by Elizabeth “Beth” McInnis MSN, ARNP, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC
Mid Atlantic Emergency Medicine Associates(MEMA)
Charlotte, NC 28211
When do you know you’re ready to retire from medicine? I think this is common question after years of service in this readily changing health care system, especially in the inherently challenging field of emergency medicine. We who chose this field know that some days will be thankless work, that those days will fall on weekends and holidays, and that many times, the hours will last late into the night or early morning. For my friend and outstanding PA-C John Murphy (pictured), that question has been answered and the time to retire is NOW.
PA practice has evolved to include higher level and evidence based medicine, is defined by committed and compassionate care, and is a community of professionals that value diversity and inclusion. I was fortunate to have met John in 2005, as a PA in Charlotte, NC, who exemplified all of these qualities.
John is a soft-spoken consummate gentleman. He is intelligent, humble, compassionate, and practices with an exemplary integrity and work ethic. John is an advocate for PAs and NPs in the same way he is an advocate for his patients. He always strives to maintain professionalism and works hard to set others up for success.
John graduated from Duke University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Health Sciences, Physician Assistant Program. After working for several years, he found his “home” at Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medicine Associates(MEMA) in 1996. MEMA recognized his many strengths and talents and chose him to be the Director of Advance Practice Providers.
It is with excitement for John and sadness over the loss for our group, to hear of John’s retirement this year. What an accomplishment to not only have completed 36 years in the PA profession, but also, 23 years with MEMA. OUTSTANDING! For those of you soon contemplating retirement, just like John, I hope you’ll know when the time is right. Never forget that the paths you cross with so many people throughout your career DID make a difference, and people do CARE.
