PA student receives prestigious Beard Award

“Optimistic,” “dedicated” and “nurturing” are a few of the sentiments used to describe Physician Assistant Program graduate Joshua Pumroy, this year’s winner of the John F. Beard Award for Compassionate Care at Augusta University. 

The $25,000 award was presented to Pumroy May 12 at Augusta University’s College of Allied Health Sciences Hooding and Honors Ceremony.

“When I heard my name being called, I couldn’t believe this was happening, but I felt blessed to be recognized for a prestigious award,” said Pumroy.

During his time at the university, Pumroy served as the director of Christ Church Health Clinic, a service established by the PA Program that provides health screenings to uninsured patients in Augusta. Additionally, he coordinated coat and blanket drives and participated in numerous health fairs throughout the city.

His passion for excellence in health care made an impression on Department Chair Bonnie Dadig, whose nomination letter states how Pumroy’s work ethic exemplifies what it meant to make patient care a top priority.

“I have found Josh to be one of the hardest working students, not only for his academic studies, but as the clinic’s director,” said Dadig. “His warmth and caring is evident to his patients, and I feel he embodies all of the finest qualities outlined for this award.”  

Pumroy says his experience in the armed forces as a U.S. Navy Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman prepared him to serve his patients with compassion and excellence.

“My time as a hospital corpsman enhanced my critical thinking skills, offered training on administrative aspects of medicine, and promoted confidence in making decisions on patient healthcare, “ said Pumroy.  “I feel I have become a better health care provider as a result of my experiences in the Navy and at Augusta University.”

This month, Pumroy completed his master’s degree to become a Physician Assistant and he currently resides in Alabama with his wife and daughter. 

The $25,000 annual John F. Beard Award is endowed by William Porter “Billy” Payne and his wife, Martha, to a graduating Augusta University student who exemplifies caring and compassion in health care.  Payne, Chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club, established the Beard award in 1998 in memory of his father-in-law, who died of cancer in 1997. The award honors Augusta University President Emeritus Francis J. Tedesco and Beard’s physician, Dr. Mark F. Williams, a 1988 Medical College of Georgia graduate who treated Beard during his hospitalization at Augusta University Medical Center.