Joseph Mendes, MS, RRT, PA-C

Joseph received his undergraduate degree in Respiratory Therapy from the University of Hartford and his Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Pacific University in Oregon. He began his career at Yale New Haven in 2002 as surgical physician assistant with the Department of Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology. He has been in progressive clinical leadership roles within the Department of Surgery and Yale New Haven Hospital, including serving as the Director of Surgical Services and Trauma Programs of a Level 1 Trauma Program.

Joseph currently now serves as the Executive Director of Clinical Program Development for the Digestive Health Service Line for Yale New Haven Health System. Joseph provides operational and strategic leadership for the administration and business development for the Digestive Health Service Line. Joseph works closely with the physician leaders and administrators from Digestive Diseases, Colon and Rectal Surgery, Bariatrics and General Surgery. He oversees program development, business & strategic planning for 24+ clinical programs.

Among some of Joseph’s notable accomplishments include developing health screening programs, developing an opioid diversion program for clinicians in New Haven, developing a system advanced practice infrastructure for a major health system, creating novel clinical programs including Yale's first Culinary Medicine Program & Teaching Kitchen.

Joseph has volunteered for several community organizations such as the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance and most recently the Crohn's Colitis Foundation.

He is a known mentor to many and actively teaches at the Yale Physician Associate Program. He continues to speak at various conferences and serves as resource for advance practice leaders, service line leaders, physician practices and organizations nationally.