Entering the 2025–26 season, Chris Heinen begins his first year as a Physician Assistant in Primary Care and Sports Medicine at Tarleton State. A December 2024 graduate of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Chris was hired by Tarleton State University in May 2025.
In his role, Chris provides comprehensive primary care and sports medicine services to student-athletes alongside Dr. Matthew Maruska and the Sports Medicine team. His responsibilities include conducting medical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing appropriate medications, and collaborating with athletic trainers on treatment plans and ongoing care. He also delivers individualized education and counseling on health maintenance, injury prevention, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
Before joining the staff at Tarleton State, Chris commissioned into the U.S. Air Force as a Second Lieutenant after graduating from Texas State University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science. He has since served all over the world, including multiple deployments to the Middle East and Afghanistan. He currently continues his service as a Major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
In addition to his military background, Heinen has served as a volunteer firefighter/EMT in Bexar County Emergency Services District 8 and as an EMT on a critical care ambulance in San Antonio for several years, both prior to and during his MPAS program.
A native Texan, Chris originally grew up in Grapevine, Texas, and now resides in Bluff Dale with his dog, Jake.
