Special Post by Scott's attorney/wife/COO - Elizabeth A. Smith

In the tranquil early hours of Key West, where the only sound is the occasional crow of a rooster, my husband, Scott Massey, Ph.D., and I embarked on a journey that transcended mere physical exercise. This daily ritual reflected our commitment to resilience and symbolized the challenges we've faced and overcome together.

At 27, Scott was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a life-changing event that introduced constant pain and led to multiple joint replacements. He recently opened up about this struggle in a rare and deeply personal LinkedIn post, sharing his experiences with a broader audience for the first time.

Despite these trials, Scott's resilience has been nothing short of remarkable. Moving beyond his health battles, he became a pivotal figure in the PA community, transitioning from full-time academia in 2022 to focus full-time on PA consulting, student coaching, and data analytics. His dedication to professional growth and willingness to share knowledge freely through webinars and blogs has been incredibly inspiring to many.

Our decision to work remotely from Key West for a month in February came from a need to balance Scott's health with our desire for a more integrated life. That month proved to be a testament to our ability to navigate health challenges together. Scott managed to walk over 200 miles, go deep sea fishing, while I walked just over 80 miles and rediscovered my love for open-water swimming in the Atlantic Ocean with a college teammate. These weren't just physical activities; they were expressions of our commitment to balancing work and pleasure.

During that month, my mornings were dedicated not just to routine tasks but to crucial business responsibilities. This focus on advancing our shared objectives and ensuring productivity was a reflection of our core values: accountability, transparency, integrity, and teamwork.

• Accountability: I committed to specific goals: Scott would walk over 200 miles for his health and aimed for over 80 miles plus open-water swimming. Mornings were for business tasks. This wasn't about checking boxes but about honoring commitments to ourselves and our shared vision.

• Transparency: Sharing our story, especially Scott's health challenges, was about being open. His post on LinkedIn wasn't just for the sake of sharing; it was about being transparent with our struggles and victories. This openness invited a wave of support and understanding from others navigating their paths.

• Integrity: Integrity meant staying true to our goals, even when the sun-drenched allure of Key West beckoned us to play. We balanced our work and health commitments, ensuring we lived our values of health and productivity, not just when it was easy but especially when it was hard.

• Teamwork: This journey was a partnership at every step. Deciding to work remotely, setting and meeting our health and work goals, and supporting each other’s daily tasks hinged on teamwork. Our strengths complemented each other, making the load lighter and the successes sweeter.

These values didn’t just guide us; they defined our experience in Key West, turning a simple remote work trial into a profound journey of growth and partnership.  Our Key West experience, rich with learning and new opportunities, underscored the importance of balancing professional goals with personal well-being. It's a powerful reminder of how resilience, partnership, and a commitment to core values can lead to a fulfilling life.