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AAPA Honors Excellence in the PA Profession with 2026 Awards

On May 14, 2026, the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) made headlines as it announced the recipients of the 2026 Individual Excellence Awards. This prestigious accolade celebrates the significant contributions made by ten outstanding physician associates (PAs) and PA students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to healthcare improvements within their communities.

AAPA President Todd Pickard praised the awardees, stating, "The award recipients embody the very best of our profession—they are driven, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to improving healthcare outcomes in their communities and beyond." He further reiterated the importance of the work PAs conduct in various sectors, highlighting their role amid an increasing demand in healthcare services.

The 2026 Individual Excellence Award recognitions include a variety of categories, showcasing the diverse talents and impacts of PAs across the nation:

• - Eugene A. Stead Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award: Howard Straker, EdD, MPH, PA-C; Upper Marlboro, Md. - Celebrated for his long-standing impact on the PA field.
• - PA of the Year Award: Viet Le, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, FACC, FAHA, FASPC, HF-Cert; Salt Lake City, Utah - Recognized for outstanding clinical performance.
• - PA Student of the Year Award: Nichole Geist, PA-S; Piscataway, N.J. - Honored for her remarkable potential and dedication as a PA student.
• - Military Service Award: Col. Sharon Rosser, DSc, MSS, PA-C - Commander; Natick, Mass. - Acknowledged for her exemplary service in the military health sector.
• - Diversity Award: EDGE-PA; Willowbrook, Calif. - Celebrated for their efforts in promoting diversity within the PA profession.
• - Humanitarian Service Award: Jamie Lytton, DMSc, PA-C; Anchorage, Alaska - Recognized for her dedication to service in underserved communities.
• - AAPA/PAEA Preceptor of the Year Award: Dustin Keenan, PA-C, CAQ-OS; Lexington, S.C. - Honored for his exceptional mentorship in PA education.
• - Publishing Award: Michael Gerlach, DMS, PA-C; East Greenwich, R.I. - Acknowledged for his significant contributions to research and literature in the PA field.
• - Outstanding Student Society: Mercer University Godsey-Matthews Student Society; Atlanta, Ga. - Recognized for their achievements as a student organization.
• - CO Outreach and Advocacy Award: The LBGT PA Caucus - Celebrated for their advocacy efforts in supporting diversity.

The esteemed awards will be presented at the AAPA 2026 Main Stage Event on May 18, 2026. This annual event marks a significant occasion where the AAPA not only honors remarkable PAs and organizations but also shines a light on the vital role that PAs play in transforming healthcare delivery and enhancing patient outcomes.

Founded as the sole national membership organization for PAs, the AAPA continues to advocate for over 190,000 PAs nationwide. These clinicians are highly trained and licensed professionals who work across various specialties and settings, dedicating themselves to improving patient access and care quality. For further details on the awards and the remarkable stories of the recipients, visit aapa.org. Engage with AAPA on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X to track their ongoing contributions to the PA profession.

This recognition highlights the invaluable impact that PAs have on the healthcare landscape, setting an inspiring example for future generations of healthcare providers.