Upon completing high school, Dr. Whitworth chose to serve in the United States Air Force, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. Stationed at Misawa Air Base in Japan at just 19, he quickly learned to adapt, developing critical skills in independence and critical thinking. The 2011 catastrophic events in Japan, including a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami, thrust him into emergency response roles, despite his primary duty in financial management. It was during this intense period that his interest in medical services was piqued through his interactions with a physician assistant, sparking a new career aspiration.
Motivated to further his education, Dr. Whitworth began taking classes at the University of Maryland Global Campus while still in Japan, earning an Associate’s Degree in general studies. His commitment to his education led him to transition from Active Duty to the Air National Guard, allowing him to enroll as a full-time student at Indiana State University. Here, he undertook a challenging curriculum as a biology major, balancing his military commitments and academics.
Despite financial pressures and family responsibilities leading him to a full-time role as a budget analyst, Dr. Whitworth's resolve never faded. He completed his Bachelor's Degree at Thomas Edison State University and later pursued an MBA, achieving a 4.0 GPA.
Dr. Whitworth's career trajectory took a significant turn when he joined the Occupational Health sector within the Air Force's Medical Group. This role, coupled with further technical training at the U.S. Air Force’s School of Aerospace Medicine, solidified his desire to become a physician assistant. His academic and professional experiences culminated in his acceptance and subsequent graduation from Indiana University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, where he excelled and quickly passed his national certification exam.
Dr. Whitworth began his professional healthcare career at the Veterans Health Administration in Indianapolis, specializing in primary care. His profound interest in specialized medicine led him to further specialize in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the VA Danville Illiana Health Care System. Here, he not only applies his extensive training but also continues to impact patient lives positively.
Dr. Whitworth has experience mentoring multiple pre-PA applicants through platforms such as LinkedIn. He facilitated the onboarding of newly graduated PA primary care providers during the extensive Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hiring process. In his sessions, he uses the “whole person” concept, which focuses on individuality. He strives to develop a distinct approach to present each applicant's unique and diverse background.