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Observation of Dr. James Masterson

The sports medicine specialty is something that I have always been passionate about

since making the decision to become a Physician Assistant. I have always wanted to find a

balance between still being involved in athletics once I am in my career while also choosing a

career path that I can help people in. Speaking with Dr. Masterson helped me to understand more

about his role in the sports medicine specialty. I do want to work in the sports medicine

specialty, but instead I would like to be a PA with a specialty in sports medicine, instead of a

doctor of sports medicine like Dr. Masterson.

On 9/8/2020, I spoke with Dr. James Masterson with Excela Health in Greensburg. Dr.

Masterson is a Director of Sports Medicine at Excela Health. Dr. James Masterson graduated

from medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1987. He has been in

the medical field for about 30 years now, while specifically working in sports medicine for the

past 10 years. Dr. Masterson has plenty of experience because he has been working in the field

for so long, so it was nice to talk to him to understand more about the profession.

Dr. Masterson works in the office setting at Excela Health, seeing patients throughout the

day each day. He works with a variety of clients, but mostly with athletes from various different

high schools and colleges around the area. He is generally busier during the times of the year

when school and sports start because most of his patients are young high school and college

athletes. He sometimes works with patients from motor vehicle accidents and workers that have

been injured on the job. Around 65%-70% of his patients are concussion patients, with the other

30%-35% of patients he deals with involve non-operative injuries such as ankles, knees, and

shoulders.
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Interview Assignment

1. Please describe your typical day.

A typical day for Dr. Masterson includes going into work around 6 am,

getting organized for the day from 6-7 AM, and starts seeing patients around 7

AM. He will see a variety of patients with concussions throughout the day, but

will also see patients involved in motor vehicle accidents, patients with non-

operative injuries and workers injured in the job. Throughout the day, he also

deals with a fair number of phone calls and conversations with athletic

trainers.

2. What do you enjoy most and least about your job?

Most enjoyable – The most enjoyable part of his job includes seeing patients and

getting to talk to different athletes.

Least Enjoyable – the least enjoyable part of his job is working and fighting to get

medications and x-rays approved as well as dealing with a lot of paperwork and

depositions for workman’s compensation.

2. What are your typical work hours?

Typical work hours start around 7 am and end around 4:30 pm.

3. What can an entry-level worker expect to get paid to do a job such as yours?

It has changed over the years. It is based on the number of patients you see,

but it would be around $250,000 a year.

4. What are opportunities for career advancement? How would an entry level worker

get promoted or grow?

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There are opportunities for teaching, opportunities to become a director of a

program, or even to change or build the direction of a program when you see

areas of need. There is also opportunities to go onto the hospital boards and

administration positions.

5. What is your educational background? What certifications do you hold? What

degrees or certifications do professionals in this field typically have?

Bachelors degree, then he went on to 4 years of medical school, with 3 years

of primary care and 1 year of a sports medicine fellowship. He then went on to

take an exam called the certificate of added qualifications.

6. Please comment on diversity within your clientele and work place.

It depends where you are, but working with a lot of students and a lot of

athletes and well as high school athletes. Moderate diversity due to so many

schools being around.

7. What skills are most important in your job?

Being able to listen and keeping up with more recent information in the

medical field. He likes to keep on top of things and be the best that you can be

for his patients. He wants to be dedicated and have good listening skills for his

patients.