Viet Le, DMSc, PA-C, is a nationally recognized leader in preventive cardiology, clinical research, and physician associate (PA) education whose career has significantly advanced the PA profession. As an Associate Professor of Research at Intermountain Health and a practicing PA in preventive cardiology, Dr. Le has helped shape the integration of PAs into high-level cardiovascular care, research, and interdisciplinary teams. Over more than two decades of clinical practice, he has contributed to the evidence base in cardiovascular medicine through authorship of more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and participation in numerous clinical trials. His leadership roles, including past president of the Academy of Physician Associates in Cardiology and the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants, as well as his service with the American College of Cardiology (ACC), have elevated the visibility and impact of PAs in specialty medicine. Through his work as an educator, clinical trialist, and advocate, Dr. Le exemplifies the evolving role of PAs as leaders in research, patient care, and health system innovation.
Dr. Le’s early life reflects a story of resilience and cultural identity that continues to influence his professional perspective. He is the youngest of eight children and the only one born in the United States after his family emigrated from Vietnam as refugees following the Vietnam War. Growing up in a large immigrant family shaped his appreciation for opportunity, education, and service. During his youth, he was active and creative, spending his middle school and early high school years as a skateboarder and embracing a playful personality that still shows through today. His upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and commitment to family, values that remain central to his life. He pursued his undergraduate education at the University of Utah, earning a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Athletic Training, which sparked his interest in human performance and health sciences.
Dr. Le continued his education at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where he earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies. His decision to pursue a PA career was driven by a desire to combine clinical practice, patient interaction, and the flexibility to evolve within medicine. Early in his career, he demonstrated a commitment to both clinical excellence and education, initially working in roles that integrated patient care with teaching. He also briefly served as a high school teacher in sports medicine and human anatomy, reflecting an early passion for mentorship and education that would become a defining feature of his career. From the outset, he sought opportunities to expand his impact beyond clinical care, engaging in professional organizations and contributing to the growth of the PA profession.
Throughout his career, Dr. Le has built an impressive portfolio of clinical, academic, and leadership accomplishments. At Intermountain Health, he co-directs the Preventive Cardiology Clinic at Intermountain Medical Center and serves as a principal investigator or co-investigator on numerous cardiovascular clinical trials focused on improving patient outcomes and advancing preventive strategies. His research spans a wide range of topics, including lipid management, cardiovascular risk reduction, and cardiometabolic health, with funding support from major organizations and participation in large, multi-center studies. His scholarly contributions include more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and numerous abstracts, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing evidence-based practice.
In addition to his research contributions, Dr. Le has been a dedicated educator. He has served as adjunct faculty and co-director of cardiology didactics for PA programs in Utah, helping to train the next generation of PAs. His teaching emphasizes clinical reasoning, patient-centered care, and the integration of research into practice. He has also been actively involved in curriculum development and competency-based education initiatives within national organizations.
Dr. Le’s leadership within professional organizations has been extensive and impactful. He has served as president of both the Academy of Physician Associates in Cardiology and the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants, guiding initiatives to support professional development, advocacy, and clinical excellence. Within the American College of Cardiology (ACC), he has held multiple leadership roles, including Co-Chair of the PA Work Group and membership on several committees, contributing to national discussions on cardiovascular care and team-based practice. He currently serves as Editor of CardioSmart, the ACC’s patient education platform, where he translates complex medical information into accessible resources for patients and the public.
His contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including Intermountain Healthcare’s Researcher of the Year and Advanced Practice Provider of the Year awards, as well as national recognition as one of America’s Top PAs in Cardiology. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and of the American Heart Association, reflecting his standing as a leader in cardiovascular medicine. In 2026, Viet was named as a Fellow of the American Society of Preventive Cardiology. With all these honors, it is not surprising that Viet was given the distinguished honor by AAPA by naming him PA of the Year at its annual conference in May of 2026 in New Orleans. This is an honor that recognizes PAs who embody “excellence in clinical practice, leadership, advocacy, research,” and service.
Beyond his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Le is committed to advocacy and public engagement. As a 2026 Social Media Ambassador for the American Academy of Physician Associates, he uses his skills to educate the public, policymakers, and healthcare professionals about the value of PAs in modern healthcare. He is not media-shy and is known to be seen on local and national news segments highlighting heart health and the PA role in healthcare. He views this role as an opportunity to highlight the contributions of PAs in research, education, and patient care, and to promote greater understanding of the profession’s impact. More recently, his foci have been on patient-centered care, improved shared decision-making processes, cardiovascular-kidney health, and preventive cardiology.
Outside of his professional life, he is a dedicated father of three and values time with his family. Known for his sense of humor and creativity, he enjoys engaging in fun traditions, including dressing up for Halloween, sometimes as a banana, and coordinating themed costumes with his children inspired by favorite movie families. These personal elements reflect the balance he maintains between a demanding professional career and a vibrant family life, underscoring the human side of a distinguished leader in the PA profession.
Acknowledgments:
This biography was written by Jeff Myers, MPH, MMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, FAAHPM, with the assistance of Viet Le. It was submitted to the Society in August 2026. The photographs are courtesy of Dr. Le.
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