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PA-C Reaches History-Making Rank


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PA-C Reaches History-Making Rank

Rear Admiral Epifanio “Epi” Elizondo, PhD, PA-C, US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, was recently promoted to rear admiral upper half, making him the highest ranking PA in the nation’s uniformed services. He is the first PA to ever earn this distinction. He serves as the regional health administrator (RHA) for Region VI, US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The 2012 Public Health Service Flag Promotions were released August 27, 2012. A promotion ceremony will be held for him in the spring.

Based in Dallas, Elizondo’s responsibilities include direct administration of HHS’ offices of Women’s health, Minority Health, Population Affairs (Title X), the HIV/AIDS Regional Resource Network and the Medical Reserve Corps. He also works closely with the regional emergency coordinators of the assistant secretary for preparedness and response to provide regional leadership and assistance for emergency planning, preparedness and response to all-hazards public health emergencies. In this area of responsibility he served as deputy commander of HHS’ Emergency Response Team during Hurricane Rita and as commander for part of the Hurricane Katrina response. He served as the first commander of Rapid Deployment Force Team 4. He also served as one of five senior federal health officials for pandemic influenza and bioterrorism for the US Department of Homeland Security’s Region D (HHS Regions VI and VII).

Prior his appointment as RHA in Region VI, Elizondo served as deputy RHA and regional minority health consultant for Region VI. Before transferring to the regional office, he served as national chief physician assistant for the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Washington, D.C. His experience in the uniformed services includes service as an enlisted hospital corpsman in the US Navy, as a warrant and commissioned officer in the US Army Reserves and Kansas National Guard and as a commissioned officer in the US Air Force.

Members of Rear Adm. Elizondo’s staff contributed to this report.

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This is indeed a wonderful achievement. Another ceiling is broken for PA's. Congrats to my longtime friend and professional colleague. Best wishes for continued success. Mike Milner

 

Yeah, you were one of the first to break some of those ceilings too Mike.....Epi is a great guy and individual. In fact, when I emailed him to congratulate him on the accomplishment, he spoke of nothing but how proud he was of the profession advancing.....A sincere thanks to both of you for what you have done......

 

Mike Halasy

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