James L. Growney, PA-C

James L. Growney (Jim), PA-C, is an Amberwell primary care provider serving at Amberwell Eighth Street Clinic, where he has been providing care for Atchison area residents since 2007. Jim has a wide range of clinical experience in general and family medicine. He focuses on patient-centered acute and chronic disease management. He is certified to perform examinations for commercial drivers and has extensive diving medicine and sports physical examination experience. He has practiced occupational medicine for a variety of industries and companies in northeast Kansas and has experience administering urgent care.

Jim is an advocate for addiction medicine and was one of the first physician assistants in northeast Kansas to be approved for both oral and injectable treatment for addiction. He also served as coroner and public health officer for Atchison County for several years.

On Choosing Amberwell Atchison…

“It is exciting and encouraging to be a part of Amberwell Health,” said Jim. “Joining the Amberwell team helps ensure that the residents of the community continue to have access to expanding health care options and specialists.” 

On Choosing to Become a PA…

After his time in the military, Jim completed both undergraduate and master’s degrees to support his decade-long career as an environmental specialist. Through a combination of life events and a lifetime of exposure to medicine and caring for people, Jim realized his desire to transition to the medical field.  

On Being Patient-Centered…

Amberwell focuses on patient-centered care. We ask each of our providers to tell us what being patient-centered means to them personally.

“My desire is to apply my skills and experience in evidence-based medicine to caring for the community in a family-medicine setting,” said Jim. “I really enjoy taking care of veterans, offering a path through addictions, and comforting those facing chronic and terminal diseases.”

The loss of his young wife from colon cancer helped Jim to realize the importance of the availability of quality end-of-life care and the meaning of patient-focused palliative care.

Educational Background

Jim received his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. He also holds a Master of Science in Biology from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, and a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries & Wildlife from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

About Jim 

Jim was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in Atchison. He is a Cold War Era veteran and was stationed in Italy and Fort Bragg during his time as a U.S. Army Paratrooper.

He is one of eight siblings. His oldest daughter has a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, his son is a US Army field artillery captain with the 82nd Airborne Division, and his youngest daughter is working to complete a Doctorate of Pharmacy. He has a two-year-old grandson with whom he spends as much time as possible. 

In his free time, Jim enjoys spending time with his family, scuba diving, riding his motorcycle, and gardening. He firmly believes in the healing power of love, humor, and laughter. He also loves to travel and has traveled extensively in pursuit of new places, great food, sightseeing, and adventure.