The State Board of Health Welcomes Newest Member Daytheon Sturges, PhD, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, MCHES
Tumwater, WA – April 2, 2026 – Governor Bob Ferguson has appointed Dr. Daytheon Sturges, certified physician assistant/associate (PA) and Program Director of the University of Washington MEDEX Northwest PA Program, to the Washington State Board of Health (Board). Dr. Sturges fills the position of an individual who is experienced in matters of health and sanitation.
Dr. Sturges brings nearly two decades of experience as a PA and more than 12 years in PA education. He has served in several leadership roles within the MEDEX Northwest PA Program at the University of Washington School of Medicine, including Department of Family Medicine Vice Chair, Associate Program Director, and now Program Director. Dr. Sturges also practices as a family medicine PA-C at University of Washington Primary Care – Northgate in Seattle and serves as an Associate Professor of Family Medicine. He currently serves as a nationally elected Director-at-Large on the PA Education Association Board of Directors.
“I am honored to serve on the Washington State Board of Health and to contribute a perspective grounded in primary care, health education, and health justice,” said Dr. Sturges. “My work has centered on addressing the broader determinants of health and preparing a workforce equipped to advance equitable care. I look forward to supporting policies that strengthen communities, promote access, and improve health outcomes across our state.”
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Sturges to the Washington State Board of Health,” said Patty Hayes, Board Chair. “The expertise of Dr. Sturges will be so valuable to the work of the Board.”
Dr. Sturges holds degrees from Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana State University Health – Shreveport and earned a Ph.D. in health studies from Texas Woman’s University. He is a recipient of the PA Education Association’s Rising Star Award and was awarded the Diversity Award by the American Academy of Physician Associates.
Dr. Sturges will join the next Board of Health meeting on April 8, 2026. The final agenda and meeting materials will be available on the meeting webpage on April 1, 2026.
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Established by the state constitution in 1889, the State Board of Health has served the people of Washington for 137 years, providing leadership and advancing public health practices that protect and improve the public’s health. Our work focuses on analyzing policies, developing rules, promoting partnerships, and encouraging public engagement in the public health system.
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Michelle Larson
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Washington State Board of Health
Michelle.Larson@sboh.wa.gov
(360) 236-4102
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