Local physician assistant inspires Brittany Ozment

By Carrie A. Mizell

Like many children growing up in Gilchrist County, Brittany Ozment went to see “Dr. Gary” whenever she got sick or just needed a routine physical for school.
“Dr. Gary is what I always knew as a doctor,” Ozment said.
Which makes it all the more special that Dr. Gary Rexroat, who was Florida’s first physician assistant, attended Ozment’s own graduation from the College of Medicine School of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Florida on June 18, 2011.
The 2003 Trenton High School graduate said the physician assistants at Trenton Medical Center and Bell Family Health, now known as Palms Medical Group, strongly influenced her decision to go to PA school.
“Because of them, I knew all about the job description,” Ozment said. “I knew that I wanted to see patients, diagnosis and treat them, but without all the responsibility of being a medical doctor, specifically the liability of being a doctor.”
After graduating from high school, Ozment attended Lake City Community College and then the University of Florida after graduating from LCCC in 2005. In 2007 she graduated from UF with a degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition.
PA school required experience in the medical field, so Ozment got a job at North Florida Regional Medical Center where she worked as a nurse tech for two years. While at NFRMC, Ozment said she learned firsthand about good patient care and bedside manner.
Once she was admitted to the University of Florida’s PA school, Ozment said she learned how to manage her time while trying to juggle study time, classes and time spent with friends and family. Internship work took her to the Pensacola Navy Hospital, West Florida Hospital, Sacred Heart Hospital, Escambia Community Care Clinic, and the Crestview Medical Clinic.
“I really enjoyed the PA school experience,” Ozment said, “and I am looking forward to practicing.”
For now the Trenton native has moved home, much to the delight of her proud parents David and Teresa Ozment, and she is studying for her Medical Board exam, which will be Friday, July 8.
She is also looking forward to her upcoming wedding to Daniel Irwin, which will take place on July 30. After uniting in marriage, the couple plans to live in Virginia, where Daniel is stationed as a member of the United States Navy.