editorial Board, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 5/1/2008 – 4/30/2011.President, Brazos Valley Physician Assistant Association 1/2010 -12/2010
  60. Francine Boullosa, PA-C. Past-president and past legislative co-chair Oregon Society of PAs1991-2 AAPA-Burroughs-Wellcome Health Policy Fellow.
  61. Richard M. Bishow, MPAS, PA-C, Lead Physician Assistant, Inova Fairfax Hospital Emergency Department, Distinguished Fellow, AAPA, Emergency Medicine clinician for 32 years, Associate Clinical Professor of Health Care Sciences, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Clinical Instructor of Health Care Sciences, Drexel University College of Health Profession, Paragon Award winner (1st Place) for publishing excellence.
  62. Michael A. Banuchi, PA-C, MPH: Founder/Owner, PhysicianAssistantForum.Com/PhysicianAssociate.Com, Board of Advisors for National Association of Physician Assistants. Dermatology, Boca Raton, FL.
  63. Edward Ranzenbach, PA-C, MPAS, FAPACVS, DFAAPA  Fellow – Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery (APACVS) Leadership Fellow APACVS Fellow American Association of Surgical PAs Fellow California Academy of PAs Director-at-Large APACVS Board of Directors. Member Fellow Membership Oversight Committee APACVS Member CME Committee APACVS, Chair – 27th Annual APACVS Winter Educational Meeting Associate Member Society of Thoracic Surgeons
  64. Jose’ C. Mercado, MMS, PA-C  President- SPAO-HNS. Adult & Pediatric ENT Disorders.
  65. Professor Steven J. Sager, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Department Nova Southeastern University – Ft. Lauderdale
  66. Joel D. Bashore, PA-C, MPAS; LCDR, MSC, USN (Ret); PA/NP Education Coordinator, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital Emergency Dept.; Past Vice-President Naval Association of Physician Assistants
  67. Kimberly J. T. Lakhan, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA  Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery  and APN/PA Council Chair SMDC Health Systems, Duluth, MN Distinguished Fellow AAPA, Fellow and Past Director-at-Large Minnesota Academy of PAs, Fellow SPAO-HNS
  68. Larry Collins, PA-C, DFAAPA, ATC . Instructor, Department of Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, University of South Florida. USF Sports Medicine and Athletic Related Trauma Institute. United States Olympic Training Program including stints at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, and at the 2008 Winter World University Games in Torino, Italy. 
  69. Michael C. Doll, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, FAPACVS.  Chair of Quality Care Committee – AAPA. Past President – APACVS. Current Candidate for Director At Large – AAPA Director of Physician Assistants Cardiac Surgery Service Line Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA
  70. Thomas White, JD, MA, PA-C, Past President TAPA, NMAPA, PA Educator.
  71. Denni J. Woodmansee, PA-C.  PA Advisor to the Under Secretary for Health  U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs
  72. Lisa Lanning Lowther, MS, PA-C; Assistant Professor, Medical College of Georgia PA Program; Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine PA for 10 years.
  73. Carol S. James PA-C. Lead Physician Assistant. Department of Neurosurgery. The Johns Hopkins Hospital
  74. Richard C. Davis , P.A.  Chief PA, RRMC. 35 years of PA practice.  Salisbury, NC
  75. Matthew Andersen, PA-C, MPAS, FAPACVS Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Virginia Mason Medical Center Seattle, WA
  76. Rudolph (Rudy) Balli, MPAS, PA-C ”Physician Associate” (University of Oklahoma), Captain, USAF, Retired.  Audie L. Murphy Veteran’s Memorial Hospital
  77. Alex K. Harris, PhD, PA-C, Southern Cardiopulmonary Associates, PC, LaGrange, GA; ApolloMD Emergency Physicians, Atlanta
  78.  Vee S. Yoong, PA-C, MS, Ph.D. Providence St. Peter Hospital. Emergency Medicine, Olympia, Washington. American Heart Association ACLS Regional Faculty/Course Director/Instructor. Advance Cardiac Life Support – (ACLS-EP) Instructor, Katrina Hurricane Relief Volunteer medical worker, American Red Cross, PA Consultant. Initial groundwork & program design for Pacific University Physician Assistant Program, Forest Grove, Oregon. 
  79. Reginald L. Smith, PA-C, Past Vice-President and Past Director-at-Large Bexar County PA Society, San Antonio, Texas. 
  80. David N. Pellin, PA-C, FAAPA;  Past Clinical Director Indian Health Service, Wellpinit Service Unit, Spokane Reservation, 2007 – 2010; Clinical Preceptor, University of Washington School of Medicine MEDEX Northwest, 2008 – Present University of Washington School of Medicine MEDEX Northwest, Cum Laude graduate, 2005 – 2007
  81. Bob Sammartano, RPA-C  Program Director  Postgraduate Residency in Surgery for PAs Montefiore Medical Center  President Elect AASPA. Chief Delegate for Surgery – AAPA HOD
  82. Lawrence Russell, P.A. Founding President, Society of Air Force PAs. Former Associate Chief of PAs, USAF. PA for 38 years. 
  83. Ken Phillis MPAS PA-C. Past Board member, PAC member, and Legislative Affairs Committee of the Texas Academy of PAs Retired, United States Army.
  84.  Glen E. Combs, MA, PA-C Former President of the AAPA. NCAPA Board Member-Chapter President. ’73 Graduate – AB College
  85. Cheryl E. Gregorio, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA; PAragon winner Federal Services PA of the Year and Veteran’s Caucus PA of the Year ; 28 years practice;  Degree as a Physician Associate, OU.
  86. Jackson R. Dobbins, Colonel, USAF, Ret (2009) Med College of GA Class of ‘78 Fellowship, Montefiore Med Cntr, NYC – Emer Med /79-80. 1st AF PA on operational support flying status, AFSOC (Graduate of Flight Surgeon/APA School, Ft. Rucker 1997). 1st PA as Combined Special Operations Task Force Surgeon Operation DESERT THUNDER. 1st PA as Medical Group Commander in USAF. Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (OIF), MSM x 6, JSCM, AFAM.  AAPA, SAFPA, SOMA (Spec Ops Med Association), Montefiore Alumni Association
  87. Jo Ann Cutler Friedrich, P.A.-C Stanford University, 1976 – Author of The Pre-Menstrual Solution, Arrow Press, Inc. 1987 and Sleep Matters, Bright Books, 1995. Over 350 national and regional TV and radio programs,  Published in USA Today and the Chicago Tribune. 
  88. Steven Engelberg, PA-C, PhD. University Medical Center, Las Vegas, NV Dept. of Emergency Medicine. VP / Founder National Association of Physician Assistants, Past President Nevada Academy of Physician Assistants. Assistant Professor, Touro University, NV
  89. Herve Poulard, PA-C Medical Attache’. US Embassy Santo Domingo
  90. Brian R. Bea, APA-C, MPAS. Aeromedical P.A. LTC, Oregon Army National Guard. 16 Years experience in Family and Emergency Medicine
  91. Terry Mathews, Lt Col, USAF, BSC, PA-C1.  Pres-Elect, Society of AF PAs. 1998 AMSUS PA Award winner  1998 SAFPA Wheaton Award winner  2005 Air Mobility Command PA of Year
  92. Ellen Britt, PA, EdD. Online Marketing Expert and Consultant and Co-founder of MarketingQi.com. Ellen specialized in Emergency Medicine/Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine for more that two decades and is a graduate of one of the first speciality PA training programs in the country, the Robert Wood Johnson Emergency Medicine Postgraduate Program at Maine Medical Center, Portland. She lives and works near Atlanta, Georgia.
  93. Jennifer Moore, PA-C  Past AAPA Board Member. Past President NYSSPA. !975 Graduate of Stony Brook Physician Associate Program.
  94.  Ed Friedmann, PA  AAPA Past President. Past Chair, Iowa PA Regulatory Board. Federally Certified Rural Health Clinic PA for many years.
  95. Jefferey Nicholson, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA. President American Academy of PAs in Legal Medicine, Board Member, Wisconsin Academy of PAs,
  96.  James Taft, MPAS, PA-C.  JAAPA Board Member,  CHSC Member and QCC Member
  97. George (Rick) Hillegas, PAC, MPH. Ist PA Class GW University. AAPA Health Policy Fellow 1992, Retired US Coast Guard PA.
  98. Bud Shelton, PA-C Past President North Carolina Academy of PAs. Graduate Duke University Physician Associate Program. 30 years Pulmonary Medicine, Ambulatory Surgery 15 years , Durham NC.
  99. Glen Sikes, PA-C  SUNY Stony Brook, 1977 Former Director of Surgery, Lower Florida Keys Health System, Key West Florida. 33 years combined ER/OR experience. Presently in primary care in rural North Carolina.
  100. Ernest W. Edmonds, PA-C, MPAS. SAFPA President – 1983-84. SAFPA Secretary / Treasurer 1985 – 1993(?), Program Director, USAF PA Program 1988 – 1991.  Clinic Director, VA Outpatient Clinic (Contract) 1995 – current

*Please Note: This statement was issued in June 2010. Titles, degrees, employment status, etc may not now be 100% accurate.