Aya Locums physician assistant named a 2025 Locum of the Year

Aya Locums is proud to celebrate Alain Raymond, PA-C, a cardiothoracic surgery physician assistant, who was named a Locumpedia 2025 Locum of the Year. With 15 years practicing as a PA and three years of locum tenens experience, Alain’s career is shaped by service, leadership and resilience, representing the very best of the locum tenens profession.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for the work I do,” Alain shared. “Aya Locums offers me challenges and learning opportunities in cardiac surgery at multiple institutions, so I can continue to sharpen my clinical judgment and operative skills, which is invaluable, as no two cardiac programs are the same.” 

Before entering the operating room, Alain served as a United States Navy Corpsman, completing two combat tours in Fallujah, Iraq. He provided frontline trauma care, training more than 1,000 Marines as first responders. Later, he studied at the highly competitive Stanford School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program. 

For the past two years, Alain has worked locum tenens assignments to help fill gaps and provide care where needed, while also maintaining a full-time W-2 role in cardiothoracic surgery. He is consistently recognized for his professionalism, adaptability and ability to integrate seamlessly into care teams. 

“Alain’s selflessness and commitment to high-quality care in high-stress environments embody what it means to be an Aya Locum,” said Rhianna Watson, Associate VP of Recruitment at Aya Locums. “We’re committed to connecting healthcare organizations with exceptional providers like Alain, so patients can receive the uninterrupted, seamless care they need and deserve.” 

Beyond clinical work, Alain is the creator of PA Voice, a medical podcast offering mentorship and insight to clinicians nationwide, and the founder of The Global MAP Foundation, a nonprofit introducing students to healthcare through hands-on medical education. 

From the battlefield to the operating room and beyond, Alain’s career reflects service at its highest level. Aya Locums is honored to work alongside him and celebrate his well-earned Locum of the Year recognition.