POCN Celebrates 10 Years of America’s Top PAs, Recognizing Physician Associates Advancing Patient Care and the Profession

October 6, 2026 – From the first patient interaction through diagnosis, treatment and disease management, Physician Associates (PAs) are shaping how care is delivered every day. During National PA Week, POCN is spotlighting 15 of the leading clinicians behind that impact, announcing its America’s Top PAs of 2026 as the program celebrates its 10th anniversary. POCN, a trusted resource for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and PAs across specialties, recognizes PAs whose impact extends beyond any one patient or accomplishment through its America’s Top PA program.

As the only peer-nominated recognition program for PAs and NPs across every major clinical specialty, America’s Top PAs celebrates clinicians whose contributions to patient care, education, leadership, their peers and communities are recognized by those who understand their work firsthand. PAs often serve in a diverse range of roles beyond clinical work, including in education, as clinic founders and owners, and as leaders in public health and advocacy.

The milestone comes as PAs are increasingly central to how patients access and experience care. According to a 2026 joint analysis by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and POCN, nearly two in five U.S. patients received care from an NP or PA in 20241. In many practice settings, these clinicians serve as first-contact providers, managing patient relationships, chronic disease and routine acute care while playing a central role in diagnosis, prescribing and treatment initiation, and longitudinal care. 

“PAs are central to the patient experience, and their role only continues to grow. Today, some 201,000 certified PAs are responsible for hundreds of millions of patient interactions annually in the U.S. Behind those numbers are real people whose work too often goes unrecognized,” said Linda Garcia, NP/PA Relations and Engagement, POCN. “For 10 years, America’s Top PA has helped shine a brighter light on the individual PAs behind the impact, showcasing the care they provide and the ways they lead and strengthen their communities and profession.”

Celebrating the 2026 America’s Top PAs

This year’s 15 honorees represent a wide range of clinical specialties and PA education across 12 states. From primary and emergency care to cardiology, behavioral health, women’s health, palliative care and other specialties, the 2026 class reflects the breadth of PA practice and the many ways PAs are advancing patient care, mentoring fellow clinicians and future PAs, and strengthening the communities they serve.

The 2026 America’s Top PA award winners are: 

• Andrew Baker, MPA, MBA, PA-C – Dermatology (Ohio)
• Ryan Baldeo, MPAS, MSPC, PA-C, FAAHPM – Hospice & Palliative Medicine (California)
• Sarah Bolander, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA – Orthopedics (Arizona)
• Amanda Brosnan, MPAS, MPH, PA-C, AAHIVE – Family Medicine (Texas)
• Cayla Daniele, MHS, PA-C – Obstetrics & Gynecology (Connecticut) 
• Heather Davis-Lopez, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C – Urgent Care (Texas)
• Camille Joyenne Dyer, DMSc, PA-C, AACC, DFAAPA – Cardiovascular Medicine (Florida)
• Aleece Fosnight, MSPAS, PA-C, CSC, CSE, MSCP, IF, HAES – Sexual Medicine (North Carolina)
• James R. Kilgore, DEL, DMSc, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA – Internal Medicine (Alabama)
• Viet T. Le, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C – Preventive Cardiology (Utah)
• Tajuana Lordeus, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry – Geriatric Psychiatry (North Carolina)
• Mary Masterson, MPAS, PA-C – Emergency Medicine (Maryland)
• Jason Prevelige, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, DFAAPA – Emergency Medicine (Connecticut)
• Stephanie Zeiber, DMSc, MPA, PA-C – Primary Care (Virginia) 
• Joseph Zucchi, PA-C, MPAS – Obesity Medicine (New Hampshire) 

POCN’s mission is to bring PAs and NPs together to network, share ideas and create a strong foundation of providers. Through education, clinical resources, professional support and programs such as America’s Top NP and PA, POCN connects and elevates the clinicians helping shape care across the healthcare system.

POCN will continue its 10th anniversary celebration in November, when the 2026 America’s Top NP honorees are announced during National Nurse Practitioner Week.

Learn more about POCN’s America’s Top NP/PA program and meet the 2026 America’s Top PA honorees at www.pocn.com/pa-winners.

1. American Academy of Physician Associates and POCN Group, an IQVIA business, Healthcare Game Changers: PA & NP Trends You Need to Know, 2026. Healthcare Game Changers: PA & NP Trends You Need to Know.