Javier A Perez, MMS, MS, PA-C
Professor Javier A. Perez was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico and raised in Miami, FL. Perez’s academic journey began at Florida State University, where he graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science, with an emphasis on sports medicine and nutrition. During his time at FSU, he served as an athletic training student and a kickboxing instructor at the university fitness center. He then moved to Syracuse, NY in 2003, where he worked as a graduate assistant in the Syracuse University sports medicine department, while earning a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science. In 2011, he graduated from the Nova Southeastern University- Orlando PA program with a Master of Medical Science degree.
Currently, Perez is an Assistant Professor in the NSU Orlando PA Program, where he provides comprehensive education in various disciplines to physician assistant students. He also serves as a Course Director for Legal and Ethical Issues in Medicine, as well as the Anatomy course.
His PA career began in Chicago, where he worked as a physician assistant at Lutheran General Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center in Park Ridge, Illinois. After helping trauma patients in Chicago, he returned to Orlando and worked for over a decade at Jewett Orthopedic Clinic in Winter Park, FL. During his time at Jewett, Perez gained extensive clinical and surgical experience assisting in a multitude of orthopedic surgeries and helping patients at the orthopedic walk-in clinic as well. He evaluated and managed acute and chronic orthopedic traumatic and sports medicine injuries in various age groups. He also gained experience in fracture care management, joint reduction, fracture reduction, cast and splint application, and pre- and post-operative patient management. In addition to his clinical and surgical duties, Pérez served as a team medical provider, for the University of Central Florida Women’s Basketball team, providing medical coverage during home basketball competitions and during the annual American Athletic Conference Championship and NCCA tournament from 2015-2021.
He also has a wealth of athletic training and sports medicine experience, having worked for over a decade at institutions such as the University of Central Florida Athletics Association, Florida A & M University, Orlando Sports Medicine, Florida Hospital: Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine, Disney World stunt performance companies, and the United States Marine Corps-School of Infantry-East at Camp Geiger in Camp LeJeune, NC.
Earlier in his career, Pérez was an Adjunct Instructor in 2009 at Lake Sumter Community College in Clermont, Florida, where he taught courses on Exercise Testing and Prescription and Health and Human Performance. He also served as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Central Florida’s College of Education, Department of Teaching and Learning Principles, from 2007, teaching courses on Human Injuries and Health and Sports Medicine. From 2015-2019, he taught orthopedic courses at the NSU Orlando PA Program as an adjunct instructor.
In addition to his teaching experience, Pérez has made significant contributions to research. From 2001-2003, Perez conducted his research thesis study as a graduate student at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. The study was titled “The Effect of Active Warm-Up versus Passive Warm-Up on Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching of the Hamstring Muscle Group”.
He is fluent in both Spanish and English and has presented at various conferences and symposiums, including the Athletic Trainer’s Association of Florida Annual Clinical Symposium and Conference in 2009, where he presented on “The Science and Therapeutic Application of Plyometric Training”.
With his diverse experiences and passion for teaching, Perez continues to make significant contributions to his students. Throughout his career, Pérez has demonstrated a commitment to education, research, and the advancement of the PA profession, sports medicine, and exercise science disciplines. His contributions to the field are a testament to his expertise and dedication.
Perez is a certified Physician Assistant by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). He is also a licensed physician assistant in the State of Florida and is affiliated with the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants.
He is a former Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and Muay Thai Kickboxing Champion with a passion for the outdoors, horror movies and physical fitness. Since 2004, he has called Orlando, FL his home, where he enjoys hiking, kayaking, and supporting local events and small businesses with his family.