Josh Knox, clinical associate professor of physician assistant studies, has been honored with the 2019 BizTimes Milwaukee Health Care Heroes award in community service for his dedication and service to Repairers of the Breach, a local outreach and resource center for those experiencing homelessness in Milwaukee.
After a career working as a physician’s assistant at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Froedtert hospital, Knox began a new path by teaching at Marquette. For the past eight years, Knox has taken physician assistant students to Repairers of the Breach to not only offer services to those who may not receive medical attention otherwise, but also to train students in the practices of empathy, attentiveness and kindness.
Knox and his students’ work does not go unnoticed. Pastor James West, executive director of Repairers of the Breach, said, “When students come in and show concern, it’s a source of hope not only for the patients — but for the members too. When you have a disease and don’t understand your health problems, you often can’t reach your full potential.”
Knox also serves as an ambassador for the National Health Care Service Corps and has participated in numerous trips to Honduras and Nicaragua with Marquette’s Global Brigades chapter, an international program in which students and medical professionals work alongside local communities and staff to implement sustainable health systems.
Knox represents Marquette’s PA program on the President’s Task Force on Equity and Inclusion and the University Academic Senate’s Committee on Diversity and Equity.
Knox is among a number of award recipients including, Children’s Wisconsin and former Wisconsin governor, Martin Schreiber. Knox will be honored at the Health Care Heroes event on Friday, Dec. 13, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Italian Community Center.