Lewes native finds the right career path leads him back home
Who says you can’t go home again? Lewes native Logan Mathews knew he would once he became a physician’s assistant.
Logan, 24, is a Beebe Baby, and was born and raised in Lewes. He and his brother, a marine biologist, attended Cape district schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. During his junior year of high school, Logan realized he had an immense interest in science and medicine, and he decided to explore his options by contacting Dr. Kevin Bristowe, director of Beebe’s Emergency Department.
Logan was hoping for an opportunity to shadow healthcare providers in the Emergency Department to see firsthand the excellent care they provided to patients. Dr. Bristowe arranged this exciting opportunity, and Logan volunteered at Beebe during his last two summers of high school. Dr. Bristowe played a huge role in reinforcing Logan’s career choice. Andy Fitzkee and all the other PAs employed by Sussex Emergency Associates showed him the ropes as well.
After graduation, Logan attended the University of Delaware. He majored in kinesiology and applied physiology with a concentration in human physiology and a minor in biology. Logan loved his experience at Delaware, where he had wonderful professors who wrote great letters of recommendation and helped provide research opportunities. Because of his love for his hometown, and for Beebe, Logan was hired as a patient care technician during his winter and summer breaks through college.
Upon graduating college, Logan entered Salus University in Pennsylvania to pursue his dream of becoming a physician’s assistant. He chose this career because the role is very collaborative with doctors. A PA acts as a mid-person. Logan found that role fascinating and the best fit for him. At Salus, Logan found an emphasis on early patient care experiences. “This is incredibly important to help you to become the best provider you can be,” he said.
When it came to rotations, Logan naturally chose to carry out his electives at Beebe. When asked why he felt so passionate about Beebe, Logan replied, “Providers at Beebe are not just invested in their profession, but in the community as well. This makes Beebe a special place to be.”
Logan graduated from Salus with a master’s degree in medical science in physician assistant studies. Since it was obvious where he would practice, Sussex Emergency Associates, which contracts with Beebe, offered Logan a job in the Emergency Department in December 2019.
“This role is a perfect fit,” said Logan. “I am prepared for every decision possible and am not locked into one specialty. I work incredibly well with nurses and develop wonderful relationships with patients who are grateful for outstanding care.” As a PA, Logan diagnoses, treats, prescribes meds and sutures.
Logan’s advice for high school students interested in medicine is to gain experience early. In addition to being devoted to patient care and medicine, Logan says it is important to shadow and to take prerequisite classes.
When asked about his future plans, Logan said he aims to buy a house in Lewes, because the best care and lifestyle are right here at home.
As a community-based, not-for-profit healthcare system, Beebe Healthcare depends on the generous support of the community it serves. To make a gift to celebrate the excellent care you or a loved one has received visit Beebe Medical Foundation at www.beebemedicalfoundation.org or call 302-644-2900. Send your story about excellent care at Beebe to Amanda Neal at [email protected].
Caption: Dr. Kevin Bristowe, Logan Mathews and Andy Fitzkee celebrate providing excellent care to Beebe patients at Beebe Emergency Departments in Lewes and Millville
