Brett Feldman
Brett Feldman, '03, Exercise Physiology
From Penn State to the Streets of Los Angeles: The Journey of Brett Feldman
Brett Feldman’s journey into the world of medicine began not in a clinic, but in the bustling gyms and classrooms of Penn State University. Graduating in 2003 with a focus in Exercise Physiology, Brett didn’t initially foresee a future in medicine. His passion was sports, a world where physical strength and endurance were paramount. But Penn State’s kinesiology program would soon shift his focus, transforming his love for sport into a profound dedication to medicine and service.
Reflecting on his time at Penn State, Brett recalls how the university served as a cradle for his career and life in society. "I entered with a narrow and intense focus on my sport and myself," he says. This self-centered approach, typical of many young athletes, was soon challenged by the professors and mentors who guided him through his studies. They helped him see beyond the competition and the physicality of sports, introducing him to the science that underpinned athletic performance. It was in these moments that his fascination with physiology, anatomy, and ultimately, medicine, was born.
Penn State’s kinesiology program offered Brett the perfect environment to explore this newfound passion. He vividly remembers the first time he observed exercise stress testing, watching cardiac rhythms change as individuals ran on a treadmill. It was a pivotal moment. "I realized for the first time that what I learned could help me save someone's life," he reflects. The connection between sport and medicine became clear, and with it, the realization that he could make a difference in the world beyond himself.
One of the most formative experiences during his time at Penn State was a class on exercise prescription for people with disabilities. Here, Brett was challenged to create exercise plans that were effective regardless of a person’s abilities or circumstances. The experience was eye-opening, revealing the resilience of those he worked with and the potential impact he could have. It was also a glimpse into the approach that would later define his career in street medicine: honoring the lived realities of people, understanding their challenges, and being proud of even the smallest contribution he could make to their lives.
After graduating from Penn State, Brett pursued a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at DeSales University, completing his degree in 2007. Armed with his education and the lessons he had learned, he embarked on a career that would lead him to the streets of Los Angeles, where he now serves as the Director and Physician Assistant of USC Street Medicine at the University of Southern California. In this role, Brett applies the principles he first learned at Penn State—compassion, resilience, and service—to some of the most vulnerable populations in society: people experiencing homelessness.
Street medicine is a field that requires not just medical expertise, but also empathy, adaptability, and a deep respect for the individuals being served. Brett’s work involves meeting people where they are—often literally on the streets—and providing care that respects their dignity and unique circumstances. "My approach is to honor the reality of people experiencing homelessness, their profound resilience, and being proud of my small contribution," Brett says, drawing a direct line from his experiences at Penn State to his current work. He is continuing to utilize that direct line by providing an opportunity for Kinesiology students to experience Street Medicine. Brett and faculty member Lori Gravish Hurtack have collaborated to create an undergraduate Street Medicine course. As part of the semester long class, students finish with a trip to LA to observe street medicine firsthand and most importantly talk to the people living in the streets to learn from their experiences. It is the first and only college course in the country.
Of all the memories Brett holds from his time at Penn State, one stands out: the time spent in the original East Halls Gym. A dimly lit, poorly ventilated, and student-run facility, it was a gathering place for powerlifters, bodybuilders, and boxers—many of whom were national champions. "The lighting was bad, there were no machines, no air conditioning, and poor ventilation, but it was ours," he fondly recalls. This gym, with all its imperfections, was a microcosm of the lessons he would carry forward: the importance of community, the value of hard work, and the ability to thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Today, as Brett Feldman walks the streets of Los Angeles, offering medical care to those who need it most, he carries with him the spirit of Penn State. The lessons learned in the gyms and classrooms of his alma mater continue to guide him, inspiring him to use his skills and knowledge to serve others. In many ways, his journey has come full circle—from a young athlete focused on personal achievement to a dedicated physician assistant committed to making a difference in the world. And it all began at Penn State.
This profile was published September 2024.