Overview

Gender

male

Mr. Edward Smith is an orthopaedic trained Physician Assistant and has served over 20 years in the US Air Force. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1992 and became the Air Force’s only Registered Orthotic Technician. He was an honor graduate from basic training and technical school and was hand selected to remain at the school house to assist in instructing.

After nearly 10 years of service, Mr. Smith was chosen to attend the Inter-Service Physician Assistant Program and graduated in 2002 with his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska. Immediately upon graduation he quickly earned his Masters’ degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska.

At his first assignment, he quickly was recognized for his leadership. As a 2nd Lieutenant, he was chosen as Team Chief for the Field Treatment Team for mass casualties. He was also the first to be assigned from Family Practice as the Competent Medical Authority for the Personnel Reliability Program and was the first PA assigned as the Medical Liaison Officer for the Health and Wellness Center for military physical fitness and weight management, including consulting for herbal and dietary supplements.

Mr Smith then volunteered to join a new Special Operations Air Force concept combat unit assigned as a “first-in”, fully integrated, multidisciplined, self-sustaining unit. He was the Chief of the Medical Operations and served two tours in Iraq as well as a humanitarian tour during Hurricane Katrina. He has received several military awards and decorations, including one with valor, and has completed the US Army Flight Surgeon Course, Expert Field Medical Badge, and the Hand to Hand Combatives Instructor Course.

For his dedication he was selected to advance his education and attended the Orthopaedic Physician Assistant Fellowship through Wright State University and Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. After completing his fellowship, he was assigned to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. His final overseas tour was as the Forward Surgical Team Commander and Orthopaedic team chief for Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines, providing oversight and training to a local trauma center and responsible for orthopaedic and trauma care of over 2,500 Marines and special operations forces.

After serving his country for so many years, Mr. Smith looks forward to serving the local Tampa community with as much energy and commitment that he has given the military.