Beth Smolko (Fox), DMSc, DFAAPA, PA-C is a dynamic physician associate (PA) leader, educator, and advocate dedicated to advancing the profession and expanding access to healthcare both in the United States and globally. She served as president of the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) from 2020 to 2021, guiding the organization with steady leadership during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. During her presidency, the profession achieved two historic milestones: the passage of federal legislation enabling direct reimbursement for PAs and the official transition of the professional title from “physician assistant” to “physician associate,” reflecting the evolution of the role and its impact in modern healthcare.
Smolko’s career reflects a deep and sustained commitment to primary care, healthcare access, and professional advocacy. She is a 2007 graduate of the Midwestern University–Glendale, Arizona PA Program, where she earned her Master Degree and received the Outstanding Service Award. She later earned her Doctor of Medical Science degree from the University of Lynchburg.
Beth Smolko began her clinical career in family medicine and primary care, experiences that shaped her long-term professional focus. Prior to becoming a PA, she conducted microbiological research in hematologic cancer at the National Institutes of Health, laying an early foundation in scientific inquiry and patient-centered impact.
Over the course of her career, Smolko has distinguished herself as a leader in clinical practice, PA education, and healthcare systems leadership. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the AAPA and was named Maryland PA of the Year in 2017.
Her leadership journey within AAPA began in 2006 through service with the Association of Family Practice PAs (AFPPA), where she held multiple roles, including president and advocacy chair. She also served as their representative in the AAPA House of Delegates, gaining a deep understanding of the systemic barriers affecting patient care and the PA profession. She was instrumental in helping develop the foundation for Optimal Team Practice, a transformative initiative that helped to modernize PA practice. This work ultimately led to her election to the AAPA Board of Directors and later the presidency.
At the heart of Beth Smolko’s work is a passion for serving medically underserved communities. In 2014, she traveled independently to Haiti where she worked in a remote clinic—an experience that profoundly shaped her perspective on global health. Motivated to create sustainable impact, she founded a non-profit to provide ongoing primary care services by PAs in Port-au-Prince and Marigot, Haiti. Reflecting on this work, Smolko notes that the lives saved and relationships built there remain among the most meaningful experiences of her life.
After nearly a decade in clinical practice, Smolko transitioned into corporate healthcare leadership as lead clinical advisor for Northeast Region Wellness Center Operations at Lockheed Martin Corporation. In addition to providing clinical care, she provided wellness strategy, innovative clinic services and led telemedicine initiatives.
Building on her operational expertise, she later became the founding program director of a new PA program in Western Maryland, focused on expanding access to primary care. She successfully led the program through accreditation—while also advocating for legislative changes to support its success. The program achieved provisional accreditation and continues to thrive today.
As an educator and leader, Beth Smolko has served as chair of the Maryland West Area Health Education Center Board of Directors and held advisory roles with the Center for Telemedicine and eHealth Law. She has also contributed to national dialogue through editorial work with The Soy Connection publication.
A dedicated advocate, she has represented the PA profession at national and global levels, including participation in World Hepatitis Day events and CDC advisory panels on hepatitis C screening and policy. She has engaged directly with members of Congress and federal agencies and represented PAs during Operation Warp Speed briefings.
Currently, Smolko serves as associate corporate medical director at JPMorgan Chase, where she advises on global health strategy, infectious diseases response, and innovative healthcare design for a workforce of more than 300,000 employees. She is also a sought-after speaker and published author on topics spanning healthcare, leadership, and the PA profession.
In addition, she serves on the board of trustees for Rocky Vista University as secretary, chairs the Audit Committee, and contributes to governance and nominating efforts, overseeing areas such as financial reporting, compliance, and risk management.
Outside of her professional work, Beth Smolko enjoys trail running—including ultramarathons—with her husband, Eric; playing guitar, and volunteering in her community. She is mom to two beautiful children- Braden and Jee Hong, and “Bonus Mom” to Nate and Will.
Acknowledgments:
This biography was written Debra Munsell, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, with the assistance of Dr. Beth Smolko. It was submitted to the Society in April 2026. All photographs are courtesy of Dr. Smolko.
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