Healthcare needs leaders grounded in service, compassion and action. Latasha Butler, M.P.A., PA-C (B.S. ’04, M.P.A. ’15), embodies those values in a career shaped by military service and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Recently named the James H. Cannon Humanitarian of the Year by the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants (VAPA), Butler is meeting community needs with skill and purpose in her role as a physician assistant for Bon Secours in rural communities around Charlottesville, Virginia. We asked Butler to reflect on the path that brought her to the Master of Physician Assistant (M.P.A.) program at then-Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) — now part of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences EVMS School of Health Professions at — and the principles that continue to guide her work in healthcare and service to others.
My Educational Journey
My educational journey began while serving 8.5 years in the U.S. Army, where I rose to the rank of non-commissioned officer and earned my associate’s degree from Saint Leo University. After my military service, I attended , where I completed an accelerated one-year program to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (B.S.) with a concentration in cytotechnology and a minor in psychology. These experiences taught me resilience, perseverance and leadership. They strengthened my ability to face challenges, work as part of a team and appreciate the power of unity. Serving alongside people from different backgrounds instilled in me a deep respect for collaboration and compassion. I believe that regardless of our differences, everyone deserves fair treatment and exceptional healthcare delivered with empathy, humility and respect.
Finding Purpose in the M.P.A. Program
What drew me to EVMS was the meaningful history behind the school’s name and mission. As a longtime resident of Hampton Roads, I had always heard remarkable things — particularly its pioneering work in reproductive medicine. When I began researching the program, I was impressed by its national ranking as one of the top schools for earning a physician assistant degree. The rigorous admission requirements, comprehensive curriculum and well-structured program length further affirmed that this was exactly where I wanted to be.
Favorite Student Memory
One of my favorite memories as an M.P.A. student was during a group project in which we created a commercial to raise awareness about prostate cancer in Black men. I played a fairy — complete with wings and a wand — and we used humor and creativity to make the topic engaging. It was such a fun experience that allowed us to show a different side of ourselves, bringing laughter to the classroom and educating our peers at the same time. Our class was thoroughly impressed, and it remains one of my most memorable moments.
Advice That Shaped Me
The most valuable advice I received from my professors was to, “First, do no harm.” We must ensure that the safety of the patient is top priority. They also emphasized the importance of being a compassionate listener — free of judgment — and viewing the patient as a whole person. No matter what specialty we choose, they reminded us to always be good listeners and thoughtful investigators. That message continues to guide my approach to patient care.
Learn more about the Master of Physician Assistant (M.P.A.), recognized as a top program by U.S. News & World Report.
