Alain Raymond, a cardiothoracic surgical physician assistant and U.S. Navy veteran, has been named the “2025 Locum Tenens Provider of the Year” by Locumpedia. This recognition highlights his significant contributions to the medical field, particularly in cardiac surgery, and reflects a remarkable journey that spans continents, military service, and healthcare.
Raymond received the news while working a shift in the cardiac surgery unit. He was nominated for the award without his knowledge, which took him by surprise. “I thought, well, that’s great,” he recalled, before returning to his duties. His commitment to patient care and his extensive experience as a locum tenens provider have distinguished him in the industry.
Born in Haiti, Raymond emigrated to Montreal, Canada, as a child. Fluent in both French and English, he initially pursued a career in the film industry, studying at a film school in Florida and later working as a writer and director in Los Angeles. However, the events of September 11, 2001, prompted a significant shift in his life.
“I felt it was unfair that thousands of people were going about their business and ended up dead without any warning,” Raymond explained. This conviction led him to enlist in the U.S. Navy, where he served two combat tours in Fallujah, Iraq, as a Navy corpsman with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.
During his military service, Raymond performed battlefield medical operations and trained over 1,000 Marines as field first responders. He described the duality of his role as a combat medic, stating, “You give life or you take life, depending on the situation.” His experiences in high-pressure environments have been invaluable in his current medical practice.
After leaving the military, Raymond faced a pivotal decision: return to Los Angeles to revive his entertainment career or pursue medicine. Ultimately, he chose the latter, graduating from the highly competitive Stanford School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program. He specialized in cardiothoracic surgery, working at several major institutions in San Diego, including Sharp and Scripps.
Raymond’s current locum tenens assignment in Orange County allows him to work alongside cardiothoracic surgeons, an experience he finds both challenging and rewarding. “Every day is different,” he noted, emphasizing the unique cases and complications he encounters daily.
One particularly memorable moment for Raymond occurred at Cedars-Sinai, where he held a human heart for the first time. The heart had been removed from one patient and was prepared for transplantation into another. “It was just the most amazing feeling,” he recalled, reflecting on the resilience of the human heart.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 20% increase in physician assistant employment in the United States by 2034, highlighting the growing demand for professionals in this field.
In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Raymond is the founder of the Global MAP Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in San Diego. The foundation offers free hands-on career exploration workshops for students. So far, it has hosted two successful events: a cardiac surgery immersion day and an introduction to visual arts.
Raymond’s vision for the foundation is ambitious, aiming to establish a free private school that maintains control over its curriculum while ensuring accessibility for all students. Inspired by his children’s curiosity about life skills and the arts, he recognizes the importance of providing varied educational opportunities.
He is also developing a podcast titled “PA’s Voice,” aiming to humanize the healthcare experience by sharing stories from diverse healthcare workers, from janitors to CEOs. “I wanted to host a medical podcast, but not necessarily talk about medicine,” he said. “There are so many experts breaking down science and innovations, but nobody’s talking about the staff.”
Raymond views his various roles as missions, each connected by a simple philosophy: identify a problem, find a solution, and move forward. While recognition like the Locum Tenens Provider of the Year award is gratifying, he emphasizes that the true reward lies in accomplishing the tasks at hand. “When I accomplish the task, I just feel on top of the world. Getting recognized for the work is the cherry on top,” he said.
For those interested in learning more about the Global MAP Foundation and its initiatives, additional information can be found at www.globalmapfoundation.org.
