Melanie Ellis

Melanie Ellis serves as Associate Clinical Professor and Director of the Physician Assistant Program at the University of Arizona, leveraging over 30 years of executive leadership experience in military medicine and physician assistant education. She oversees both didactic curriculum development and clinical instruction for the program.

Her academic foundation includes Physician Assistant training through the United States Air Force and University of Nebraska, culminating in a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS).

Dr. Ellis's professional focus centers on Medical Education, Military Medicine, Aerospace Medicine, and Surgical Medicine, with significant contributions to military medical training systems and international health operations. Her expertise bridges clinical practice in high-stakes environments with academic program leadership.

Her distinguished service has earned multiple honors:

• Federal Service PA of the Year
• Distinguished Fellow by the American Academy of Physician Associates
• Order of Military Medical Merit

Throughout her career, Dr. Ellis has held pivotal leadership roles including Program Director for the Interservice PA Program at Fort Sam Houston and Medical Director positions for surgical and aerospace medical apprentice programs at Andrews Air Force Base. As the first Physician Assistant appointed to NATO Headquarters’ Medical Plans and Operations team, she mentors future PAs through curriculum design and clinical supervision, though specific advisee names are not documented in available sources.