Medical Professional Dedicated to Personal Growth
Verdale Benson, PA-C is a medical professional and weekend warrior who has a personal mission to promote health for himself and others. Benson is originally from the Clemson, South Carolina area and now resides outside of San Francisco in the East Bay. He attributes the accomplishments in his career and fitness goals to a strong work ethic and mental discipline that was grounded in his parental upbringing and fortified during his service in the military.
Benson served four and a half years in the United States Army as a Medical Service Corp Officer. During his service, he had two overseas deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq serving as a Medical Platoon Leader and Assistant Operations Officer, respectively. He was decorated with a Bronze Star Medal after this tour in Afghanistan and earned the Combat Medic Badge for providing treatment to wounded soldiers while under enemy fire.
After receiving an Honorable Discharge from military service, Benson pursued a career in medical device sales where he soon realized his passion was to help others by practicing medicine. He was accepted to Emory University's Physician Assistant Program where he was elected class president and graduated with honors receiving a Master of Medical Science degree. Since graduation he has practiced in the fields of Orthopedic Surgery, Emergency Medicine & Occupational Medicine.
Benson has always been passionate about athletics and fitness and is now focused on Ninja Warrior Obstacle training. He trains at the local Ninja gym and also focuses on rock climbing, strength training and calisthenics to help him realize his goal of tackling the ultimate challenge of Mt Midoriyama.
"The path of the warrior is lifelong, and mastery is often simply staying on the path. "
- Richard Strozzi Heckler
Benson has an immense passion for helping others achieve their goals and in addition to the educational provider-patient encounter, he also enjoys mentoring people in the community interested in pursuing advanced medical degrees. He has mentored many pre-PA students towards successful admission to graduate programs and eventually desires to teach at the graduate level.