Don Flinn is a dedicated and compassionate PA, with 45 years of experience in orthopedics. He has built a reputation for excellence, empathy, and leadership.
Flinn attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK and Central State University in Edmond, OK to complete his undergraduate degree. He then attended the University of Oklahoma Physician Associate Program in Oklahoma City and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree. As a “Graduate with Distinction”, the foundation was laid for his continued clinical expertise. In 2002, Flinn became a Certified Clinical Densitometrist through the International Society for Clinical Densitometry.
Flinn has worked in orthopedics with McBride Orthopedics since graduating in 1981. His clinical experience encompasses a broad range of orthopedic practice including hospital inpatient, outpatient, emergency department, arthritis, rheumatology, and over 30 years of surgical experience. Flinn has participated in over 26 clinical trials during his career with McBride Orthopedics with numerous presentations. His publications include articles published in American Journal of Knee Surgery and Arthritis Practitioner.
In addition to his clinical work, Flinn has been very involved in the PA profession. He continues to maintain membership in the Oklahoma Academy of Physician Associates (OAPA) and has served as the organization’s president three times. In addition to serving as the OAPA president, Flinn has also been treasurer and elected as a board member from his region.
Don Flinn has been recognized multiple times by the OAPA for his contributions to the Academy and the profession. In 1990 he was The Roger G. Whittaker Award winner. The Roger G. Whittaker award recognizes individuals who, like Roger Whittaker, exemplify a pioneering spirit and dedication to the PA profession and the professional development of PA students. In 1997 he received the OAPA’s PA of the Year Award. The PA of the Year honors a PA who has provided quality health care in a metropolitan area and provided exemplary service and leadership to the PA profession in Oklahoma, furthering the image of physician assistants/physician associates. In 2001, Flinn was awarded a lifetime membership in the Oklahoma Academy. Lifetime membership honors PAs who have rendered distinguished service to the Academy and the PA profession in Oklahoma and nationally. Recipients of this honor receive free lifetime membership in the Academy and have all the privileges of a chapter membership. Flinn is also a two-time OAPA President’s Service Award recipient: once in 2012 and again in 2024. The President’s Service Award is an award given by the OAPA president to an individual selected for recognition of contributions made to the PA profession.
As a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) since 1981, Flinn has held numerous leadership positions within the national organization. He has been a House of Delegates representative from Oklahoma and served as chief delegate, he has been a member and chair of the Reference Committee, a member and chair of the Judicial Affairs Committee, and director at large and chair of the Internal Affairs Committee. In recognition of his extensive experiences, Flinn became a Distinguished Fellow of the AAPA in 2008.
Flinn continues to be actively involved in the education of PA students by presenting lectures in Orthopedics, Radiology, Splinting & Casting and Suturing. Additionally, Don has served on the Admissions Committee and Curriculum Committee of the University of Oklahoma Physician Associate Program.
As a current member and former chair of the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision Physician Assistant Advisory Committee, Flinn continues to leave his mark on the profession.
Don Flinn’s career as a PA is marked by dedication, expertise, and leadership. He continues to positively impact the lives of patients, colleagues, and the profession.
Acknowledgments
This biography was written by Bruna Varalli-Claypool with the assistance of Don Flinn. It was submitted to the Society in November 2025. All photographs are courtesy of Mr. Flinn.
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