The University of Utah Physician Assistant Program is proud to announce that Chaz Whitbeck,Site Director of the Physician Assistant Program’s St. George campus, has been named the Rural Educator of the Year by the Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU). The award was presented on November 12, 2025, at the RHAU Annual Conference in St. George, where leaders and advocates from across the state gathered to celebrate excellence in rural health.
Whitbeck, an Assistant Professor for the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program, brings a deep commitment to rural healthcare and health professions education. A board-certified physician assistant practices in rural medicine at Enterprise Valley Medical Clinic and in the Emergency Department at St. George Regional Hospital. His work bridges academic training and community care, giving students firsthand exposure to the realities and rewards of rural clinical practice.
Whitbeck earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from Dixie State University and completed his physician assistant training at Lincoln Memorial University. He also holds a Doctorate of Medical Science and a Master of Medical Science degree. In his faculty role, he teaches key clinical subjects, mentors students through their didactic and clinical experiences, and supports curriculum that emphasizes rural health access.
Known for his dedication to student mentorship and his tireless advocacy for rural communities, Whitbeck’s contributions exemplify the University of Utah’s mission to improve health across the state—particularly in underserved areas. The Rural Educator of the Year award recognizes his exceptional impact in preparing the next generation of rural healthcare providers