Keith Stirewalt ’22 DMSc, MBA, MDiv, PA-C became interested in medicine because he wanted to help other people. He is a lifelong learner, so after getting his PA degree in 1984, he went back to school (while working as a PA) to get his MBA. Later on, he helped start an occupational medicine program that worked with four pre-existing urgent care centers. As he was working in corporate medicine for 60-80 hours per week, he realized that he had lost sight of his original goal.
“I remembered a call to the ministry that I had long since put to the side,” he said.
Stirewalt left corporate medicine and returned to Wake Forest Divinity School. There, he completed a three-year MDiv degree and became an ordained Baptist minister. He then completed two years of chaplain residency. However, after spending some time in the pastorate, he began to miss the medical environment.
“I was fortunate to be able to take a journey to Israel during my time as a minister. While on the trip, as I was looking out over the Sea of Galilee. I felt a call back to my healthcare roots, where I would be able to blend my call to medicine with my call to ministry,” he said.
Stirewalt soon encountered an opportunity to return to healthcare. He focused on medical education, ethics, and spiritual care for healthcare workers. Stirewalt serves as a resource, creating a safe space for providers to share difficult experiences.
“With organizational support, we have been able to implement Schwartz rounds, where all of our providers can share experiences and are safe to be vulnerable,” he said. “I have seen a need for this throughout my entire career, and it is rewarding to be able to provide this type of service to my fellow providers, whether nurses, PAs, doctors, and chaplains — we all need a safe space.”
Stirewalt completed his Doctor of Medical Science degree at the age of 61. He said this degree expanded his knowledge of global health issues and access to care issues.
“I can look out the window where I am sitting right now, and see the need right here in my community. My goal is to be able to touch as many lives in this community as possible through education, mentoring, and being a resource for my fellow providers,” he said.
Stirewalt attributes much of his success to having a supportive family. His wife, Margaret Norris, is completing her education to become a minister in the Moravian tradition.
“At this point in our lives, where others might be thinking of slowing down, we’re gearing up! We both look forward to these new adventures,” he said.
