Ron Fisher, 15th President of the AAPA, died on October 23, 2024, at the age of 81. Ron followed what today would be considered an unusual path to becoming a PA and then extended that diversity of knowledge, talent and enthusiasm to the benefit of others. Before becoming a PA, he was a sailor, jet mechanic, UPS driver, barber, and nurse. After becoming a PA, he became an executive, community volunteer, harbor master, and columnist.
Fisher was a key member of a group of dedicated PAs that led to the enactment of the Pennsylvania state statute recognizing PAs as a member of the medical community. While serving as Secretary for the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants, the Medical Practice Act of 1974 was amended to include physician assistants. Ron went on to serve as the Society’s 2nd President from ’79- ‘81. During this period, Fisher served as a consultant concerning PA issues to the Pennsylvania State Board of Medical Education and Licensure and as a consultant to the State Medical Society’s Committee on Health Manpower.
Fisher’s involvement with the AAPA began as Chief Delegate for PSPA at three House of Delegate sessions which included the first House meeting, held in Houston in 1977. In 1982 he began his Presidency of the AAPA. He moved the profession forward through developing relationships with regulatory bodies and professional organizations. This included the AMA, American College of Surgeons (ACS), American Hospital Association (AHA), American Legion, and AARP. He then went on to champion the work of PAs as a Multispecialty Group Administrator (’83 – ‘93), Vice President of Western Region for the Geisinger Clinic system in Pennsylvania (’93 – ’95), Executive Director Clinic Operations NorthEast Medical Center in North Carolina (’95 – ’97) and Executive Director, Peninsula Regional Medical Group in Maryland (‘97 –08). Fisher’s work has been recognized via the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants Outstanding Service Award, The Upjohn Leadership Award, and the Geisinger Clinic Award for Leadership in Division Management.
Fisher’s impact on the profession did not end with his involvement with the PA professional organizations. By doing work for his community, Fisher continued to be an example of what great assets PAs are to the health of patients and to the health of the community at large. Service to school associations, community councils, the Elks, United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, the Worcester County Department of Health Advisory Council, and the Peninsula Regional Medical Center Health Advisory Council.
Mr. Fisher is survived by his high school sweetheart Shirl, his wife of over 63 years. He is remembered by his friends and family as a most optimistic person, embracing of family and friends, inclusive and encouraging of all with whom he had contact. He was loved by all.
~Written by Stephen Wilson, PAHx Immediate Past President