Joseph Hlavin

Joseph Hlavin graduated cum laude from Cuyahoga Community College in 1991 with an Associate of Applied Science degree and certification as a physician assistant. He then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Educational Human Resource Development degree from Texas A&M University. Hlavin began his career in the military, where he served as a hospital corpsman in the United States Navy, and received a Meritorious Unit Accommodation. As he was preparing to discharge from the Navy, Hlavin had a strong desire to further his medical education. He found the Tri-C Physician Assistant program matched his needs exactly, due to the surgical focus, affordability, and proximity to family support. “The PA program at Tri-C was excellent,” Hlavin said. “My learning exceptionally focused and prepared me quite well for a career in a very challenging surgical sub-specialty – neurosurgery.”

Hlavin shares his passion and expertise while serving as a clinical preceptor at Weill-Cornel Medical College and University of North Texas, among others. He is currently program director of the Texas Brain & Spine Institute Postgraduate PA Residency in Neurosurgery, and founding program director of the Texas A&M University Physician Assistant program. Hlavin is regularly invited to speak at national conferences, and continues to pursue his lifelong love of learning as a Ph.D. Student at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.