HARROGATE, Tenn. — Rex Hobbs, PA-C, assistant dean and program director of the Physician Assistant (PA) program at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) was honored by the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA) as TAPA’s 2017 PA of the Year. The award was presented during TAPA’s Annual Awards Luncheon and Membership Meeting, held Oct. 9-13 in conjunction with FallFest, TAPA’s fall continuing medical education (CME) conference.

“It is truly an honor to have been selected as PA of the Year by TAPA. I have a passion for what I do and for helping promote the PA profession within the field of medicine. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with amazing students every day,” Hobbs said. “It is inspiring to see the next generation of physician assistants rising up as leaders, and it makes me want to do my part to keep that going.”

Since relocating to the state of Tennessee, Hobbs has been actively involved in TAPA. He has served on the board of directors as vice president, treasurer and president since 2016.

Hobbs has also spent tireless hours leading the CME committee as the committee chairman since 2014. He lends his clinical expertise to planning an agenda, offering timely medical topics and he utilizes his academic networks to recruit expert speakers.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Rex for many years, and he generously gives his time and expertise to TAPA,” said TAPA Executive Director Katherine Pesut Moffat. “Rex is deeply committed to furthering the PA profession, and our members are fortunate to have him leading the Academy.”

Hobbs currently serves as program director to one of the largest PA programs in the state. Throughout his academic career he has held various leadership positions in the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) and has mentored hundreds of students.