John Trimbath – A Pioneer in the Field of

Physician Assistants

Physician assistants are medical professionals who work alongside doctors to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions. They do not go through as rigorous schooling as doctors, but they are more than capable of helping patients with many illnesses.

John Trimbath has worked tirelessly to improve the PA profession and is a key member of the Association of American Physician Assistants (AAPA). He was recently honored by AAPA with their President’s Award for his commitment to improving the profession.

Early Life and Education

John Trimbath was a pioneer in the field of physician assistants. As a graduate of the George Washington University PA Program, he helped prepare a path for a new generation of medical professionals. During his career, he influenced governmental policy and hospital bylaws that are used across the country today. He also served on the Board of Directors for both the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. He is the only non-physician to receive the AAPA’s Hudson Award, as well as the AAPA House of Delegates’ Outstanding Service Award and Presidents’ Award.

In addition to his professional career, Trimbath was also a committed family man. He was married for over 50 years to his wife, Mary Ann. They have 2 children and 6 grandchildren.

Professional Career

Trimbath’s career began as a mechanic in the United States Air Force. He became a physician assistant in 1972 and served as president of the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants (APA). He later helped to develop hospital bylaws, influenced governmental policy and worked to change the way PAs practice. In his most recent position, he served on the Board of Directors for both the Ohio APA and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

In 2006, Trimbath played a major role in obtaining legislation that gave Ohio PAs physician-delegated prescriptive authority. He also served as a member of the AMA’s Judicial Affairs Committee and worked on drafting AAPA’s Guidelines for Ethical Conduct. In 2013, Trimbath was presented with the AAPA’s President’s Award. His life is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the profession of physician assistants.

Achievements and Honors

John trimbath has been recognized as a leader in the physician assistant (PA) profession, both locally and nationally. Since graduating from the PA Program at GW SMHS in 1979, he has been a key figure in the resurgence of this important career. He has made numerous contributions to the advancement of the profession, including influencing governmental policy and hospital bylaws that are used in many hospitals across the nation.

Trimbath has also received several accolades for his efforts, such as the aforementioned AAPA President’s Award. He is a founding member of the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants, which is currently the largest PA organization in the state, and he has been instrumental in enhancing the quality of medical care in his native state. Other achievements include a 2008 accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down, which he has managed to overcome with grace and aplomb.

Personal Life

John Trimbath has dedicated his life to helping prepare the next generation of physician assistants. Since his graduation from the George Washington University PA program, he has chaired the Public Relations and Legislative Committee for the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants (OAPA), influenced hospital bylaws and governmental policies that affect the profession, and served as an AAPA House of Delegate and president of OAPA.

His career took a turn on October 16, 2008, when he fell from a ride on a mechanical bull and became paralyzed from the chest down. But despite his severe disability, he has remained committed to advocating for the PA profession. His family is grateful for your support. Keep them in your prayers and send them cards and letters! You can also donate to the Trimbath Foundation.