Which program did Dr. Richard Smith create?

• A. The MEDEX program at the University of Washington
• B. The Duke PA program
• C. The AAPA
• D. Johns Hopkins PA program

Answer: (A)

Dr. Richard Smith is widely recognized for creating the MEDEX program at the University of Washington, one of the earliest physician assistant education programs. Established in 1969, MEDEX helped define how PAs are trained and served as a model that influenced many other programs, spreading the PA education approach. The Duke program was founded by Dr. Eugene Stead’s group, not Smith; Johns Hopkins has its own PA program later, but not originated by him; and the AAPA is the professional association for PAs, not a training program.