MEDEX Graduates Serving In Iraq

Major John Ramirez, PA-C, MEDEX Seattle class 28 and Lieutenant Aaron Isaac, MEDEX Seattle class 39 have a reunion of sorts in Baghdad, Iraq. In a letter to MEDEX Northwest Major Ramirez tells the story.

During my last deployment to Iraq, I had the honor and privilege to serve with a young Army medical specialist by the name of Aaron Isaac. MEDEX accepted him into the MEDEX PA program when he returned to the US. He graduated just in time to be mobilized and deployed again to Iraq. This time, Lt. Issac served as the Physician Assistant for the only Battalion in our Brigade to stay intact and absorb several other Battalions companies. He served as the sole medical provider for this large task force. In addition, he made time to volunteer at the Balad Base Hospital. I was fortunate enough to meet up with him at the PA conference in Baghdad earlier this year. Lt. Isaac has been a tremendous asset to his Battalion, a role model to his medics and an invaluable colleague I often consult on medical and administrative issues.

Your efforts in educating Lt. Aaron Isaac resulted in lives saved and missions safely accomplished over here. As a result, we will be returning home very soon.

Very respectfully,

Major John Ramirez
Senior Physician Assistant
81st Brigade Combat Team, Washington Army National Guard

Major John Ramirez, PA-C (left) and Lt. Aaron Isaac, PA-C (right) graduated from
MEDEX - Seattle 11 years apart from one another. Meeting then reuniting in Iraq.