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Dr. James R. Kilgore, DMSc, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA, has over four decades of experience as a physician associate, educator, researcher, and leader. A graduate of the Emory University PA Program (1981), he has practiced in diverse specialties including nephrology, hematology/oncology, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and military medicine.

He has been deeply involved in clinical research throughout his career, contributing to the development of antiemetics, erythropoietin, antihypertensives, antidiabetic drugs, and vaccines, and led a pharmaceutical research company as CEO for over 14 years.

In medical education, Dr. Kilgore has served as Program Director at both the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Mississippi State University PA programs, where he expanded training opportunities, pioneered dual-degree programs, and established community health initiatives. He currently teaches at the University of Lynchburg, leading concentrations in Behavioral and Addiction Medicine, and contributes to several graduate-level health programs.

An accomplished author, he has published widely on PA education, clinical research, COVID-19 protocols, and global medical training, earning the 2025 AAPA Publishing Award. He has also coauthored influential works on PA history and education.

Dr. Kilgore has held multiple leadership roles at state and national levels, including President of the Alabama Society of PAs (twice) and President of the Physician Assistant Foundation, in addition to serving on the AAPA Board of Directors and its research commissions.

Currently, he is Medical Director of a free clinic serving underserved Hispanic populations, a Mental Health First Aid instructor, and an active volunteer in rural health initiatives. A Lt. Colonel in the USAF Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol), he also serves as a Health Services Officer and is a licensed fixed-wing and drone pilot.