On March 9th, 2018 Jerry Chesley received the SDAPA Distinguished Service Award in Rapid City, SD. He was nominated by Kim Hermann. Amil Redfish provided a testimony about Jerry’s accomplishments during the award presentation.
Jerry earned his bachelor of science in psychology and associates of arts in nursing from the University of South Dakota in 1976. Thereafter he attended the Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University of North Dakota where he earned his NP/PA degree.
He worked in rural health from 1979 till 1997 as the sole provider in Elk Point, Edgemont and Parker, SD. In 1997 he began working in the emergency department at Huron Regional Medical center, where he continues to work today. Since 2004 Jerry has also been a Locum Tenens through Siouxland Staffing and Wapiti Medical group covering multiple clinics and hospitals throughout South Dakota.
He was a Liaison to the State Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners from 1987-1998, serving as a board member, VP, president elect and past president. He has been a 2 term past president of the SDAPA and served 2 years as a Member of the National Committee within the AAPA. Jerry has left a meaningful mark on the multiple communities. He was the president of the Edgemont Businessman’s organization. He was the president of the Parker area chamber of commerce and athletic booster. He served on the Chamber of Commerce in Elk Point.
There are two state recognized “Jerry Chesley Day” in the cities of Edgemont and Elk Point. Jerry humbly accepted the award in the presence of several family members and friends. He was grateful for Dr. Robert Hays’ leadership to help bring the Physician Assistant profession to South Dakota.
(HRMC)