Matthew Schaefer
Beaufort
Summary
Experienced Physician Assistant and U.S. Navy Veteran with extensive military healthcare experience, excelling in patient management, clinical assessments, and individualized treatment planning. Skilled in surgical procedures, electronic medical records, and adhering to strict protocols and federal healthcare standards. Proven collaborator in multidisciplinary teams, committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Physician Assistant
United States Navy
03.2024 - Current
- Medical Officer and Department Head, 3rdRecruit Training Battalion-Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island
- Managed acute and primary healthcare for up to 2,900 Marine recruits, including diagnosis, treatment, and preventive medicine in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment
- ·Performed and interpreted diagnostic procedures to support timely, evidence-based interventions and optimize patient outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive, coordinated patient care and effective interdepartmental communication.
- Educated patients on preventive care, medication management, and lifestyle modifications for improved health outcomes.
- Mentored and supervised 8 junior Sailor Corpsmen, fostering professional growth and clinical proficiency.
Physician Assistant
United States Navy
03.2022 - 03.2024
- Provided primary and preventive healthcare at Naval Hospital Beaufort for 1,685 active-duty service members, dependents, and retirees, supporting medical readiness and comprehensive care coordination under the Medical Homeport model.
- Conducted comprehensive patient assessments, developed and implemented individualized treatment plans, and assisted with diagnostic procedures and medication administration/management under physician supervision.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated patient care and effective communication.
- Educated patients on health management, preventive care, and medication adherence to improve patient outcomes.
Certified Surgical First Assistant
Straub Medical Center
03.2015 - 07.2019
- Provided first assist support in diverse surgical specialties-orthopedic, general, ENT, vascular, cardiothoracic, urology, and plastic surgery- adapting techniques and interventions to meet case-specific needs.
- Assisted in surgical procedures by providing retraction, controlling hemostasis, and performing clamping, ligating, and tissue division under direct surgeon supervision, ensuring safe and efficient operative outcomes.
- Enforced strict aseptic techniques and safety protocols during surgeries to minimize risk of infection and ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Reduced surgery time with efficient anticipation of surgeon’s needs, resulting in faster patient recovery.
- Collaborated with surgeons, nurses, and allied health professionals to facilitate smooth post-operative patient transitions, optimizing continuity of care and recovery outcome.
Certified Surgical First Assistant
Sentara Leigh Memorial Hospital
08.2013 - 03.2015
- Provided first assist support in orthopedic surgery.
- Prepared and draped surgical sites, verifying sterile techniques, availability of required instruments, and appropriate positioning equipment to optimize procedural efficiency and patient safety.
- Performed closure of fascial, subcutaneous, and superficial skin layers, supporting optimal wound healing and surgical outcomes under physician supervision.
- Monitored patient vital signs and maintained continuous communication with surgeons throughout operative procedures.
- Coordinated intraoperative communication among surgeons, nurses, and support staff while enforcing infection control protocols, ensuring infection control protocols, ensuring adherence to patient safety standards and optimal surgical outcomes.
Education
Master of Science - Physician Assistant Studies
Marshall B Ketchum University
Fullerton, CA11-2021
Master of Science - Surgical Assisting
Eastern Virgina Medical School
Norfolk05-2013
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJ05-2011
Skills
- Safe and efficient patient care management
- Direct patient care with comprehensive physical examinations, patient assessments, diagnosis, and treatment plans
- Interpreting laboratory and radiology results
- Detailed patient education
- Thorough patient documentation
- Surgical suturing
- Mentoring and teaching students and junior corpsman
- Proficient in electronic medical record systems including Epic and MHS Genesis
Certification
- SC Licensed
- NCCPA Certified- 2021
Timeline
Physician Assistant
United States Navy
03.2024 - Current
Physician Assistant
United States Navy
03.2022 - 03.2024
Certified Surgical First Assistant
Straub Medical Center
03.2015 - 07.2019
Certified Surgical First Assistant
Sentara Leigh Memorial Hospital
08.2013 - 03.2015
Master of Science - Physician Assistant Studies
Marshall B Ketchum University
Master of Science - Surgical Assisting
Eastern Virgina Medical School
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Monmouth University