Jonathan Baker (he/him) has never been one to take the expected path, and he certainly never planned on becoming a nationally recognized expert in anorectal health. Known to thousands as @RectalRockstar, he has built a career rooted in advocacy, education, and a refusal to let stigma interfere with quality healthcare. His work spans clinical medicine, research, leadership, and digital education, all with the goal of improving access to compassionate, evidence-based care—especially for LGBTQ+ patients and those historically overlooked by the healthcare system.
Early Influences and Education
Baker’s journey into medicine began early. Growing up outside of Cleveland, Ohio, he was deeply influenced by his mother, who completed an RN program. While she never ended up practicing, her exposure to PAs would be the inspiration for Baker to pursue this training, excited by the flexibility to change specialties. From a young age, he was drawn to science, fascinated not just by the mechanics of the human body but by the power of knowledge to transform lives.
That same curiosity led Baker to Duquesne University, Pittsburg, PA, where he proudly completed the 3+2 year PA program (3 years undergrad, 2 years master degree), earning his bachelor of health science in 2008 and his master of physician assistant studies in 2009. But when Baker talks about his time at Duquesne, his face really lights up when discussing his participation in the Duquesne University Red Masquers theater program, where he found joy working both on stage and behind the scenes.
Yet perhaps his greatest accomplishment during his time at Duquesne was not in the classroom or the theater, but in the formation of a gay-straight alliance, where he served as the first president of the organization. Reflecting on this experience, he says, “Duquesne University is a Catholic school, which might seem at odds with such an organization, but in reality, this organization was all about love and providing support to my often-marginalized community—consistent with the main tenets of Catholicism and really all mainstream religions.”
Navigating this complicated experience taught Jonathan Baker how to advocate for himself and, more importantly, his community. In his year as president, he ensured that the focus of the organization centered around unity and community, working to create a space where LGBTQ+ students – particularly his transgender and gender-diverse friends and peers – had a voice at the table. He also made it a priority to work closely with organizations with intersecting identities, such as the Black Student Union and the International Student Organization, fostering cross-cultural conversations and ensuring that LGBTQ+ advocacy remained inclusive. These experiences would later shape the way he approached leadership, education, and healthcare advocacy on a much larger scale.
Finding His Calling in Anorectal Health
When a job interview opened with the line, “we have a shared interest in anal dysplasia,” Jonathan Baker knew he had found his place. The interviewer was Dr. Ross Cranston, a name he recognized from his thesis research. That moment led to him joining the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2009, working in the Division of Infectious Diseases, HIV/AIDS Program as a senior PA and clinical researcher.
Reflecting on that time, Baker recalls, “Dr. Cranston was my first real mentor, though I didn’t realize at the time the way he taught me to genuinely care for patients and meet them wherever they are, and to also share my work with the world through meticulously researched presentations and publications.”
Under Cranston’s guidance, Jonathan became immersed in the Anal Dysplasia Clinic and Research Program, where he worked to advance anal cancer prevention and rectal STI screening—critical but often neglected areas of LGBTQ+ health. In addition to his clinical role, he served as a research PA, which included working for the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, where he played a role in some of the foundational studies on HIV prevention.
Expanding His Impact in New York City
In 2014, Jonathan Baker moved to New York City, where he took on a role as a surgical PA and the operations director of clinical research at Laser Surgery Care. Over the next decade, he helped develop protocols for anal dysplasia treatment, created a rectal STI screening program, and played a critical role in expanding access to PrEP and HIV prevention.
Baker’s ability to adapt to changing healthcare needs was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he led his practice’s transition to telemedicine and developed re-entry protocols. His expertise also became crucial in responding to the 2022 MPOX outbreak, where he helped create and implement treatment guidelines at his practice.
In 2025, Baker joined NYU Langone Health’s Division of Colon & Rectal Surgery, a move that allowed him to further integrate his clinical, research, and advocacy work. His patient-centered, sex-positive approach to healthcare continues to set him apart in a field where stigma and discomfort often prevent people from seeking the care they need.
Leadership and Advocacy
Baker’s impact extends far beyond the exam room. He has served in numerous leadership roles, including past president of the LBGT PA Caucus, past president of the New York State Society of PAs, and AAPA Liaison to GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equity. These roles have positioned him at the forefront of efforts to expand LGBTQ+ health education, influence policy, and advocate for legislative change for his community and profession.
In 2024, Baker was appointed to the AAPA Health Equity & DEI Strategic Planning Committee, where he continues to push for systemic improvements in healthcare access and education.
Educating the Next Generation
Baker’s ability to bridge the gap between clinical medicine and public education has made him a sought-after speaker. Over the past decade, he has delivered more than 100 national and international presentations on topics ranging from anal cancer screening to culturally competent care for sexual and gender-diverse patients.
Jonathan Baker has been invited to speak at the American Academy of PA’s (AAPA) National Conference, GLMA’s National Conference, and the International Anal Neoplasia Society’s Scientific Meeting, among others. His teaching career has been equally impactful. Since 2017, he has served as an adjunct instructor and guest lecturer at over a dozen PA programs including Touro College, Michigan State University, NYIT, and Albany Medical College.
His dedication to medical education was recognized in 2021 when he was chosen as the keynote speaker for the CUNY School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony.
Influencing and Inspiring Others
Outside of traditional academic spaces, Jonathan Baker has made an indelible mark through his social media presence as @RectalRockstar. His candid, often humorous approach to anorectal health, STI prevention, and LGBTQ+ medicine has drawn thousands of followers eager for honest, stigma-free medical information.
His work has been featured in TheBodyPro, AskMen, and various podcasts, including Queer Health Podcast and Vagina, Vulvas, and Vibrators. Through his digital presence, he has helped shift the conversation around topics many in medicine still shy away from, bringing accessible, evidence-based information directly to the people who need it most.
A Career Dedicated to Breaking Barriers
Baker’s work—whether through his clinical practice at NYU Langone, his leadership roles, or his public education efforts as @RectalRockstar—is driven by a singular mission: to break down barriers in medicine, challenge stigma, and ensure that all patients receive the care and respect they deserve. His career is a testament to the power of fearless advocacy, education, and an unshakable belief that healthcare should meet people where they are—not where society thinks they should be.
Acknowledgments
This biography was written by Jeff Myers with the assistance of Jonathan Baker. It was submitted to the Society in April 2025. All photographs are courtesy of Mr. Baker.
When using information from this biography, please provide the proper citation as described within the PA History Society Terms of Use.
To request the use of the photographs that accompany this biography, please contact the PA History Society to request permission as some photographs might have restrictions on their use.
