Lincoln Memorial University-School of Medical Sciences Physician Assistant student Brandon Ball, PA-S, has always understood the importance of service.
A Knoxville native, first-generation graduate student, former U.S. Army medic, and current president of the LMU-Knoxville Physician Assistant Class of 2027, Ball has dedicated his life to caring for others and advocating for his community. Now, that commitment is taking him to the national stage.
Ball has been selected as one of only 34 student delegates nationwide to serve in the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) House of Delegates, where he will represent physician assistant students from across the country and help shape discussions that influence the future of the profession.
For Ball, the appointment is both an honor and a responsibility.
"I feel honored to be selected to represent my colleagues at the national level," Ball said. "As a first-generation student, I have learned the importance of diligent work and to appreciate when it pays off. It is a blessing to be able to advocate for our profession, the patients we care for and make change on the availability of care in our nation."
The AAPA House of Delegates serves as the policy-making body of the national organization, bringing together physician associates and student leaders to review policies, debate issues affecting healthcare and the profession, and advocate for changes that improve patient care. During his one-year term, Ball will attend meetings, review policy proposals, and serve as a voice for PA students nationwide.
His journey to this leadership role began long before entering PA school.
Before joining LMU, Ball served as a light infantry medic in the U.S. Army, where he discovered his passion for medicine while learning alongside military physician associates. After completing degrees in Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, he carried that passion into LMU's Knoxville PA program, where he quickly became a leader among his peers.
In addition to serving as Student Board president, Ball has been active in volunteer and community service efforts through organizations including Remote Area Medical (RAM), Pellissippi Pantry, and Sunshine Ambassadors.
His selection to the AAPA House of Delegates was the culmination of his growing interest in professional advocacy. Inspired by a presentation from Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants representative Brendan Lucas, Ball sought mentorship and guidance on becoming more involved in shaping the future of the profession.
After a nationwide application and review process, Ball learned in July that he had been selected to serve in the Student Assembly.
"I look forward to learning from experienced PAs who have been advocates for our profession and created change," Ball said. "I believe in the saying that I can only see as far as I can because of the shoulders of the giants I stand on. Bringing the next generation of PAs' perspective to the national level while understanding what current PAs see as progress is something I look forward to."
LMU-School of Medical Sciences Dean Dr. Paula Miksa said Ball's selection reflects both his character and the leadership culture fostered within the School.
"Brandon's selection to the AAPA House of Delegates is an extraordinary accomplishment and reflects the caliber of students within the LMU-School of Medical Sciences," Miksa said. "His dedication to leadership, service and advancing the physician associate profession exemplifies the qualities we strive to cultivate in our students. We are incredibly proud to see him represent LMU and PA students on a national stage."
As a delegate, Ball hopes to champion efforts that improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities where physician associates can play a critical role in meeting patient needs.
"My goal is to bring meaningful, positive change to how patients receive care," he said. "In Tennessee and across the nation, far too many communities face severe shortages in healthcare access, and advocating to bridge those gaps is my central mission. PAs bring extraordinary experience, knowledge and clinical skill to the table, making our profession essential in addressing healthcare disparities and delivering quality, patient-centered care nationwide."
Ball says he is proud to represent LMU and the physician assistant profession at the national level.
"I am proud to represent LMU with honor and dignity, and I deeply believe in what it means to be a Railsplitter," he said. "The PAs graduated by LMU are top tier, backed by world-class education and dedicated guidance from our faculty. Having the opportunity to showcase our program's excellence to AAPA is incredibly exciting."
As he begins his term, Ball remains focused on the people who helped him reach this milestone.
He credits the support of his fiancée, Kailea, his family, classmates, faculty mentors, and his faith for helping him succeed.
Their encouragement, coupled with his commitment to service, has taken him from caring for soldiers in the Army to advocating for future healthcare providers nationwide.
