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Each year on Veterans Day, we pause to honor the men and women who have served our country with courage, sacrifice, and dedication. As a Physician Assistant program, this day holds special meaning. The PA profession itself was born out of the military, shaped by the service and experience of medics and corpsmen who cared for soldiers in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable.
How It All Began
In the years following World War II and the Vietnam War, thousands of military medics returned home with extensive medical training and hands-on experience treating patients in the field. Yet, despite their advanced skills, few opportunities existed for them to continue using those abilities in civilian healthcare.
Dr. Eugene Stead Jr. of Duke University recognized this gap. In 1965, he launched the first Physician Assistant program, training four former Navy corpsmen to extend the reach of physicians and improve access to care. These veterans became the first PAs, pioneering a new profession rooted in service, teamwork, and adaptability.
A Legacy of Service
That same spirit continues to define the PA profession today. Whether serving in the military or in various settings across America, PAs are known for stepping into places of need. The profession’s foundation in the military has shaped its emphasis on collaboration, flexibility, and mission-driven care—values that align closely with our calling here at Northwestern College.
Our program exists to equip PAs who serve patients in rural and underserved communities, demonstrating the same selflessness and commitment that characterized those early military medics. We believe healthcare is an opportunity to bring hope and healing to others, just as those first PAs did decades ago.
Honoring Those Who Serve
This Veterans Day, we not only thank those who have worn the uniform but also recognize how their service continues to shape medicine today. Many veterans choose to continue their mission of care through the PA profession, carrying forward a legacy that continues to impact and serve.
To all who have served—thank you. Your dedication has not only protected our freedom but also helped build a profession that embodies compassion, courage, and service.
