10/08/2026
PA Week 2026: Meet an Ohio PA - Kelly Thobe, MPAS, PA-C
OAPA is proud to join the PA community in Ohio and across the nation in celebrating PA Week 2026.
Throughout the week, we are featuring PAs from around the state and sharing updates on our website and social media. We’re also reaching out to nonmember PAs, encouraging them to get involved and join our growing community. A stronger, more connected PA network in Ohio brings us closer to our shared vision - making Ohio the premier state for PAs.
PA Week Profile of the Day: Kelly Thobe, MPAS, PA-C
Kelly has been a PA for 23 years, and one of the things that she is most grateful for is that she has spent that entire time with the same surgical group. She got her start in general surgery, and although her role has evolved over the years, her love for being a PA has never changed.
Eight years ago, Kelly transitioned from full-time clinical practice into full-time clinical teaching faculty with the University of Dayton PA Program. She continues to practice part-time with her surgical group and serves as adjunct faculty with Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, working with medical students and residents. Teaching has given Kelly the opportunity to combine two things she loves: medicine and helping the next generation of healthcare professionals learn and grow.
Kelly's path to becoming a PA was somewhat unexpected. She entered college planning to attend medical school, but she began to question that path when a friend introduced her to the PA profession. At the time, becoming a PA was far less common than it is today. Kelly quickly realized that the profession offered something special, and 23 years later, she is incredibly grateful to have taken that unexpected turn.
"What I love most about being a PA is the connection. We have the opportunity to spend meaningful time with our patients while also playing an integral role on the healthcare team. I also value the versatility of our profession. PAs are trained broadly, which allows us to grow, explore different specialties, adapt throughout our careers, and continually challenge ourselves to learn in an ever-changing medical world."
Kelly has expressed feeling incredibly fortunate to work alongside amazing surgeons who have served as mentors throughout her career. Their commitment to patient-centered care has shaped the way she practices and teaches. They have trusted her with the time and autonomy to develop meaningful relationships with patients, explore different areas of surgery, and grow into an educator and mentor for future healthcare professionals.
"I truly love being a PA. Looking back over 23 years, I feel incredibly lucky that a friend's introduction to this profession changed the course of my career. Now, being able to help educate and inspire future PAs is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do."
Kelly plans to celebrate PA Week at the University of Dayton with fun gifts, highlights, and games to recognize her students and faculty and staff colleagues.
Thanks for supporting the future of the PA profession, Kelly, and Happy PA Week!
Hear more from Kelly on OAPA's YouTube channel, where she shares her thoughts on modernizing PA laws.