Member Spotlights
One of the key reasons CAPA has grown and thrived over the past 50 years is our members. This page is dedicated to CAPA members, past and present, who have contributed to the evolution of CAPA and helped bring so many successes to fruition.
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CAPA Leader Spotlight: Joseph Tate
Adapted from a biography prepared by John Davis for the PA History Society
Entering the PA Profession
Joseph Tate, PA-C, first learned about the Physician Associate profession while serving as an Army medic in Vietnam in 1970. After returning to the United States, he enrolled in the Physician Assistant program at Howard University and graduated in 1975.
Following graduation, PA Tate began working in emergency medicine at Yellowstone National Park Hospital in Wyoming. He later moved to California and served as a clinical instructor for the Charles Drew PA Program from 1975 to 1979. Because graduates of the Howard University program were not authorized to practice in California at that time, he completed additional training in 1976 to meet state requirements.
Leadership and Advocacy
Throughout his career, PA Tate has held a variety of clinical, leadership, and educational roles. From 1979 to 1988, he owned and directed a temporary staffing service for Physician Associates. He later served as a partner and provider at Health First Medical Management from 1996 to 2014. PA Tate contributed to PA education as an adjunct clinical instructor at Western University of Health Sciences from 2006 to 2009, where he helped establish a student exchange program with the University of Beijing Medical School focused on Chinese holistic medicine.
PA Tate has been active in professional leadership and advocacy. He served on the California Academy of Physician Associates Board of Directors from 1976 to 1978 and represented California in the AAPA House of Delegates from 1977 to 1978. From 1985 to 1988, he was appointed by Governor George Deukmejian to the California Physician Assistant Examining Committee. He was a charter member of several caucuses and committees focused on advancing diversity within the profession.
Project Access
PA Tate is particularly proud of his involvement in Project Access, an initiative focused on increasing diversity in the PA profession. Working alongside Brenda Jasper and the Charles Drew PA Alumni Society, he helped introduce the profession to students and healthcare workers through outreach efforts including health fairs, school events, and community programs. Project Access later expanded to national conferences and eventually received recognition and support from AAPA.
Outside of Medicine
Outside of medicine, PA Tate enjoys attending theater performances with his family, learning piano, reading about American Civil War history and westward migration, taking care of his horses and vegetable garden, and restoring classic convertibles.
Source: Content adapted from the PA History Society biography of Joseph Tate, PA-C (November 2021). View the original article. Images courtesy of Joseph Tate and the PA History Society.
Join PA Tate at an Upcoming PAs & Plates Event
As part of CAPA’s 50th Anniversary celebration, PA Tate is hosting a special PAs & Plates gathering at his home near Victor Valley. This Roaring 20s-themed evening offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow PAs while celebrating CAPA’s history and community. Enjoy food, conversation, and a relaxed, intimate setting with one of CAPA’s longtime leaders. Optional 1920s attire is encouraged!
Event Details
📍 Victor Valley (Hesperia), CA
📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026
⏰ 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Explore previously featured CAPA leaders and their contributions to the profession.
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