Florida Veteran Health Heroes

5 2021 Florida Veteran Health Heroes Christopher Cole is a Physician Assistant, with Sacred Heart Medical Group/As - cension, in Crestview, Florida. He is the epitome of a Veteran Health Hero. Mr. Cole has been working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic as the sole Physician Assistant in charge of a walk-in clinic that averages over 4,000 patients annually. His military and medical training has made him an expert in his field, working collaboratively with physicians to triage, diagnostically work up, and refer urgent patients for proper treatmen t. Mr. Cole enlisted in the United States Army in 1992. He initially worked in the Behavioral Science field, working with concussion patients as well as psychological testing. In 1998, he entered the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) at the University of Nebraska. He used the IPAP to earn a Master of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies. He has also received an Expert Field Medical Badge. Mr. Cole has used his training for many years working in Special Operations assignments around the world. Some of these assignments have taken him to dangerous places. He has even earned a Bronze Star for Valor for his work in the field. He also has over two years of experience serving as an Officer-In-Charge of a busy, remotely located emergency-urgent care facility that supported thousands of United States Army Ranger Students. Mr. Cole truly enjoyed teaching and mentoring Special Forces Combat Medics. He is incredibly proud that many of the soldiers he taught have continued their education in Physician Assistant or Medical Schools. Mr. Cole continues to teach Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner students from his clinic. He is genuinely passionate about health care, and he feels that his “giving back” to the community will encourage many young students to share his love for service. When Mr. Cole is not working in his clinic, he enjoys spending time outdoors in Northwest Florida. He especially enjoys fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding waterways. Thank you, Mr. Cole, for all you do! Christopher Cole, PA-C OUR HEROES