AAPA honors Col. John W. Bullock with 2010 Federal Service PA of the Year Award

American Academy of Physician Assistants Names Col. John W. Bullock, PA-C, DFAAPA, Federal Service PA of the Year

Col. John W. Bullock, PA-C, DFAAPA, of Falls Church, Va., received the American Academy of Physician Assistants' 2010 Federal Service PA of the Year Award at the organization's 38th Annual Physician Assistant Conference in Atlanta yesterday. He was honored for his groundbreaking work on behalf of physician assistants. His decisions on policy, clinical research and acquisition have helped enable the medical workforce both at home and overseas to provide quality, effective and accessible care in all kinds of environments.

"For me, federal service as a PA, especially in the military, does not lend itself to a simple description. Federal service has never been about personal achievement but about service," said Col. Bullock. "Every day I welcome the opportunity to improve the care our armed forces receive, whether at home or while deployed. I'm extremely honored to receive this award for serving my country."  

Col. Bullock enlisted in the Air Force in 1974 as a medical services specialist and has been a PA for almost three decades. He currently serves as the program director for translational medicine at the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs), Force Health Protection and Readiness Programs. He is the first to hold this new position designed to help communicate policy and provide guidance for the Military Health System's $1.2 billion medical research and development activities.

Col. Bullock is a lifetime member of the Society of Air Force Physician Assistants as well as a member of AAPA, the Veterans Caucus and the Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S. He is the founding member and former vice president of the Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery. His military awards and commendations include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Recognition Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

In recognition of his accomplishments, Col. Bullock received the Federal Service PA of the Year Award. The award is one of five PAragon Awards, made possible with support from Pfizer Inc., that are presented annually by AAPA to recognize members who have demonstrated distinguished service to patients, the community and the profession. Other awards include: Humanitarian PA of the Year, Outstanding PA of the Year, PA Service to the Underserved Award, and the Physician-PA Partnership Award.