For Drew Shafer, going into medicine was not a decision, but rather a calling. His mom worked as a nurse while he was growing up and he was always captivated by her stories. Even when he had surgery as an 8-year-old kid, Drew was fascinated by everything involved with his own care. This early interest in medicine, combined with his general love of science and helping people, made the decision to become a physician assistant clear.

As a provider, Drew is invested in the outcomes of his patients and will do everything he can to help enable their health and success. He enjoys building connections with people from all different backgrounds and taking the time to help everyone he sees understand the clinical recommendations being made. Drew finds orthopedics particularly rewarding because of the opportunity to help people get back to doing the activities they love.

Drew graduated with a master of science from the Baylor College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program in Houston, Texas. He also holds a bachelor of science in kinesiology from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. Before becoming a physician assistant, Drew worked as a certified athletic trainer at a physical therapy clinic in Colorado. He has previously volunteered with Haiti Foundation of Hope.

In his spare time, Drew enjoys mountain biking, road biking, mountaineering, backpacking, and skiing. He has completed two Ironman races, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Rainier, and kayaked 80 miles of the middle fork of the Salmon River in central Idaho. He also loves trying new foods and reading history. He’s a violinist who has performed with symphonies, a mariachi band, and an electric band.