Jennifer M. Orozco is the first-ever Chief Medical Officer for the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA).

The newly created position is a reinforcement of the value physician associates have in a modern healthcare system and the organization’s commitment to empowering physician associates to advance their careers and enhance patient health.

As CMO, Dr. Orozco will be instrumental in executing a bold and strategic direction for AAPA by leading its new Clinical Affairs Department, which focuses on PA clinical practice, healthcare delivery systems, public health, and emerging trends.

Dr. Orozco and the Clinical Affairs Department will also lead the organization’s efforts related to its national health priorities, partnership development, health equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as clinician well-being and resiliency.  

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jennifer Orozco as our new CMO,” said AAPA CEO Lisa M. Gables, CPA. “Dr. Orozco is a trusted leader within AAPA and the PA profession who has a long-standing commitment to advocating for PAs and the patients they serve.”

Dr. Orozco is no stranger to the AAPA, however. She had previously served the past two years as President and Board Chair for the Association, after joining as a Director at Large for its Board in 2018. 

“Having dedicated my career to the advancement of the PA profession and advocating for improved patient care, I am excited to work alongside the talented team at AAPA and the entire PA community,” said Dr. Orozco.

“Together, we will help shape the future of healthcare, drive innovation, and ensure that PAs continue to play a vital role in delivering exceptional medical care. At such a transformative moment in healthcare, I am grateful for the trust placed in me to help drive our collective vision forward,” she added. 

Dr. Orozco brings with her more than 20 years of clinical and healthcare leadership experience to the new role. She most recently served as a Principal for Health Management Associates’ Chicago division, and its Delivery Systems Redesign team.

The bulk of her career, however, has been dedicated to the administrative, clinical, and academic leadership teams at Rush University System for Health. Her previous roles include serving as Director of Clinical Education, Director of PA Clinical Practice, PA of Vascular Surgery, and Director of Advanced Practice Providers.

Dr. Orozco also previously served nearly 3 years as PA of Vascular Surgery at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in Chicago.

“With her first-hand knowledge of the complex issues affecting healthcare delivery, medical education, and public health, I am confident she will help to ensure the PA profession remains at the forefront of advancements in patient care,” said Gables.

Dr. Orozco has a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a master of medical sciences from Midwestern University, and a doctorate from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.