William C. Kohlhepp, of North Haven, dean of the School of Health Sciences at Quinnipiac University, has been elected president of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) board of directors. His term begins Jan. 1, 2017.
Kohlhepp, who also is a tenured professor in Quinnipiac’s physician assistant studies program, has been on the PAEA board of directors since 2010. He has served as treasurer/secretary for several years, until the position was split, and then as treasurer. During the past year, he has held the position of president elect.
“Having been on the PAEA board for the past seven years, I am honored to have been given the opportunity to serve as president in 2017,” said Kohlhepp. “PAEA continues to amaze me as it evolves in so many positive ways. And it is particularly exciting to be able to serve as president during the 50th anniversary year of the PA profession.”
Kohlhepp first began taking an active role in the national organizations of the PA profession when he served as national student secretary in 1978. He is a past president of the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), past speaker of the AAPA House of Delegates, and past chair of the AAPA board. He also served on the board of directors of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), including a stint as chair.
“Dr. Kohlhepp is one of the most respected figures in the physician assistant community,” said fellow PAEA board member Stephane VanderMeulen. “He has held multiple leadership roles in the profession, giving him a unique, well-rounded perspective on topics involving PAs. His thoughts are compelling, and he frequently challenges the way we think about health care.”
After graduating in 1979 from the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey Rutgers physician assistant program, he earned a master’s degree in health administration from Quinnipiac University and his doctorate in health sciences from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
Kohlhepp has garnered numerous awards for his work and dedication, including the National Student Academy President’s Award in 2010. That same year, he received the James Marshall Award for Outstanding Service to the University by the Quinnipiac University Faculty Senate. In 2006, he was recognized as “PA of the Year” by AAPA-OM. He is also a recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from both the School of Health Related Professions, UMDNJ as well as the College of Allied Health and Nursing, Nova Southeastern University. He has published several articles on clinical and professional topics in the leading journals of the PA profession