Tanner Pearson, PA - Beacon Medical Group Cardiothoracic Surgery South Bend

About Tanner Pearson With a fascination about how the human body functioned, coupled with a desire to improve the lives of others, a career in medicine was a clear choice for Tanner Pearson, PA. “As I was growing up, I liked being able to help others through community service and volunteerism. When I was in high school, I set myself down a path toward the healthcare profession by studying anatomy and medical terms,” he says. Tanner earned his undergraduate degree in exercise science from Ball State University, Muncie, IN. He then went on to IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University) Indianapolis, where he graduated with a Master of Science: Physician Assistant Studies degree. “I have been interested in the heart and its function for a long time and I chose to take college classes about physiology and electrical activity in the heart,” he says. Tanner explains to people that a physician assistant (PA) is similar to a nurse practitioner, except trained more like a doctor. PAs can diagnose and treat disease, prescribe medication and assist in surgery, which is something he enjoys. “I work with surgeons in the operating room and the hospital to care for a person’s heart and lungs. While in surgery, I am serving as the surgeon’s third and fourth hands to allow them to better see what they are operating on and make surgery more efficient,” he says, adding, “I also take care of patients in the hospital and see patients in the clinic.” Through his experiences in surgery, inpatient and outpatient care, community medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, family medicine, and behavioral health, Tanner has learned the importance of people having a good support team around them. His various experiences have also taught him that how you say something is just as important as what you say. “I want people to know that I care about them having the best outcomes and I want to come alongside them as they make decisions about their health. I want to help them make the best decision for their individual needs and desires,” he says, adding that he will help patients make even the tough decisions. “I hope patients learn that it is never too late to make a positive change,” he says. “Each day you can make a choice to help yourself in the days moving forward.” In his own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My father. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job was raising sweet corn and selling it to neighbors and in my hometown. I would get up early to pick the corn, and take it into town to sell at a roadside stand. What is your favorite food? Movie? Favorite foods: ice cream and burritos Favorite movie: Finding Nemo What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? I liked to read as a child, and I liked learning about history. Writing and timed tests in math were my worst subjects. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? Jesus - I am amazed by His humility and how He describes what is important in life. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I enjoy leadership development conferences and spending quality time with my friends and family. What are your hobbies, interests? I like to hike, kayak and swim. I enjoy watching movies with adventure or action such as the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series. I also enjoy live music. What is something most people don’t know about you? I have an identical twin named Cole. We have even gone to a festival for twins in Twinsburg, Ohio.