Colonel James Jones, Ph.D., PA-C, an associate faculty member at the University of Phoenix College of Health Professions, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Physician Assistant of the Year Award by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA). The award recognizes his work in military medicine, public health, and efforts to advance the physician assistant profession.
“Dr. Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the classroom and our working adult students’ experience,” said Mark Johannsson, DHSc, MPH, dean of the College of Health Professions. “He has a deep understanding and commitment to the patient experience in military and civilian settings, and we are enormously proud to have him as a leader and inspiration in our community.”
The AAPA’s PA of the Year Award honors physician assistants who show outstanding service to their communities, demonstrate commitment to accessible and quality healthcare for all, and promote a positive image for the profession.
Jones’s career includes leadership positions in both military and civilian healthcare over 36 years. In 2024, he served as the 11th PA Consultant to the U.S. Army Surgeon General, Director of Medical Capability Development Integration Directorate, and Commander of Public Health Command West at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. In 2025, he became Director of Executive Medicine for the National Capital Region, where he manages medical care for senior leaders and leads teams responsible for medical planning and dignitary support domestically and abroad.
Jones holds a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies with a focus on Family Medicine from the University of Nebraska. He earned his Ph.D. in Health Science with a major in International Research and Education from Trident University in California. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and completed fellowships at both the White House (tactical medical officer) and Mayo Clinic Phoenix (protective medicine with focus on cardiopulmonary critical care resuscitation).
