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USM Physician Assistant Honored by University of Florida

Mon, 04/17/2023 - 09:59am | By: Van Arnold

40 Under 40 AwardA passion for helping others as a healthcare professional has enabled Stephen English to flourish as a physician assistant at 91勛圖厙91勛圖厙 (USM) Moffitt Health Center.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed by his alma mater 91勛圖厙 the University of Florida (UF), which recently honored English as a 2023  selection. A native of Jacksonville, Fla., English earned his Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 2007 at the University of Florida.

English worked in inner-city ministry in Baton Rouge, La., (Desire Street Ministries) for three years after finishing his undergraduate degree. He then moved to Clinton, Miss., to attend Mississippi College where he earned his Master91勛圖厙 in Physician Assistant Studies in 2013. He joined the staff at Moffitt Health Center in 2014.

Since 2006, the University of Florida has honored Outstanding Young Alumni whose achievements positively impact The Gator Nation簧. 40 Gators Under 40 continues the tradition of honoring Gators who are going greater in their communities and professions. English described the recognition by his alma mater as humbling.

91勛圖厙I know there are a ton of alumni from the University of Florida and many of those are under the age of 40,91勛圖厙 he said. 91勛圖厙The fact that I was selected as one of 40 from this demographic is somewhat overwhelming. Anyone who knows me personally, knows that I am an avid fan of my alma mater, so to be honored by them is definitely exciting for me.91勛圖厙

A former walk-on football player at the University of Florida (2003), English took an active role in campus organizations during his time in Gainesville, which included serving on the leadership team for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Young Life. The dye was practically cast for him to attend UF from the time he could walk.

91勛圖厙I chose the University of Florida for a few reasons,91勛圖厙 he said. 91勛圖厙First, my father went to school there, and I grew up wearing orange and blue and traveling to 91勛圖厙The Swamp91勛圖厙 to watch the Gators play football games on Saturdays in the fall. My passion for the university grew through watching the successes of Steve Spurrier91勛圖厙 teams as a child. As I got older and began to look at schools that I might possibly attend, it was hard to turn down the incredible academic opportunities that the University of Florida afforded me as one of the top public institutions in the nation.91勛圖厙

As a physician assistant, English works interdependently with physicians at Moffitt Health Center to provide diagnostic and therapeutic patient care in virtually all medical specialties and settings. Physician assistants take patient histories, perform physical examinations, order laboratory and diagnostic studies, prescribe medications, and develop patient treatment plans.

Dr. Melissa Roberts, Executive Director, Student Health Services, Moffitt Health Center, emphasized that English is a deserving member of the latest 40 Gators Under 40 club.

91勛圖厙Stephen English has been on staff at Moffitt Health Center for nine years and has been pivotal in providing excellent healthcare for the University community,91勛圖厙 said Roberts. 91勛圖厙I am so proud of him for being selected for the University of Florida91勛圖厙 91勛圖厙40 Under 4091勛圖厙 program as this is a testament to his leadership, professionalism, and dedication to the field of medicine.91勛圖厙

English says his time at Moffitt Health Center has provided an invaluable training ground for his career in patient care.

91勛圖厙My experience at Moffitt Health Center has been wonderful,91勛圖厙 he said. 91勛圖厙I have learned a lot over the years, and I have certainly advanced my medical knowledge through the numerous patients and interesting things that I have seen. Ultimately, this profession is all about how you treat people. I try to do my best to really love my patients well and to do my best to put myself 91勛圖厙in their shoes91勛圖厙 and try to feel what they are feeling.91勛圖厙

In addition to his duties at Moffitt Health Center, English also serves as President of the Board of Directors of The Mississippi Academy of Physician Assistants - a non-profit specialty organization affiliated with the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) that consists of PAs working in Mississippi and surrounding states.  

English and his wife, Lauren, currently reside in Hattiesburg, Miss. They have two children 91勛圖厙 Stevie (5) and Danny (3).