Tom Himelick, MMSc, MA, PA-C Emeritus, has dedicated his life to medicine, education, and community service, embodying a rare combination of professionalism, innovation, compassion, and adventure. Throughout his extensive career, Himelick has continually sought ways to expand healthcare access, mentor future medical professionals, and serve diverse populations with unwavering dedication and enthusiasm.
From Audiology to Physician Assistant
Himelick began his professional journey in audiology, an initial chapter driven by his deep-seated interest in healthcare and science. After earning his master of arts in speech and hearing sciences from Indiana University in 1978, he embarked on a fulfilling career as a clinical audiologist and researcher. Between 1984 and 1989, Himelick worked at the esteemed Otologic Medical Clinic and Hough Ear Institute in Oklahoma City, where he contributed to significant advancements in audiological care and research. His time in audiology honed his skills in patient care, research methodology, and interdisciplinary collaboration
Despite this success, Himelick felt compelled to expand his clinical expertise and engage more directly in patient care. In pursuit of this goal, he transitioned into medicine, attending Emory University’s Physician Assistant Program. He graduated with his master of medical science with honors in 1991, marking the beginning of his distinguished career as a physician assistant (PA).
Physician Assistant and Educator
Himelick’s early clinical experiences as a PA at Hughes Spalding Children’s Hospital/Grady Health System in Atlanta (1992-1994) laid a foundation of exceptional pediatric care. Himelick held roles in pediatric primary care and emergency care, as well as time spent in Grady’s groundbreaking sickle cell center. His commitment to clinical excellence quickly evolved into broader roles that blended clinical practice with educational leadership. In 1994, Himelick began his tenure at Emory University School of Medicine’s Physician Assistant Program (1994-2010), initially serving as non-metro clinical coordinator (1995-1997). From 1995 to 2010, he stepped into the significant roles of director of clinical coordinators, associate program director, and assistant professor (1997-2002). Himelick led Emory’s PA program into the twenty first century by launching them onto the early days of the internet as their webmaster. In these capacities, Himelick was instrumental in shaping the educational experiences of numerous students, significantly impacting the quality and breadth of their clinical training.
In addition to his leadership roles at Emory, Himelick accepted a new challenge as program director and assistant professor at the University of St. Francis Physician Assistant Program in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This position provided an opportunity in 2002 to influence yet another generation of medical professionals, integrating academic rigor with practical clinical applications.
Founder of the South Georgia Migrant Farmworker Health Project
One of Himelick’s most remarkable contributions to healthcare education and community service is his founding of the South Georgia Migrant Farmworker Health Project at Emory University in 1996. Recognizing a critical gap in healthcare access for migrant farmworkers in rural Georgia, working with community partners in South Georgia, Himelick launched this visionary initiative, pairing healthcare delivery with invaluable educational experiences for PA students.
Under Himelick’s leadership, this initiative grew to become a vital component of Emory’s PA Program. Students gained firsthand clinical experience, providing much-needed healthcare services in underserved agricultural communities. Through hands-on patient care and community engagement, the project influenced hundreds of PAs, medical, nursing and therapy students over the decades, instilling in them an enduring commitment to serving vulnerable populations. Himelick’s dedication to this innovative project earned him significant recognition, including the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants in both 1999 and 2007, and the Outstanding Provider Award from HealthSTAT in 2010.
Coordination of the Good Samaritan Urban Clinic
Complementing his efforts in rural outreach, Tom Himelick also coordinated a student-staffed Saturday clinic at the Good Samaritan Health Center in inner-city Atlanta. This urban clinic addressed healthcare disparities faced by urban underserved populations, providing essential services such as primary care, pediatric, and adult medicine. Himelick’s leadership ensured that students received substantial practical training while profoundly impacting the local community. The Good Samaritan Health Center became another testament to Himelick’s vision of integrating education and service, shaping socially conscious healthcare providers.
Clinical Leadership and Informatics
Tom Himelick continued his impactful clinical work when he returned to New Mexico, serving in leadership roles at Pine Hill Health Center (a Navajo Tribal 638 Clinic) from 2010-2013 and again from 2018-2019. He also served at Grants Family Health Center/PMS from 2013-2018, a federally qualified health clinic (FQHC) focusing on primary care for diverse populations ranging from infants to elderly patients. An advocate for integrating technology into healthcare, Himelick played a key role as a clinical application coordinator, facilitating the transition to electronic health records. His work in medical informatics significantly enhanced healthcare delivery efficiency, quality of patient care, and provider satisfaction in rural settings.
Life Beyond Clinical Practice
Since retiring from clinical practice in December 2019, Himelick has continued his service-oriented lifestyle as a volunteer park guide at El Morro National Monument in New Mexico. This role allows him to share his passion for history, culture, nature, and community education with visitors from all walks of life. His interests extend beyond traditional healthcare, demonstrated by his proficiency in technology and his experience as a webmaster for various healthcare-related websites.
An Enduring Legacy
Tom Himelick’s career reflects a steadfast commitment to excellence, community service, and educational leadership. Whether in audiology, clinical practice, academia, or informatics, his contributions have positively impacted countless patients, students, and colleagues. The institutions and initiatives he founded or supported continue to thrive, inspired by his example and dedication.
As he enjoys his retirement adventures, Himelick remains a vibrant presence in his community, continuously inspiring those around him. His professional journey serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact one individual can have through persistent dedication, innovative leadership, and genuine compassion. Himelick’s legacy lives on, ensuring that his commitment to service, education, and community health continues to inspire future generations.
“The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world .”
– Paul Farmer MD
Acknowledgments
This biography was written by Jeff Myers. with the assistance of Tom Himelick. It was submitted to the Society in April 2025. All photographs are courtesy of Mr. Himelick.
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