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2026 Eugene A. Stead Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Advances Health Equity Through Service

Howard Straker, EdD, MPH, PA-C, is the 2026 recipient of the Eugene A. Stead Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor—AAPA’s highest distinction—recognizes individuals whose work has made a lasting, far-reaching impact on the physician associate profession.

May 14, 2026

2026 PA of the Year is a Champion for Patients in Cardiology and the PA Profession

Viet Le, AAPA’s 2026 PA of the Year, has practiced in cardiology for 14 years. As a clinician, he prioritizes clear language to effectively communicate with his patients, collaborates on research projects to bring new knowledge to the bedside, and is an active advocate for the PA profession.

May 14, 2026

2026 PA Student of the Year Champions Access, Education, and Team‑Based Care

Nichole Geist is AAPA’s 2026 PA Student of the Year. A graduating physician associate student at Rutgers School of Health Professions, Geist leads multiple efforts to improve health outcomes for patients and support her fellow PA students.

May 14, 2026

2026 Military Service Award Recipient Combines Service, Clinical Impact, and Adaptability

Across combat zones, research institutions, and leadership roles, Col. Sharon L. Rosser, DSc-PA, MSS, PA-C, has dedicated her career to advancing military medicine and the physician associate profession. After almost four decades of service, she is the recipient of AAPA’s 2026 Military Service Award.

May 14, 2026

2026 Diversity Award Recipient Increases Access to the PA Profession

EDGE-PA, the recipient of AAPA’s 2026 Diversity Award, began as a pipeline program to increase the representation of African American men in the PA profession. In 2025, the program expanded to support students of all genders, races, and ethnicities who have faced significant challenges on their path to PA education.

May 14, 2026

2026 Humanitarian Service Award Recipient is Committed to Serving Underserved Communities in Rural Alaska

Jamie Lytton, DMSc, PA-C, is a published author, educator, healthcare policy advocate, and Air Force veteran. Through leadership and community engagement, Lytton works to address some of Alaska’s most pressing healthcare challenges, and is the recipient of AAPA’s 2026 Humanitarian Service Award.

May 14, 2026

2026 Preceptor of the Year Demonstrates the Transformative Impact of Mentorship

2026 Preceptor of the Year Dustin Keenan’s lifelong commitment to mentorship and service has shaped future PAs, while expanding access to care for communities and service members alike.

May 14, 2026

2026 Publishing Award Recipient Advances Clarity in Prostate Cancer Screening

Michael Gerlach, DMS, PA‑C, is the recipient of the 2026 AAPA Publishing Award for his article, “Prostate cancer screening guidelines and their alignment with recent literature,” an analysis examining guideline consistency and evidence‑based opportunities to improve patient‑centered care.

May 14, 2026

2026 Outstanding Student Society Advances Community-Centered Care

The Godsey-Matthews Student Society at Mercer University has been named AAPA’s 2026 Outstanding Student Society for its members’ continuous commitment to community service and inclusive, patient-centered care that extends far beyond the classroom.

May 14, 2026

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