Paul Harrelson, MPAS, PA-C
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Paul Harrelson, MPAS, PA-C
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Apex PA Surgical Services (A-PASS), Paul Harrelson leads with a mission to empower physician assistants and surgeons to deliver seamless, high-quality surgical care. With decades of clinical, academic, and administrative experience, he bridges education and practice to strengthen surgical performance and team efficiency across every partnership.
Working alongside President Dr. John Porterfield, Paul guides Apex’s operational strategy and clinical development, advancing the role of PAs in surgery through mentorship, structure, and collaboration. His leadership ensures that every Apex partnership operates with consistency, precision, and professionalism—upholding the organization’s core values of trust, innovation, and excellence.
Empowering Surgical Teams Through Leadership, Education & Innovation
Paul began his career as a registered nurse in the operating room in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, before advancing to become a certified Physician Assistant. His deep understanding of surgical workflow and patient care led him into academia, where he served as the founding Chair and Program Director of the Samford University Physician Assistant Program. Under his leadership, the program became known for producing highly skilled, team-oriented clinicians ready to thrive in high-acuity surgical environments.
Throughout his career, Paul has been recognized for his calm leadership style, clinical precision, and dedication to developing the next generation of healthcare professionals. His ability to bridge the clinical and educational sides of medicine has shaped Apex’s model—one that values preparation, communication, and teamwork as the foundation of surgical excellence.
Vision & Approach
After retiring from higher education in 2025, Paul returned to clinical practice to co-lead Apex PA Surgical Services—bringing with him a passion for mentorship, training, and operational excellence. His vision for Apex centers on creating a sustainable model of collaboration that empowers PAs to serve as trusted extensions of the surgeons they support, while helping hospitals and practices expand capacity and efficiency.
Beyond the OR, Paul enjoys life on his farm, where he maintains several beehives as a dedicated apiarist. He finds balance in nature, tending to his bees and pursuing his love of the outdoors—often dreaming of fly-fishing in New Zealand.
