Leaders Beyond Limits:
A Deeper Look into What your Hospital Team is Working on Outside the Walls of the Hospital
Aaron Asay, PA-C
In this edition of ‘Fields of Care’ magazine that we are bringing to our RPG Blog our Leaders Beyond Limits interview is with Aaron Asay, PA-C, who works at Kane County Hospital in Kanab, Utah and recently completed his Doctor of Medical Science with Emergency Management and Global Health concentration at the University of Lynchburg. When most people think of healthcare providers, they don’t picture undercover operations or anti-terrorism teams, but for Aaron, this is just another day when he’s not working in Kanab. He is especially passionate about bringing awareness to a unique and sometimes ignored discussion topic – human trafficking. January is recognized as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month – a time to shine a light on a crime that thrives in the shadows, and to remind communities that vigilance, compassion, and action can save lives.
His doctoral thesis focused on the intersection of healthcare and human trafficking – a crisis he believes the medical field is dangerously unprepared for, stating that “… 80% of trafficking victims interact with healthcare during exploitation – and we often miss it.” From responding to emergencies in Utah to conducting covert missions overseas, Aaron’s career builds on his foundation as a firefighter-paramedic. Since 2014, he’s participated in nearly 100 international operations targeting human and organ trafficking, often working undercover with nonprofit organizations and foreign law enforcement. Aaron is also a Major in the Air National Guard and was stationed at Pearl Harbor Hickam, serving on the CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive) disaster response team.
His military research focuses on U.S healthcare preparedness for terrorism. Aaron brings a wealth of experience, stories, and life lessons. His work continually returns to healthcare – and to the critical gaps in advocacy, awareness, and training needed to identify and address human trafficking. He champions mandatory human-trafficking training for all providers, the implementation of trauma-informed care protocols, and 24/7 access to specialized support. “We are often the only chance a victim has, to be seen and helped. We have to do better…” Aaron urges. As a father of four, Aaron channels his instinct to protect in a mission of compassion and advocacy. “My kids are safe, and that’s a blessing – but I can’t ignore the children who aren’t,” he explains.
Rural hospitals often face significant resource constraints; a reality Aaron has encountered in his own rural experience. Yet he reminds us that meaningful change starts with awareness, attention, and advocacy. It’s a message he hopes will resonate with every healthcare provider and administrator. To learn more about Aaron and his mission, visit his website HoboMed.
Interviewer: Abby Krone
Interviewee: Aaron Asay, PA-C
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Cody Patten – VP of Business Development, Rural Physicians Group
Direct Line: (303) 889-9065 | Email: cpatten@ruralphysiciansgroup.com