As James Matney embarked on pursuing Physician Assistant programs, the Lewis Katz School of Medicine stood out as a top contender. James looks forward to calling the city of Philadelphia home, claiming, "The city of Philadelphia, with its rich history and pride, offered a unique opportunity to learn and practice medicine in underserved communities.” He is excited to participate in this program and hopes to gain a deep understanding and appreciation of service to all people, especially those with considerable needs. 

His background in athletic training and medical scribing has prepared him well for the academic succession at Temple University. As a student athletic trainer at Virginia Tech University, he had the privilege of shadowing professionals in various healthcare roles while learning about the daily care required for healthy student-athletes. "I was able to see firsthand how healthcare professionals work together as a team to provide top-notch care," James said. "It was an incredible experience that taught me the importance of time management and prioritization." 

Following his undergraduate studies, he worked as a medical scribe in the emergency department at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. James recalls his experience stating, “My understanding of the roles and responsibilities of different healthcare team members and introduced me to various medical specialties," James further noted, "I'm excited to build on this knowledge and develop strong relationships with my faculty and classmates, which I believe are essential for holistic wellbeing." 

As James begins his clinical rotations, he plans to put his knowledge into practice while observing how healthcare disparities impact quality care. "I'm excited to see how the knowledge we've gained in the classroom applies to real-world scenarios. I hope to make a positive impact and contribute to communities that are rich in health, hope, and equity."