Georgia Association of Physician Assistants (GAPA) named SouthlandMD’s Willy D. Booker, PA-C Rural Physician Assistant of the Year for 2020 early this month at their annual conference.   

“Will has continually provided exemplary service to underserved communities during his career as a Physician Assistant. He not only represents the PA profession through his skills and service, he also gives back to up and coming PAs as a student preceptor,” states Skyler Lamberth, PA-C member of the GAPA Board of Directors member.   

Lamberth continued “On behalf of the GAPA we want to thank Will for his contribution to our profession as well as the excellent service he provides to our underserved and critical access communities. Will is truly a leader in our profession.” 

GAPA honors a physician assistant who has provided accessible, quality health care in a rural community of the United States. Rural is defined as a community of fewer than 10,000 people.  

“The most rewarding thing for me is when I drive to a small rural town in Georgia and have the opportunity to take care of people from that community in their community hospital,” explains Booker. “Often the people (nurses) working with me are from that area and I enjoy the teamwork as we take care of “the locals”.”   

Booker has been a part of SouthlandMD family since 2014 and has been a licensed PA for 20 years. Currently, Booker is the Director of the Allied Health Practitioners for SouthlandMD and works in the emergency department at the following facilities in Georgia:  Mitchell County Hospital, SGMC Berrien Campus, SGMC Lanier Campus, Clinch Memorial Hospital, Elbert Memorial Hospital, Optim Medical Center - Tattnall, Optim Medical Center - Screven, Jenkins County Hospital, Liberty Regional Medical Center,  Wills Memorial Hospital and Memorial Hospital and Manor. 

About Georgia Association of Physician Assistants 

GAPA empowers and affords Physician Assistants a voice in legislation, protects the right to practice, provides meaningful connections and the edge to succeed through quality education. 

Since 1975, GAPA has represented the PA profession among state and national legislators, helped PAs find jobs in Georgia, promoted public awareness and understanding of PAs among prospect employers and the general public, kept PAs up to date on reimbursement and legislative news, given PAs chances to earn CME credits, and more.