Scott Gooch, an occupational medicine physician assistant, specializes in work-related issues and illnesses, physicals and other work exams.
Scott Gooch, a fourth-generation vet, chose the service after high school to learn a trade, mature and see the world.
Gooch served in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman for four years. He worked in several clinics and developed a passion for healthcare.
When it came time to re-enlist or choose a new career path, Gooch chose to further pursue a career in healthcare. He enrolled at Western Michigan University where he received his degree as a physician assistant. After finishing his degree, he moved to Wisconsin and later North Carolina to work in emergency medicine.
In 2017, Gooch transitioned into occupational health to work as a physician assistant at a construction site clinic.
"It's an unusual job, what I was doing. I think I was the only physician assistant working on a construction site. I went to work in a hard hat, steel-toed safety boots and safety vest," he said.
While there, Gooch learned one of his passions was working closely with patients and following their recovery journey.
"I loved the emergency room, you get to do and see a lot and meet many people, but you didn't really get to form a relationship with your patients," he said. "In occupational health, I'm still seeing a variety of people. I enjoy helping them…it's rewarding."
When the job as an occupational medicine physician assistant opened in Wisconsin, he said he jumped at the opportunity to join a world-class team.
He and his team help with work-related issues and illnesses, regulatory medicine, commercial driver's license exams, physicals and more.
Gooch says he enjoys helping people when they're hurt and doing his part to help get them back to work.
Gooch and his wife live in the Chippewa Valley. He enjoys sculpting and spending time with his dogs.