The pain. The rehab. The waiting.

Sports injuries don’t typically produce happy memories for most people. But for Josh Brown ’28, repeated trips to his hometown sports medicine physician gave him more than a path back to competition. They gave him a path toward his future.

Growing up in Exeter, Pa., Brown frequently visited the office of Dr. Paul Marr to work his way back to the soccer field and track. Over time, he began to envision a future helping others.

“I was inspired by the way he combined clinical expertise with genuine care for his patients,” Brown said. “I wanted to be able to make that same difference in people’s lives.”

Now a biology major at Franklin & Marshall, Brown is working toward becoming a physician assistant (PA). Through coursework, hands-on experiences, and connections with current PA students, he is learning what that future could look like.

At a hospital, Brown shadowed surgeries, including a rotator cuff repair, and assisted with the daily responsibilities of a PA. 

“Seeing the care team work together in the operating room and in patient care gave me a realistic and motivating look at my future profession,” he said.

Brown’s experience at a retirement home offered another perspective on caring for others. He supported residents with daily routines, helped with activities, and spent time getting to know them. Those personal connections became one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

He credits F&M with helping him develop the confidence and interpersonal skills to navigate those settings. “Those skills have been essential in clinical and care settings, where communicating with patients, families, and healthcare professionals is just as important as technical knowledge,” he said.

His coursework is helping him complete prerequisites for graduate PA programs. Acceptance into the Penn State BRIDGE PA Program also connected him with current PA students who have shared advice about preparing for the next stage of his education.

Along with his academic goals, Brown has embraced opportunities as a student-athlete and admission tour guide. A sprinter on the track & field team, he says balancing athletics with biology coursework has strengthened his discipline and time management.

“I think of it as an art: it takes discipline and intention to give both your full effort, but once everything clicks, it becomes a rewarding rhythm,” he said.

As a tour guide, Brown helps visiting families imagine their own place at F&M. He takes pride in representing the College and sharing the opportunities that have shaped his experience.

His message to prospective students is rooted in that freedom to explore.

“Whether you’re an athlete, a pre-health student, or still figuring out your path, you’ll find people who respect who you are and encourage you to grow.”