Michael G. Quirk, PA-C, MsBA, DFAAPA, is a practicing Physician Assistant in both Primary Care and ENT/Allergy in Lower Keys, Florida. A recipient of the Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants since 2008, Mr. Quirk has over 40 years experience as a PA with prior clinical experience as a registered nurse (RN). Mr. Quirk has spent much of his career working in rural health and primary care, a career path that initiated in Public Health Service in a rural community (1976-1982).
In 1970, Mr. Quirk graduated from the Duke University PA Program in Durham, NC, and was the first student to receive the Richard Schelee Award for Outstanding Student. As a lifelong learner, Mr. Quirk also attended several institutions in Minneapolis, MN, including the Jesuit Seminary (1961-1965), St. Mary’s Jr. College, where he earned his AA, RN (1964-1966), and the University of Minnesota, where he completed his undergraduate studies (1967-1968). In addition, Mr. Quirk received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the State of New York in Albany, NY (1977-1979) and obtained a Master of Science in Business Administration-Healthcare from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO (1979-1981).
Throughout his career, Mr. Quirk has worked in the areas of OR nursing, nephrology, cardiology and primary care (orthopedics and urgent care). In 1990-1995, he served as the Director of Wellness/Urgent Care/Physical Therapy for CIGNA Health Care, and served as an Assistant Professor for the PA Program at Kirksville College of Medicine in Phoenix, AZ (1995-1997).
Within the field of PA Administration, Mr. Quirk served as the President elect for Arizona State Physician Assistant Program (1977), President of the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants (ASAPA) (1978-1979), board member of the ASAPA and CME Chairman, Clinical Coordinator for Kirksville PA Program, and formerly served as Area Representative for Florida Association of PAs (FAPA).
Currently, Mr. Quirk is a semi-retired PA and serves as the Legislative Committee Representative for the Florida Association of Physician Assistants (FAPA) since 2008. He currently resides in Cudjoe Key, Florida.
Acknowledgements:
This biography was written by Delilah Tine, with the assistance of Michael Quirk, and was submitted to the Society in August 2012. The photograph is courtesy of Mr. Quirk.
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