A Legacy of Service: AAPA and PAF Honor Kenneth Moritsugu

A Legacy of Service: AAPA and PAF Honor Kenneth Moritsugu

Honoring more than 30 years of leadership and philanthropy

June 5, 2026

By Alex Morse

During AAPA 2026 in New Orleans, AAPA and the Physician Associate Foundation (PAF) recognized Kenneth P. Moritsugu, MD, MPH, FACPM, for his extraordinary career in public health and decades of service to PAF. His leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to advancing healthcare have left a lasting mark on the physician associate profession and the communities PA serve.

[Watch the full recognition video on YouTube]

"Over the past quarter of a century, it has been my privilege to serve the PA profession as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Physician Associate Foundation, and subsequently as its emeritus trustee," said Moritsugu in a message to the PA community after accepting his recognition during AAPA's Main Stage Event. "There is no honor greater or more meaningful than to be acknowledged by one's colleagues, and I truly am touched that this profession and its members have seen fit to single out my service and contributions to our mission of service."

Moritsugu's longstanding commitment to PAF spans more than 30 years, beginning with his appointment to the PAF Board of Trustees in 1995. He was later named an emeritus trustee in 2002, a testament to his distinguished service and enduring contributions. Throughout his tenure, he played a critical role in shaping PAF's direction, contributing his expertise across key committees including Finance, Development, and Programs.

In addition to his leadership, Moritsugu's philanthropic support has helped expand opportunities for PAs and strengthen programs that benefit patients and communities nationwide.

"I have been a founding member of the Legacy Circle of the Physician Associate Foundation, a group of health professionals who recognize the once and future value of this profession, who have made a commitment to support it even after we are gone," said Moritsugu. "I encourage all my friends and colleagues to join to pay it forward, and to continue to support this program, through current contributions today, and through future contributions after our deaths, to assure our viability and impact on the health of our great nation. Curing and caring for people: that is the history and the hallmark of the PA profession. May we continue to enhance the profession through our donations of time, talent, and treasure to the Physician Associate Foundation!"

Beyond his work with PAF, Moritsugu built a distinguished career in national service and public health leadership. As a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, he twice served as Acting Surgeon General of the United States, where he advanced initiatives to improve the health and safety of Americans while overseeing 6,500 Commissioned Corps health professionals.

Moritsugu contributed to advancements in diabetes care and education as Interim Chief Science and Medical Officer of the American Diabetes Association and held leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson. He has also played an important role in developing and mentoring future leaders through his work as an educator and advisor at The George Washington University and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. 

Throughout his career, Moritsugu has earned numerous honors recognizing his service and impact, including twelve honorary degrees, the Surgeon General's Medallion with two gold stars, and multiple distinguished service medals. He is also an honorary lifetime member of AAPA and the first and only honorary fellow of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.

"Dr. Moritsugu's decades of leadership and service have shaped not only the Physician Associate Foundation, but also the broader healthcare landscape. His unwavering commitment to advancing the PA profession and supporting the communities we serve is deeply inspiring," said PAF President Michel Statler, DMSc, PA-C.

In honoring Moritsugu, AAPA and PAF celebrate his legacy of leadership, service, and generosity. His commitment to advancing the PA profession and improving the future of healthcare will continue to inspire and shape generations to come.

Alex Morse is AAPA's Communications Manager. She can be reached at [email protected].

You May Also Like
Until Next Year: AAPA 2026 Highlights
2026 Eugene A. Stead Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Advances Health Equity Through Service
2026 PA of the Year is a Champion for Patients in Cardiology and the PA Profession