Dr. James “Rick” Kilgore ’22 DMSc, faculty member in the University of Lynchburg’s Doctor of Medical Science program, is the recipient of the 2025 American Academy of Physician Associates Publishing Award.
According to a press release from AAPA, the award is “granted to a PA who published, during the prior calendar year, a new clinical or research article expressing original and/or scientifically rigorous ideas substantiated by best practices and contributing to the advancement of the PA profession.”
A respected clinician and researcher with over 40 years of experience, Kilgore has significantly contributed to PA education, clinical practice, and healthcare leadership.
Kilgore earned the award for his contributions to “Characteristics and career effect on PA graduates of doctoral degree programs,” an article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
The research, coauthored by several University of Lynchburg DMSc faculty members, explores how earning a doctoral degree influences physician assistants’ professional trajectories, leadership opportunities, and overall career satisfaction.
Dr. Jenna Rolfs ’20 DMSc, dean of Lynchburg’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences and a contributor to the article, highlighted the significance of Kilgore’s recognition.
“This is a well-deserved testament to Dr. Kilgore’s exceptional leadership and scholarly contributions,” she said. “His work and its recognition reinforces the critical role advanced education plays in empowering PAs to lead transformational change in healthcare.”
In the AAPA release, Kilgore expressed gratitude on his behalf and that of his coauthors. “This collaborative effort is representative of the quality of research that is expected of all the doctorally prepared PAs in the future,” he said. “The authors are appreciative of the recognition of the team and the publication.”
The award will be presented at AAPA 2025, an annual conference of PAs, held in Denver, Colorado, May 16-20.
