Physician assistant from Kailua-Kona honored by American Academy of Physician Assistants

Joshua Johnson of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island has been named a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. The distinction is earned by less than 2% of the national organization’s membership.

Johnson, who practices orthopedics at Ali‘i Health Center in Kailua-Kona and has been a physician assistant for 13 years, is the second physician assistant from Hawai‘i to be honored with the title. He earned the recognition because of his contributions to patient care and the profession and demonstrating dedication and involvement in the Kona community.

He is a graduate of the physician assistant program at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tenn., and also holds a doctorate of education in ethical leadership from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill. Johnson practiced as a physician assistant in Bradley, Ill., and Fort Wayne, Ind., before coming to the Big Island.

The Distinguished Fellow program was established in 2007 by the American Academy of Physician Assistants to recognize the exceptional contributions of physician assistants through professional achievement, leadership, professional interaction, learning and community service. After acceptance into the program, fellows continue to contribute to the work of the national organization and profession.

Physician assistants are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications and often serve as a patient’s principal health care provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, they are versatile and collaborative.

Educated at the master’s degree level, physician assistants practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty, improving health care access and quality.