A veteran with a vast knowledge of the medical profession
Emilio J. Vazquez,
MD, CMD, FAAFP
Trine University - College of Health Professions
Medical Technology; B.S., M.Ed., Ph.D. – University of Maryland School of Medicine
260.702.3597 | email
I was born in Habana, Cuba in 1952 and emigrated as a refugee, with my family, to the U.S. in 1962. We eventually settled outside of Washington D.C. in Bethesda, Maryland, where I attended high school.
After graduation, I attended two years at The Catholic University in D.C. before enlisting in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman Recruit (E1) in May 1972. I started recruit training (boot camp) in August '72 and graduated in December '72 as a Seaman (E3). I entered Hospital Corpsman School, graduating in April 1973 as a 3rd Class Petty Officer. I then attended Medical Laboratory Technician School, graduating with an AS degree in June 1974 as a 2nd Class Petty Officer. In 1976, I completed requirements for a BS in medical technology and passed the American Society of Clinical Pathologists Medical Technologist Certification exam. I subsequently was promoted to a 1st Class Petty Officer and became senior Instructor for the Navy's School of Medical Technology, leading the inaugural and subsequent class though their training. In 1976, I married my wife Deanna and she happily has put up with my foibles for nearly 46 years. In 1978, I started medical school at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, graduating in 1982 as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. I returned to full-time active duty with the U.S. Navy and was sent for an internship at Naval Hospital Bremerton in Washington state and served in a variety of roles throughout the US and overseas, including some time with NATO and the United Nations. My last Navy position was associate director of the Family Practice Residency at Camp Pendleton Hospital California.
After a 25-year career in the Navy, I retired from active duty with the rank of Commander (O5) and was, for a year and a half, associate director of a family practice residency program in Madisonville, Kentucky. Leaving that program, I began work for DeKalb Memorial Hospital, holding first a practice position in family medicine at a small rural clinic and eventually becoming Chief Medical Officer and subsequently Interim Chief Executive Office (a position held for almost a year). During this time I taught PA, NP and medical students in my office and in didactic lecture halls, became certified in Long-Term Care Medical Direction, and became a Certified Ringside Physician through the American College of Sports Medicine.
In 2016, I became part-time medical director of the MPAS Program at Trine University, moving to full-time medical director in 2018. In August of that year, I became program director and associate professor in the MPAS Program (present position). I was honored by Induction into Pi Alpha (Physician Assistant Honor Society) as a faculty member in December 2020. Most recently I was honored to be chosen for the College of Health Professions 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award.
In the MPAS Program I function as medical director and teach different courses including three courses on various Medical Diagnostic techniques and portions of the Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics course.
My wife and I have four children and, at current count, 14 grandchildren (have a 15th one on the way). We reside a bit north of Fort Wayne in Auburn, Indiana, on about 2+ acres. These contain a large native wild plant collection and various garden plots (cared for by my wife) as well as three terribly spoiled cats. (Which cat isn't?) Hobbies include reading, writing, painting and officiating basketball and soccer at various levels. Both my wife and I are avid nature enthusiasts and hikers. Both Advance Indiana Master Naturalists, we do volunteer work for a number of conservation organizations. In 2015, I became a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation and became involved in presenting outdoor nature programs.