Dr. Travis Kaufman ʼ20 DMSc, a retired U.S. Army major and full-time faculty member at the University of Lynchburg, has been awarded the Andrew Craige Allied Health Professional Award by AMSUS, The Society of Federal Health Professionals. This recognition makes Kaufman the first-ever PA to receive the award.

AMSUS, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing federal health care through education and collaboration, annually recognizes exceptional federal health care professionals across various military branches, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services. 

The Andrew Craige Allied Health Professional Award was established to recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional service and leadership in federal medicine. 

This year, out of more than 400 nominations, Kaufman stood out for his unwavering dedication and leadership in military medicine. The award was presented at the 2025 AMSUS Annual Meeting, held on March 3, at the Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center in Washington D.C.

Kaufman recently retired from military service after 25 years of active duty. His contributions to military health care, particularly in emergency management and global health, have had a profound impact on patient care and medical readiness. 

Kaufman now serves as a faculty member in Lynchburg’s Doctor of Medical Science and Doctor of Executive Leadership programs. He plays a key role in training the next generation of health care leaders, particularly in the areas of disaster response and austere medicine, which emphasizes the practice of providing essential medical services without the benefits of modern hospital facilities in remote or challenging environments.

In a post on LinkedIn, Kaufman expressed his gratitude for receiving the award and acknowledged those who contributed to the success of his work. 

“I am truly honored to receive the Andrew Craige Allied Healthcare Professional Award from AMSUS – The Society of Federal Health Professionals,” he wrote. “This recognition is a humbling honor that I share with my incredible team and the entire profession of Physician Associates/Assistants.

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to COL James Jones for this nomination and for years of mentorship at The White House Medical Unit and in the U.S. Army. This award is not just a reflection of my efforts, but of the entire 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade medical team—the most outstanding PAs, medics, doctors, and nurses I could ever serve with.”

Kaufman also continues to serve the PA profession in leadership roles as the president-elect of the Society of Army Physician Assistants and as a director-at-large for the Colorado Academy of PAs.

Dr. Jenna Rolfs ʼ20 DMSc, dean of the University of Lynchburg School of Medicine and Health Sciences, emphasized the significance of his achievement. “Being able to witness Dr. Kaufman receiving this award was such an honor,” she said. “He is a true leader, and I am proud to call him my colleague!”