A Journey to Urology: Sawyer Reed’s Path from PA to Physician
For Sawyer Reed, the journey to becoming a physician wasn’t the traditional route.
It was a path filled with purpose and determination.
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, and raised just outside Savannah, Georgia, Reed’s medical career began as a physician assistant in urology before he realized his aspirations extended beyond his current role. Now, as a fourth-year medical student at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), he is preparing to embark on his next chapter as a urology resident.
A Passion for Medicine and a Commitment to Growth
Reed’s initial interest in medicine was sparked during his undergraduate years. “Being a physician assistant was consistently voted as one of the best careers to have, so I started shadowing and realized this was really cool,” he recalls. He pursued his passion through gaining clinical experience as a medical assistant, which solidified his desire to work in health care. After completing PA school, he practiced as a urology physician assistant for two years in North Atlanta. However, he soon realized that he wanted a larger role in patient care and a broader scope of practice, particularly in performing surgeries. That realization led him to apply to medical school.
At MSM, Reed found the support and opportunities he needed to flourish. “As I've been at Morehouse [School of Medicine], my desire to become a physician has really been solidified,” he shares. “Being a medical student, going to the hospital, seeing physicians and surgeons work — I knew that’s exactly where I needed to be.”
Defining Moments at MSM
Throughout his time at MSM, Reed experienced several defining moments that reaffirmed his passion for medicine. One of the most pivotal was his involvement in the Urology Interest Group. “Morehouse [School of Medicine] hasn’t graduated a lot of urology residents in the past, so it was something we were building from the ground up,” he explains. His leadership in growing the group and networking with other programs helped him gain deeper insights into the field. “Helping build the Urology Interest Group at MSM was what really solidified that I needed to pursue urology even further.”
His connection to urology grew even stronger through his clinical experiences. “Men’s health is super important and often under-discussed. It’s a very vulnerable population that needs help,” Reed emphasizes. The combination of medicine and surgery, along with the opportunity to make a tangible impact on patients’ lives, made urology the perfect fit for him.
Looking Ahead
Beyond medicine, Reed is a devoted husband and father to two young daughters, ages three and one. He finds joy in barbecuing, making homemade potato chips, and watching college football. As he prepares for his next step in residency, he remains grateful for the foundation MSM has provided him with and excited for the journey ahead.
Reed’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose — a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of following one’s calling. His residency match marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and as we approach Match Day on Friday, March 21, 2025, we invite you to celebrate with us.
Stay tuned for more stories of our future physicians and join us for the Match Day livestream (https://www.msm.edu/matchday/) as we unveil where our students will continue their training.
About the Author
Michael Martin is a content strategist who believes in crafting compelling stories that inspire and connect. With a pen for storytelling, he brings the journeys of future physicians to life, highlighting their impact and dedication to healthcare.
Contact
Michael Martin
Digital Content Strategist
Office of Marketing & Communications
mamartin@msm.edu