Orie ‘Bob’ Potter, PA-C, Honored with the Order of Military Medical Merit Award

West Burlington, Iowa, September 6, 2024 - Captain Orie ‘Bob’ Potter, a Physician Assistant in the Emergency Department at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington, was recently honored with the Order of Military Medical Merit award.

The Order of Military Medical Merit is a prestigious award given to only a select few within the Army Medical Department. An extensive nomination process is followed by selections made by a board of senior leadership to receive membership into the Order. The Order recognizes individuals who demonstrate high integrity and moral character, are in the top 10% of their Corps and field, have excelled professionally in the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) for at least 15 years, contributed selflessly, and enhanced Army Medicine.

Captain Potter served in the U.S. Army for 21 years, starting as a medic and continuing to train as a physician assistant. He then completed an Emergency Medicine Residency program for physician assistants at Brooke Army Medical Center. During his time in the Army, he fulfilled multiple deployments around the globe. One example of the dedication and initiative Captain Potter brought to his service was while deployed to Camp Pelham, Korea, the mission mandated he remain on call 24/7 while meeting the medical needs of the 2,500 active-duty soldiers assigned to his care while also serving as a flight surgeon and nuclear surety officer of the western corridor. In addition to patient care, he provided medical training for medics and future physician assistants.

“This recognition is very special to me. It is humbling to be nominated and selected by my peers for this top military medical honor. I am proud to be part of an elite group of medical personnel who have received this award,” commented Captain Bob Potter.

After retiring from the Army, Captain Potter completed the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at the University of Nebraska. He has been part of the medical team at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center for over ten years.

"Bob is a great member of our emergency department medical team and very deserving of this honor. His dedication to his patients, the community, and our country speaks highly to his character and the care he provides every day,” expressed Dr. Loren Reed, Emergency Department Medical Director.

Since 1985, Captain Potter has also been an active member of the Society of Army Physician Assistants and currently serves as the Executive Director.