William "Bill" Grimes, D.Min, APRN, PA, is a Professor Emeritus in Physician Assistant Studies whose career has been defined by a lifelong commitment to rural health care, medical education, and compassionate service. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, he moved to Kentucky in 1976 and dedicated his professional life to improving health care access for underserved populations throughout the Commonwealth.
Dr. Grimes holds multiple academic degrees, including associate degrees in Nursing and Science, a Bachelor of Science degree, a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree from the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences, a master's degree in Pastoral Studies, and a Doctor of Ministry degree with a focus on health care ministry. Throughout his career, he embraced the belief that "health care is a ministry," emphasizing dignity, compassion, and patient-centered care.
After 27 years working in primary care, Dr. Grimes joined the Physician Assistant Program at Morehead State University, where he educated and mentored future generations of physician assistants serving rural communities. His influence as both a clinician and educator can be seen across eastern Kentucky, where many of his former students now practice and provide essential health care services.
A passionate advocate for the underserved, Dr. Grimes co-founded the New Hope Free Clinic in Owingsville, Kentucky, where he continued to teach, mentor, and care for patients even after his retirement from full-time teaching. His guiding philosophy, "Always keep the 'care' in health care," has inspired countless students, colleagues, and health care professionals.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Grimes was inducted into the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences Alumni Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2023, he received the Kentucky Rural Health Association's prestigious Dan Martin Award for Lifetime Contribution to Rural Health in Kentucky, honoring his decades of service as a clinician, educator, minister, and advocate for rural health.
Through his dedication to service, education, and compassionate patient care, Dr. Grimes has left a lasting legacy on the health and well-being of rural Kentucky communities and on the generations of health care providers he helped train.