Johnathon Boles has always dreamed of a career in medicine, although his journey has not been straightforward.
From Mocksville, North Carolina, he is the first in his family to attend college. His family made many sacrifices to support his education. He began his academic journey at Catawba College, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology and a Master of Health Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
After graduating, Boles spent nearly six years in higher education, helping students discover their passions. “It was meaningful work. I got to walk alongside students during key moments in their lives,” Boles said. “I learned how to listen well, build relationships, and support important decisions. Those skills are essential in my medical career.”
Yet, he felt a pull towards a more holistic understanding of health. He wanted to care for people in a deeper way, which led him to pursue a Physician Assistant (PA) degree at Augusta University. “Health care combines many things I care about: curiosity, service, teaching, and helping others. The best part is that medicine is about lifelong learning. There’s always more to understand about the human body and how to help people,” he said.
Dr. Elizabeth Prince-Coleman, chair of the PA program at Augusta, noted that students who choose to relocate for their education show intentionality. “Johnathon’s decision highlights the strong reputation of our program,” she said. “It’s competitive and respected, attracting those committed to their education and future.”
At 31, Boles is one of the older students in his cohort. Adapting to life as a non-traditional student has its challenges, but he believes it has also grounded him. “Age doesn’t limit growth or purpose,” he said. His life experience shapes his approach; he focuses on understanding material rather than just grades, seeing how it connects to patient care.
Boles has been married to Madison for almost three years. “Balancing school and married life has taught me to prioritize my time,” he said. Madison, also a PA, offers invaluable support. “I couldn’t do this without her. She understands what I’m going through,” he shared.
In a cohort of 46, Boles is one of only three men. The PA profession has been traditionally female-dominated, and while he expected this, it still surprised him. However, he found that shared experiences in the program overshadow such differences. “The demands of PA school bring everyone together, and we lean on one another,” he said. “Whether it’s sharing notes or encouraging each other before exams, we support each other.”
Reflecting on his time at Augusta, Boles values the larger community he’s become part of. “Being a Jaguar means I’m connected to a community dedicated to learning and making a difference,” he said. “This program has challenged me as a future provider and as a person. I aim to use what I’ve learned to care for others and give back to my community.”
According to recent studies, nearly 90% of PA programs report an increasing interest from students in joining the healthcare field, highlighting a growing commitment to service and care. Programs are recognizing the importance of diverse experiences among students, as they enrich classroom discussions and clinical practice. As Boles continues his journey, it’s clear that he embodies these values, poised to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
