The patient came in with severe back pain.
Physician assistant student Adam Black worked to understand the full picture — he listened, asked questions and looked deeper to identify the signs of a more serious condition that required urgent care.
“That was the moment I was like, ‘Wow, what we're doing has an impact,’” Adam said.
Born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia, Adam has always felt a strong connection to the community he now serves.
His path to healthcare started early. With a mother in the pharmaceutical industry and a father working as a hospital electrician, he grew up immersed in the healthcare environment. By high school, that exposure turned into hands-on experience when he began volunteering at Chesapeake Regional Hospital, shadowing providers and exploring physical therapy.
“I just enjoyed seeing people get better, working hard and being on my feet,” Adam said.
That early experience led him to earn an associate degree and become a physical therapist assistant (PTA). After working full-time as a PTA, including during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, he earned a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Sciences Management.
But, over time, Adam found himself wanting more.
“I very much enjoyed working as a PTA and enjoyed the people and patients I worked with,” he said, “but the diagnostic aspect was what I was really looking for.”
That desire led him to pursue a Master of Physician Assistant (M.P.A.) at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences EVMS School of Health Professions at Old Dominion University. The choice felt both practical and personal.
“I was actually born across the street at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital,” he said, “so it just seemed like the perfect fit.”
The transition back to school pushed Adam to grow both personally and professionally. He describes the physician assistant program as a “seven-day job,” an experience that helped him build discipline, balance and resilience.
“Learning how to manage that and also making time for myself was probably the biggest challenge,” he said.
Throughout the program, Adam remained committed to serving his community. Through work at the student-run HOPES Free Clinic, he helped provide care to underserved populations and gained experience, while reinforcing his sense of purpose.
“Helping to serve this area is definitely fulfilling,” he said.
Clinically, Adam’s passion became clear during his orthopedic rotation, where his background in physical therapy merged seamlessly with his growing diagnostic skills.
As he prepares to graduate this month, he plans to remain in Virginia, continuing to serve patients in either Hampton Roads or Richmond. His goal is intentional: to be the kind of provider who prioritizes connection in an increasingly fast-paced healthcare system.
“I hope to be the type of provider that is very patient-centered,” Adam said, “someone who sits down, talks to people eye to eye and understands their perspectives and desired outcomes — to treat people as if I were treating a family member.”
For him, the journey from local student to healthcare provider is more than a career path. It’s a commitment to giving back to the community that first inspired him.
Watch a video highlighting Adam Black’s educational journey.
Learn more about the Master of Physician Assistant (M.P.A.) program.
