CPT Justin Francis, PA-C is an NCAPA Member who has spearheaded the recently formed NCAPA Regional Chapter, Liberty-Sandhills Association of PAs (L-SAPA). An Army physician assistant (PA) stationed at Fort Bragg, he has extensive experience with emergency medicine, family medicine, and orthopedics.
Originally in the Navy for eight years, he attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Fort Sam, Houston, TX, where he earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. In addition, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH.
Spearheading a Regional Chapter
The NCAPA recently spoke to him about his experience starting a new Regional Chapter. He initially says he was inspired to act after reading an article about PA compacts. “I got interested in the PA Compact because of its unique benefit to military PAs and military spouses, who already face a number of challenges when having to pick up and move.”
He was inspired to reach out to the NCAPA, looking for avenues and channels to get involved, and found out that there was not a current Regional Chapter in his area.
“I decided to try and start this,” he said. “NCAPA has contributed an immense amount to PAs, and it always feels like they’re three steps ahead. PAs need to join the effort and get involved.”
Becoming a PA Advocate
Diving headfirst into advocacy, Justin recently attended the NCAPA’s 2025 annual advocacy day, PA Day at the Legislature. PA Day at the Legislature is where practicing PAs, PA students, and PA advocates meet with legislators and urge their support for enhancing PA practice laws at the NC General Assembly in Raleigh, NC. This year was PA Francis’ first year attending.
“It was unique – I had no idea what it would look like and how much representation we had,” he reflected. “[Advocating] can definitely be scary at first. But remember that politicians are just people, like you and me. Don’t be intimidated – approach it with a certain degree of respect and you will see success.”
“National and state laws truly affect our scope, and everyone has to do their share in order to expand outward, and that means joining and getting involved.” –CPT Justin Francis, PA-C
Art of Medicine
The NCAPA had asked if there was a patient story that sticks out to him, one that he reflects on to this day. He described a patient that repeatedly kept coming back to be seen, with no progress in his care.
“He looked ashen, pale, and sickly and I had this gut feeling, this intuition that there was some more going on,” PA Francis said. “I think that’s where the art of medicine comes in – it’s not just about looking at the labs, CBC, etc, but being able to visualize in the context of the complaint to find the answer. He ended up being diagnosed with leukemia, getting treatment, and he is still in the military to this day.”
When NCAPA asked what he would be doing instead, if he weren’t a PA, Francis laughed and said, “I’m very indoctrinated. I would still be in the military, doing military intelligence, or still pursuing science and patient care as an optometrist.” PA Francis continues his work with L-SAPA and advocacy, and enjoys spending time with his wife, Megan, three daughters, and one rescue dog, Obi.
Thank you to Justin for taking the time to share his PA journey!
Have a recommendation for an NCAPA member to highlight?
Send an email to tommy.wellenhofer@ncapa.org
Written by Thomas Wellenhofer
NC Academy of PAs Marketing & Communications Coordinator
