By: Taylor Riddle
In this edition of PA Spotlight, we introduce you to Katie Beckham, PA-C. Katie shares details why she enjoys being a PA, her relationship with Jeffrey Davis, MD, and moving back to Birmingham after college to begin her healthcare career.
Katie Beckham, PA-C
Katie has worked alongside Dr. Jeffrey Davis for the past 10 years. She earned her degree in exercise science from Maryville College, then completed her Masters in Science in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She trained alongside Dr. Jeffrey Davis for her orthopedic rotation while in graduate school. After graduating as a physician assistant, she worked with a large orthopedic group in Tuscaloosa. She started working full time with Dr. Davis in 2014.
Katie grew up in Birmingham and played basketball and softball in high school and within travel organizations. She was a 4-year starter for the Maryville College Lady Scots softball team as a pitcher and infielder. After having injuries that introduced her to the physician assistant profession, she then decided to pursue a career as a PA.
Katie enjoys developing relationships with her patients and seeing their progression after surgery with returning to pain free activities such as hiking, tennis and golf.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
I enjoy being PA and spending quality with patients and understand their goals of undergoing a surgical procedure. I also really enjoy helping them through the process of surgery and watching their recovery in returning to activities they were unable to do prior due to pain and debilitation.
Looking ahead to your career, what do you hope to continue to bring to Andrews Sports Medicine?
I hope to continue to help our advanced practice providers (APPs) grow in this practice. I think as a group we can help Andrews continue to evolve with patient care and access to care. I also enjoy mentoring new APPs in our practice.
What do you like most about working alongside Dr. Davis?
I really enjoy the professional relationship Dr. Davis and I have. He is an absolute joy to work with. We provide excellent patient care while also being able to enjoy doing it every day. I appreciate his dry sarcasm on busy clinic days and enjoy our back and forth bantering. I am so very grateful for how Dr. Davis has taught me to be a well-rounded provider.
What do you like about the work culture at Andrews Sports Medicine?
I enjoy being a part a team that works so well together. I love working alongside such a great group of individuals on "team Davis." I also enjoy the camaraderie among the PA’s and NP’s. We are all very supportive of each other and are great resources to one another.
What are some challenges of working as a PA?
I would say one of the biggest challenges is dealing with insurance. I feel like I spend a lot of time on the phone with insurance companies in trying to advocate for the patient and the diagnostic test or surgical procedure he/she needs. This can be frustrating as it is time consuming and pulls me away from patient care at times.
Do you have a mentor in the healthcare industry? If so, who and tell me about how they have helped you?
Dr. Davis has been my mentor. I would not be the PA I am today without his guidance and training. He continues to challenge me daily to become a better provider.
Where did you grow up and did you play any sports as a kid? If so, which ones?
I grew up originally in Birmingham. I played sports from elementary school through high school. I sustained one ACL injury in high school basketball and one ACL injury in college softball. Having undergone multiple knee surgeries, I developed a wonderful relationship with my PA at Andrews which introduced me to the profession.
What do you like to do when you aren't working?
I really enjoy hiking, road biking, and working out. I also have become a puzzle enthusiast during the COVID pandemic. I am also a big foodie so I love all of the restaurants Birmingham has to offer.
What is your favorite place to go in Birmingham?
My favorite outdoor spot is Red Mountain Park. I really enjoy being outside in nature and hiking. It is pretty close and convenient but it's also a good workout and beautiful views of the city.
What drew you to the city of Birmingham?
Birmingham has evolved as a city since I was in high school, and I love what the city has to offer in terms of music venues, breweries, outdoor parks and restaurants.
