The University of Toledo
College of Health Science and Human Service
J.D. Michaels
J. David Michaels PA-C (1929 - 1996) was an active and enthusiastic Physician Assistant at a time when the profession was still unknown by many in the Toledo, Ohio area where he lived and worked. After receiving his training from the Saint Louis University PA Program, he worked in many different settings including rehabilitation medicine and family practice. He had an interest in geriatrics and as an executive director of the Ohio Geriatrics Society. He was also involved in academics, servings as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and an Assistant Professor of Allied Health at the Medical College of Ohio (now UT college of Health Science).
He viewed his career as a PA, from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, as a "life calling" and was active in promoting the concept and role of the physician assistant to any who would listen. He also worked hard to expand the restrictive practice environment PA’s faced at that time. Ohio Physician Assistants today are the beneficiaries of his efforts and legacy in many ways.
